3.+Tablet+Technology

Tablet Technology Emerging technologies seem to always spark the interest of the education community. One of the latest technologies growing in popularity is the tablet computer, or tablet. PCMag.com defines a tablet computer as a “general-purpose computer contained in a single panel.” The primary difference between tablets and other computers is how the user interfaces with the device. Users interface with tablets by touch, either with a finger or a stylus. Tablets first emerged in the early 2000s and have developed into a more portable, user-friendly, and powerful computing devices. Most now have mobile capabilities like WIFI, Bluetooth, and 3G cellular service accessibility. These characteristics have drawn the interests of many in education as a potential source of multi-modal teaching and learning. Drawbacks to introducing new technologies to the classroom include the amount of experience a teacher has using the devices and the absence of education centered support, software or applications for example, designed and available for use in the classroom. Such is the case with tablets. Initial research has shown that the use of tablets in classrooms encourage more engagement from students, collaboration, and diverse learning opportunities.

References Tablet computer Definition from PC Magazine Encyclopedia. (n.d.). //Technology Product Reviews, News, Prices & Downloads | PCMag.com | PC Magazine//. Retrieved June 9, 2012, from http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,1237,t=tablet+computer&i=52520,00.asp