1

I will try and keep short and to the point.

I work for a non profit organization. We recently got the opportunity to receive a grant that will support a STEM program we are trying to implement.

I was told to look into purchasing a couple of tablets for this program.

At first, i initially thought of purchasing a couple of surface’s. Mainly because i own one and i love it. But after thinking about it, i am not sure if it would benefit this situation as much as i thought it would.

I figured the key thing to this would be…apps, apps, and apps.

The usually battle of apple, android, and windows has opened up and i am torn in between what i prefer and what would really benefit this program.

I would really want to have some sort of centralized program where i can maintain control of the tablets. Aside from that, there is really no other preference.

Any suggestion, comments, and concerns are appreciated.

@Google

4 Spice ups
2

If you want centralized management, nothing beats Windows. That said, you need to find out what software you will need to deliver to the students before you can really move forward at all.

3

The iPad is going to blow the Surface away in an education environment because of the amount of Apps available (as you mentioned).

There is a MDM solution for iPads in an Educational environment you should take a look at:

https://www.apple.com/education/it/mdm/

Apple also offers Educational Discounts you should check out:

4

I see you have not mentioned Chromebooks. Any reason for this?

1 Spice up
5

I have not gone deep enough to consider any kind of software. At this point, i was just thinking of relying on the apps available.

One thing that always comes to mind when i think apple is that i can always get 2-3 android/windows devices for the price of 1 apple device, not necessarily new, but always re-certified/refurbished… I am uncertain on the amount we want to get but generally speaking, the more the better.

I actually thought of those but i have to find out if the grant specifically wanted us to get tablets. For the price, chromebooks are hard to beat. I cant think of a reason why we would be limited to tablets, but it is something i have to find out.

6

At this point you’re working backwards. In education the software is what drives the hardware, and not the other way around. The people responsible need to determine what they’re going to be using to teach, and then you can get them the appropriate hardware for the task.

7

Juan, that’s exciting your organization is implementing tablet integration. This opens up so many doors for new and interactive learning platforms. Apps as you mentioned are very important to consider, something else to take into consideration is tablet-oriented products and accessories. Belkin makes a wide array of products for the classroom such as the Tablet Stage and App, Tablet Stand with Storage, and Air Protected Case. Our Tablet Stage and App, available for both Android and iOS, can be used to replace other devices such as document cameras and interactive whiteboards. You can also project images and videos to help create an interactive classroom. Please let me know if I can answer any questions about these. Best of luck with this!

8

If you are looking for tablets, look at the Play for Education ecosystem. Hardware and software management are integrated and fit with the Google Apps for Education environment.

Unlike iPads, you do not mood a sync server and MDM is builtin. No need for 3rd party apps and costs for management.

We are hosting a webinar this afternoon on this topic. A Play for Education Primer.

Register at http://www.cumulusglobaleducation.com/resources/k-12-webcast/

9

One thing that always comes to mind when i think apple is that i can always get 2-3 android/windows devices for the price of 1 apple device, not necessarily new, but always re-certified/refurbished… I am uncertain on the amount we want to get but generally speaking, the more the better

Not necessarily. Have you looked at the educational prices for iPads? You can get an iPad (4th gen) with Retina display for $399

10

Don’t just look at purchase price.

The reason most schools moving from iPads to Chrome or Play for Education tablets give us for their decision is the relatively high on-going admin cost for iPads and the infrastructure needed to support them.

11

Not trying to disagree with Allen, but in my area a good majority of the students are getting iPads starting in the 7th grade. IMO you can’t beat the Apps available, the durability (will last years) and it just seems kids are more excited about iPads then a laptop (yes a chromebook isn’t a traditional laptop, but in the kids eyes it is). I will mention I have experience with a non-profit that helps bring technology to under-served populations so I am seeing this things first hand.

12

@SteveTheITDude,

You are correct. The iPads are sexy and durable and students and their parents get excited. That said, a good portion of our Chrome sales are to schools moving away from iPads in the upper grades. One district surveyed and found 85% of high school students with 1:1 iPads still needed regular access to another computing device in order to complete their work.

