Tablets and apps in education - the future

Our research into the ‘Future of tablets and apps in schools’ forecast that 6 per cent of all pupil-facing computers in schools will be tablets by the end of 2012 (4.5 per cent in primary, 6.9 per cent in secondary) which shows a significant adoption rate compared with previous years. The schools surveyed, went on to forecast that by the end of 2015 the percentage of tablets will have risen to 22 per cent of all pupil-facing computers.

BESA’s research follows on from the Secretary of State for Education’s comments on tablet technology in December 2011. In his speech to the Schools Network Annual Conference Michael Gove said, ‘as we move to a world where we expect every child will have a tablet, the nature and range and type of content that can be delivered will be all the greater’.

Increased Engagement
It is unsurprising that 82 per cent of the teachers who contributed to the research said that their pupils have an interest in using tablets. This reminds me of a study carried out by Rising Stars and Dave Whyley, headteacher and consultant of Learning Technologies at Wolverhampton City Council who ran an eBook pilot Learning2go project with schools, to assess their impact on engagement and reading. Particularly focusing on struggling readers the study resulted in an immediate effect on the learners in Wolverhampton and revealed some remarkable truths about the changing nature of young peoples’ reading habits. Today, across Wolverhampton, eBooks are offered as a core part of the e-learning development package with an impact on test scores showing learners moving from level 4 to level 5. Giving children new technologies certainly appears to result in increased engagement in learning.

One thing that came out of the research that gives me cause for concern is the fact that 61 per cent of primary schools and 39 per cent of secondary schools still feel it is important or very important to wait for the government to support adoption. This comes despite two years of government policy giving schools the freedom and autonomy to choose the ICT tools and resources appropriate to meeting their specific needs. It has therefore never been so important to spend time reviewing and evaluating all aspects of using Tablet PCs in the classroom.

Research driven approach
It was therefore heartening that the headline finding of the survey of 500 UK schools (190 primary, 310 secondary) showed that the majority of schools are adopting a research-driven approach to tablet take-up, and want more evidence before supporting the adoption of tablets in the classroom (72 per cent). Over recent years the range of Tablet PCs available to schools has made this ‘research driven approach’ imperative. Each school has its own requirements and believing that all tablets are the same is a mistake.

Apple’s iPad is already a well-known brand and is being used in many schools but as our technologically savvy teachers recognise the most important aspect of any hardware is the learning software it supports.

Tablet Formats
A number of BESA members offer various Tablet formats and the BESA code of practice that they sign up to means they are all worth careful consideration. Each option should be reviewed based on a class or school’s specific needs before purchase. For example, BESA member Acer’s ‘ICONIA TAB A’ series tablet is lightweight and easy to carry especially for younger children. This and several other Tablet PCs run on an Android™ operating system, opening up a broad range of eLearning options. The Classmate 2S supplied by SMART Technologies’ distributor Steljes, offers another available format. This Tablet PC is an netbook and e-reader in one, designed specifically for use in education. Promethean’s ActivSlate offers schools yet another viable option and operates directly with their interactive whiteboards. Avantis’ LearnPad is designed specifically for education with a focus in on its learning applications; one to look out for.

BESA’s research also highlighted pupil’s interest in apps, or rather the eLearning technologies that should be run on or through the Tablet device. This is a vital part of the decision making process but comes with a degree of industry caution about the need for greater convergence of operating systems. Will you be able to use current eLearning resources on your new Tablet PCs?

A visit to BETT
The alternatives outlined above and over the next page are just a few from the wide range available but should all be considered and reviewed before purchase. Schools considering integrating tablet technology into the learning environment are advised to visit Bett 2013 (January 30 – 2nd February) at London’s ExCel centre. As well as providing valuable professional development opportunities for teachers, BESA member’s products outlined above and many other suppliers will be at the show demonstrating their Tablets PCs. This will give you the chance to review and ask all the questions you need to make an informed decision. By harnessing these technologies, we can once again make learning relevant and meaningful to young people and encompass the use of technologies that will undoubtedly be a part of their future careers.

Further information

BESA has over 300 members which include manufacturers and distributors technology, ICT hardware and digital content. www.besa.org