Learning Technology On Your Laptop And In Class
Laptops, Netbooks, Tablets and similar mobile computing technology can provide an exceptional role in the classroom environment. More and more, classrooms are being upgraded and even built from the ground up to integrate such technologies and facilitate their use.
Full size laptops, while somewhat bulky, also have more computing power available. The means programs with much more heavier system requirements can be run without encountering performance issues. Additionally the access to a larger screen and keyboard can make the interaction easier.The full explanation can be found at http://www.ghacks.net/2011/08/20/why-are-we-still-waiting-for-affordable-laptops-netbooks-tablets-for-schools/ They also tend to have a lower cost to performance ratio, meaning whether students bring their own or they are built into the classroom, savings can be had across the board.
Netbooks provide the laptop experience in smaller form factor although at a cost of performance. These systems are generally built to use power efficient processors, which while fine for general use and internet browsing, may not be sufficient for more complex programs. At the same time their light size and long battery life makes them very appealing for the student moving from classroom to classroom.
Tablets were for the longest time in a position of high cost, low performance. As the market has grown and advancements made in technology, this has changed, and tablets are becoming a formidable solution.
Another factor though that effects all of these is the move to platform independent software. This means that instead of having to have a particular laptop, netbook, or tablet, or other technology, it could run on any version of these independently. This makes it much easier to support, as instead of needing to adopt a single platform, they can mix and match. This also works well from the perspective of students providing their own, as regardless of which platform they choose, it will mesh seamlessly with what is in the classroom. In the end it may be this factor, and not the success of any given platform that may give way to truly cohesive learning environment.