Check out how the tech trendsetter is prioritizing K-12 educational uses for their new devices and software.
Apple recently debuted a new iPad, designed and marketed for schools and students. The new iPad is backed by the same powerful A10 Fusion technology as the Pro models, but at a new low price point further supported by educational pricing. The new entry-level iPad comes with Apple Pen stylus support and new educational software.
In the past few years, Apple has faced increased competition for the K12 education market from players such as Google’s Chromebooks, whose pricepoint made the iPad a costly option for school districts. With the recent release of the new iPad, Apple has re-focused its efforts to provide a solid edtech offering at a more affordable price. While still a more expensive offering than Chromebooks, Apple is working hard to make the iPad a more valuable addition to classrooms.
The Advantages of Apple’s New iPad for Schools
- Built-in apps including GarageBand, Keynote, iWork, iMovie and new educational apps
- A push for inventive educational apps, backed by standards to ensure apps meet security and privacy standards in compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
- Device familiarity, with 40 years of history associated with Apple devices in schools and the familiarity of Apple devices in the home
- Augmented reality (AR) support that give students the opportunity to engage in learning in new and innovative ways such as the 3D frog dissection in Froggipedia
- The newly-updated Apple Classroom 2.2, which offers native integration with many apps
There are, of course, disadvantages to each platform choice (iPad vs Chromebooks) that school districts should weigh carefully, including security, the regularity of app updates, administration and file control, as well as the short-term and long-term costs associated with each platform.
Thankfully, school districts today don’t need to be locked into their choice. A single, unified platform that supports all device types can help school districts ride any future shifts in device buying trends, while also offering a consistent education platform for teachers to engage students. We personally think that Apple’s movement back into edtech will be an effective catalyst for even greater innovation from all the major players. We look forward to seeing what comes next!
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