Comments on: Laptops vs Handhelds

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 19:56:36 +0000

@BK-Teach What’s done on a Touch app (sans accelerometer) for educational use that can’t be done on a Netbook (sans Apple tax)? Curious to hear your thoughts.

By: BK-Teach

BK-Teach — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:21:06 +0000

Agreed. I think the students would go for Touches. But students don’t always know what is the best learning tool. Neither do teachers.

What we really need is a Apple Tablet/Netbook. This would have some of the awesome creation tools and all the wonderfulness of the Touch apps.

Apple are you listening?

By: Russ

Russ — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 02:29:45 +0000

Found this interesting thread on Classroom 2.0.

http://is.gd/mZDn

This thread addresses many of the “lacking specifics” concerns I had. It’s fun reading about what schools are doing with Touches in the concrete, not the abstract.

By: Josh Allen

Josh Allen — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 16:31:16 +0000

Actually, students can Skype with a Touch that has a few modifications. You can search for the video on YouTube (searching YouTube is time consuming on our network, otherwise I’d provide you with a link). One of our students has a video on there.

Having said that, I would steal lean for the Netbooks if you are worried about cost because of the lack of creation on the Touch. I’ve thought about a classroom 1:1 situation with Touches, but in the end, I’d lean toward Netbooks simply because of the creation aspect. Having said that, I would still prefer actual laptops. I’ve never been a fan of getting something because it’s cheaper. Yugos were cheaper, too…

By: Russ

Russ — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 00:09:31 +0000

Michelle,
First of all, thanks for the shout out!

I agree that “if given the same options of using a Netbook or an iTouch with similar capabilities, they’ll go for the smaller tool.” However, the two choices do not have similar capabilities.

Students cannot Skype with a Touch. Students can’t record themselves playing real musical instruments with a Touch. Students can’t create rich content on a Touch. Students can’t even multi-task on a Touch.

I can see having a few of them (5-10) around for listening to podcasts or spending a few minutes on Google Earth, but choosing 30 Touches in lieu of 30 netbooks? I’m yet to be convinced.

As Apple themselves demonstrate, the iPod Touch is a sidekick to a laptop, not a replacement.
http://www.apple.com/education/teachers-professors/mobile-learning.html

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:57:11 +0000

Interesting viewpoint, Michelle. I’m not sure that student’s preferences supersede increased software applications (the App Store is growing, yes, but without a doubt finite) given the similar price points as your previous commenter has pointed out. As a math educator, I also have many software packages and web applications that I’d like students to use that do not lend themselves to the Touch. See http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/?p=1696 for my extended thoughts.

By: Michelle Baldwin

Michelle Baldwin — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:40:52 +0000

It’s a good argument, but I think kids would still choose the iTouch. I will probably do a survey with some K-12 kids soon to see what they think. My guess is, if given the same options of using a Netbook or an iTouch with similar capabilities, they’ll go for the smaller tool. Just a hunch.

Thanks for the comment!

By: BK_Teach

BK_Teach — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:32:29 +0000

iPod Touch = $229
Net book = $299

Is that a closer comparison? Does it change your mind?

My thought it that at that cost difference, I’d opt for a net book. Full keyboard is the main reason.

On the other hand, I agree with all your arguments above. If someone makes a keyboard for Touch, I might just jump on the bandwagon.

Great post!