Another district, trying to address the keyboard issue for higher grade students, started providing bluetooth keyboards. Almost immediately, they ran into problems with bluetooth interference issues given the number of devices in proximity and battery issues with the keyboards. More admin costs, more physical costs.

iPads can be a great platform, but schools and districts need to understand the full implications and costs over time.

We recommend that initial 1:1 project plan extend through the at least one, if not two, refresh cycles.

2 Spice ups
13

It all depends on the environment you want and the programs you want to use. Google Play for Education (as Allen mentioned) is a great product for the classroom. They have 4 options for devices, but I think the Nexus 7 would be a good choice. It is the cheapest and has good reviews.

14

We actually have a webinar about Google in the classroom next Tuesday (July 29) if you want to check that out. It may help you make a decision.

15

Yes i saw that. I even found some at amazon for $384.

I did not think about this, makes sense really. This is what makes the decision much more difficult. We are not clear on the material, obviously it will fall under either science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). There is no one in charge of teaching this yet. So in reality i am the person starting this up which is why i posted the question looking for suggestions on the actual hardware part of this program.

I do have to agree with the durability on apple products. My macbook is a workhorse. I have not had experience with apps from apple though.

I did sit down with someone today and verified that they do want tablets, so chromebook is out of the picture. Another thing i found out is that they want to direct this program more towards the teens.

I am really aiming for the bigger tablets like the asus transformer they have available there.

That is what i have to decide first. Our entire network is windows but we do have a program ran by local college students that have apple computers. Kids always enjoy that program. BUT…our email is hosted by google and it makes my job a breeze and we take advantage of some of their apps.

16

If you have Google Apps for Education, then you definitely want one of the 4 tablets with the Integrated Play for Education services.

It gives you full device management and the ability to distribute applications, books, video, etc. via the admin console and by NFG. Your teacher can pick a resource on his/her tablet and by touching each student’s tablet, distribute the resource to students.

1 Spice up
17

Hey, The Samsung Galaxy Tab Pro might be a good option. Has a 10.1" display running Android 4.4. Features mobile device management via Samsung Knox so you’re able to manage all the devices as well as SAFE for Business which offers the data security. Here is more information and tech specs on it: http://www.samsung.com/us/business/mobility/tablets/SM-T520NZKAXAR . Feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions!

@Samsung_USA

18

They need the model that’s part of Play for Education.

19

We have several Learnpad devices - Android tablets made for education with a built in management environment for rolling out apps and locking devices down. Units are affordable and work well and their app store has many educational apps, but you can easily install from Play as well. Not sure of availability in US, but work looking at.

For us the device management is key - we looked at MaaS, which is brilliant and has great educational discounts, but is complicated and overkill for organisation-owned devices that need to be managed by teachers in the classroom and not by IT team. The Learnpad solution is simple, no added cost and works well in the classroom.

20

Went through this whole Apple vs Android battle late last year for our small school. Spent many days researching and testing various management software packages, hardware and usability options. In our situation, we specifically needed tablets for our primary-aged kids with ‘learning difficulties’ so chrome-books were out.

I was tasked with finding units with large screens, durable, app availability, central management software, low recurring costs, easy to use for teachers and the kids, LDAP connectivity, good wireless…list went on and on!

We ended up taking a chance on the Learnpad system. Purchased 12 units and so far have been very impressed. The units themselves are Android-based Nabi 2 XD tablets BUT like someone before said…It was the software management that was more important. It’s a centralized, online system that allows the teacher or Administrator to create entire lessons or classes using a drag and drop online interface. The apps have already been screened for education, you can remotely manage/update the Learnpads…lock screen, send messages etc AND they use a QR code to change lessons in seconds. Best thing is that it’s comprehensive and FREE for life (after you pay the $399 per unit).

They are constantly updating and adding apps, lesson plans, functionality and have a pretty decent support network. Definitely worth a look for schools K-12.