{"id":32143,"date":"2013-09-18T08:21:16","date_gmt":"2013-09-18T13:21:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.ict-pulse.com\/?p=32143"},"modified":"2016-02-26T09:40:03","modified_gmt":"2016-02-26T14:40:03","slug":"tablet-computers-schools-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ict-pulse.com\/2013\/09\/tablet-computers-schools-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Tablet computers in schools: will they make a difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"

A discussion of the benefits of tablet computers in schools and some of the challenges that would need to be addressed to ensure the success of such programmes in the Caribbean.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Kids_with_Education_Tablet_ComputersIn the lead up to the new school year, there were several reports in Caribbean newspapers on the pending rollout of tablet computers in schools for students. Countries that appeared to have such initiatives include Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.<\/p>\n

Differing frameworks under which the tablets will be available to schools and students appear to have been established. For example, they tend to range from students having access to the tablets during class time only, to having possession of the devices both in and out of school. Nevertheless, the ultimate expectation is that tablets will considerably improve the learning experience in our schools, which would be reflected in increased examination passes.<\/p>\n

Although there has been a growing trend in developed countries to foster the use of tablets in schools, there is some doubt about whether the education systems in individual Caribbean countries, and perhaps the Caribbean as a whole, truly have the wherewithal to embrace and harness tablet computers in schools. This post explores key gains that can be realised through tablets-in-schools programmes, but also some of the critical challenges that would need to be addressed to ensure their longer term success.<\/p>\n

Potential benefits from having tablets in schools<\/h3>\n

In our increasingly technology-savvy societies, and the longstanding focus on incorporating computers in schools to improve learning, the shift to tablet computers might seem somewhat obvious. In addition to being cheaper or on par with a laptop or desktop PC, tablets tend to be more user-friendly and have fewer moving parts (thus needing less repair and maintenance) than the former. Further, in the school environment they can offer a number of distinct advantages, which may strengthen arguments supporting their inclusion in the classroom. Four are outlined below.<\/p>\n