Apple is no longer the only game in town as Google focuses on the education sector!
Tablets are starting to make their way into the classrooms. We are starting to see commercials from various companies showing how such integration is a good thing. The obvious reasons are immediate distribution of content such as what has historically been destined to exist within the pages of textbooks. However, true value begins to be exposed once we realize that students can interact with lessons in real-time, and testing can be graded with immediate identification of areas that a student may need extra help in.
First On The Scene
Apple was the first on the scene reaching back many years as they actively sought to be the providers of computing equipment for students. Their theory was simple : "If you use a hammer in school, you will not graduate and buy a wrench. You will seek out what you are most familiar with." But after the wide-scale success and market penetration of the Android operating system, Google is setting its considerable sights on every level of the educational arena.
Out of the gate, Google offers a tremendous advantage over all other competitors : A) there is no charge for the operating system doing its part in keeping the cost down, and B) Google (unlike Apple) does not control who can make an Android device! For years, all Apple could do was try and control the world - right down to the screws they used holding their products together. For this level of attention, we got to pay premium prices.
The Android model has excelled in keeping the cost down, which is great for schools and students alike. Plus, the platform is attractive as Google does not interfere in the distribution and pricing model as Apple does. Comparing what a developer has to give up when selling an App through either of these venues, Apple ends up looking like a very greedy partner with a large appetite while Google looks more like a convenient cash register.
Though a great many Apps have been currently developed for the typical "smartphone sizing" that is widely available, Google is now urging developers to design their Apps for education specifically with the 7 and 10 inch devices in mind.
The Coming War
One thing is for certain: The disruption we witnessed in the record industry will pale by comparison to the coming war that is sure to crop up as publishers fight to keep their physical books and other printed materials relevant. Of course, as we continue to embrace our media-driven economy modeled on various digital platforms, applying ink to paper will become more of an art form rather than a means for mass distribution of content. Proof of this can be seen as Newspapers around the world are failing to keep up.
Books, though, have meant so much more throughout the development of our educational system. Demanding a price for a physical book is one thing. But controlling the message that students are expected to learn is something else entirely. The war may initially seem like it is over sales and distribution contracts. In the end, though, I suspect it will become self-evident as to who wants editorial control of what is to end up on the devices that our students will be expected to take their lessons from.
For further information, please see the following links…
Introducing Tablets with Google Play for Education
http://www.youtube.com/user/eduatgoogle?feature=watch
The Google Play for Education expresses their intentions : "Every day, educators help students find their passions and develop their potential. Tablets with Google Play for Education give teachers access to approved tools and content that help them meet the individual needs of today's students. With simple set up and instant app-deployment, a world of resources is at your fingertips."
Designed for learning,
Made for the classroom
http://www.google.com/edu/tablets/
Also, Google seems very focused on "Safety First" as well! Below is only a partial list of their initial requirements for developers hoping to enter this vertical market…
“To participate, your apps must be designed to be appropriate for the K-12 market. The basic requirements that your apps must meet are:
- Apps and the ads they contain must not collect personally identifiable information other than user credentials or data required to operate and improve the app.
- Apps must not use student data for purposes unrelated to its educational function.
- Apps must have a content rating of "Everyone" or "Low Maturity" (apps with a "Medium Maturity" rating are allowed, if they have that rating solely because they allow communication between students).
- App content, including ads displayed by the app, must be consistent with the app's maturity rating. The app must not display any “offensive” content, as described in the Google Play Developer Program Policies and content-rating guidelines.
- Apps must comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act and all other applicable laws and regulations.”
For an example of Apps currently available for the classroom, please see the following links :
- http://android-developers.blogspot.com/2013/11/bring-your-apps-into-classroom-with.html
