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Unread 15-06-2011, 10:57
EthanMiller EthanMiller is offline
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Re: 1 to 1 Computing -- Seeking Input

I'm just about to graduate from HS, and I've been thinking about things like this for a while. I see a couple main things:
  • Software Control. School IT has to be in control of the systems, otherwise every computer used is going to get a viruses and infect the rest of the school. Most people just ignore updates and things, so without it, the system won't be secure. Also, issues with the computers being used for things they really shouldn't be used for arise. On the same note, the software should be standard - I'd reccomend LibreOffice (Long story, but it was OpenOffice, and now is better) for office suite. That way, no matter if the student is on Windows, Linux, or a Mac, they can use their documents anywhere, without extra charge. Because sometimes, they won't want to use the laptop (Or other device)
  • Hardware Control. How do you keep it from being stolen or broken? I think that the laptops should be a thing requisitioned by a teacher to use them in class or signed out by students on a night-to-night basis.
  • Upgradability. You really don't want to have to buy a full set of new computers every 4 years. Look for things, as mentioned before, that the RAM and hard drive can be easily upgraded on. Also, run software appropriate to the systems - Sure, Windows 7 is nice, but if you're running lower end computers, consider Linux (such as Ubuntu). I've used Linux for a long time, and I've yet to come across a major incompatibility problem.
  • If you go tablet, go Apple iPad or RIM Playbook. Both of them are much better in controlability than Android. I've always seen Android as a tinkerer's OS - it's great, but it's not all too stable and the software for it is sub-par in a lot of regards. Both the iPad and the PlayBook are easy to manage (remote upgrades, wipes, installation of software, lock, etc.)
  • Tablets don't have keyboards. Taking notes on them can be a pain if you don't prepare for that. I used an iPad this year as an experiment, and it did great - but I had to work out the keyboard before it was. However, the touch screen more than makes up for it in science classes, where you can draw diagrams right into your notes - computers can't do that.
  • iPad has wicked simple everything. I'd recommend for a school to get the low end model, 16GB, no 3G. And AppleTV's for the classrooms - for $99, you'd get simple video mirroring and output, so a student can make a presentation on the iPad and give it, and the teacher can show their iPad screen. All flawlessly. The App Store can be disabled, and probably should be. Have Pages, Keynote, Numbers, and a selection of notetaking apps installed by default, and allow students to sync their music onto the devices. And apps they buy on their computers, sure. If they want to do that, they can. Because the App Store is curated, there's not a lot worth protecting from in there.
  • Portability - you want it to be carried everywhere. iPad wins there - it's like carrying a magazine.
  • Usefullness. You want it to be able to do more than just view the web and type. The more power there is, the more it will be used (to echo above), and for cool things, too. If I didn't have a system strong enough, I wouldn't have gone and created a documentary for my AP US History class. The iPad lets you do things like that, though - iMovie, $5, is supposed to be great, though my iPad 1 can't run it.

TL;DNR:

Apple iPad probably offers the best choice. Most people have computers at home. New iPad features in iOS 5 mean that it can replace the computer for a lot of things.

Note that I've used Android tablets, and don't like them for general use. I've never used a PlayBook, so it could be worth pursuing, but I can't advise there.
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