Android Applications & Tablets For Education

Using Tablets In The Classroom

If you thought Tablets were expensive toys out of the reach of educational institutions, think again. Compared to desktop computers and laptops, tablets are easier to maintain and less expensive. Full-featured tablets are available for less than $100 ( 5000 INR) and can handle most of the common tasks we use desktops and laptops for. Right from browsing webpages to creating documents to watching videos to accessing interactive applications, everything can be done right on the 10 inch device. Rather than carry bulk books around, students can access hundreds of interactive books on the same tablet.

Tablets take mobile learning to a new level. You are no longer restricted to text only formats or small screens. The main advantage of the tablets is of course the portability. Instead of taking your students to the computer lab, you can take the technology to your classroom. This gives you the freedom to incorporate multimedia presentations into your existing lesson plan rather than creating a separate exercise for students to complete at home or in the computer lab.

Here are some tips for using tablets effectively in the classroom:

1. Download applications after carefully evaluating whether they are suitable for the group of children or students you are working with.

2. Ensure using the tablet adds real value to the teaching-learning process and fits in with  the curriculum of the class.

3. Use the application yourself to get first hand experience of what the children will need to do to complete tasks.

4. Divide the children into groups and work with one group at a time, if you have just one tablet per class. Plan activities for the other groups that are related to what you want to do using the tablet. Let the groups take turns to work with the tablet.

5. When using with preschool classes, teach the children how to handle the tablet and how to take turns without getting into fights.

6. Think of follow up activities that you can do in class keeping in mind the concepts that are focused on the applications.

At an advanced level, you can consider creating your own applications to suit your requirements. If you have an Android tablet, check out App Inventor (http://appinventor.mit.edu) for a quick and easy way to create your own apps.

With the government launching the Akash tablet for $75 and giving at a subsidised rate for students, it will be easier for students to get access to the same technology outside the classroom too.

Stay tuned for more articles on this topic. If you are interested in learning more about how I use tablets in the classroom or would like to discuss ideas on incorporating tablets in your lesson plans, join  The Teacher's Nook

If you are planning to buy an android tablet read further by going to:

• Buying An Android Tablet

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