Principles Of Tablet Computing For Educators

Abstract

In the study of modern technology for the 21^st century, one of the most popular subjects is tablet computing.  Tablet computers are now used in business, government, education, and the personal lives of practically everyone – at least, it seems that way.  As of October 2013, Apple has sold 170 million iPads.  The success of tablets is enormous and has severely cut into the sales of personal computers.  The reason is simple: the mobile tasks performed with tablets are precisely those that people would like to perform with traditional computers, without the inconvenience.  Tablets are useful, because they are small and light weight.  Tablets are adaptable, because the owner can download applications (called apps) that are useful to them and ignore the rest.  Tablets are likeable, because they have a bright screen, a touch interface, and are inexpensive and secure.  There are teaching apps, learning apps, news apps, weather apps, music apps, video apps, photo apps, document apps, email apps, presentation apps, calculation apps, electronic book apps, map apps, game apps, Internet apps, and the list goes on-and-on.  So a user can select exactly what to do with a tablet, when they want to do it.  The introduction of tablet computers has drastically changed the way that academic subject matter is delivered to students and how those students use tablets to enhance their learning experience.  The obvious advantages pose a vexing problem.  Many educators have neither the time nor the inclination to look into this new subject.  This paper covers a brief history of tablet computers, the tablet hardware, tablet operating systems, app development, and a comparison of the various categories of tablet computers.  This paper is intended for educators who would like to tap into the convenience of tablet computing.