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[Shogmaster]

http://www.engadget.com/2013/06/19/apple-ipads-los-angeles-schools/

Out of all the tablets out in the world, iPads at $678 a piece is the best choice you can make? The most expensive tablet with no pen and no uSD card slot?

Don't you think a proper pen and note taking ability might be important for a school tablet? And you have choices of both Android and Win 8 ones that are cheaper than $600! Shit, on the Win 8 ones, you can ACTUALLY RUN MS OFFICE.

As someone who's been teaching for years, iPad is the last tablet I would be thinking of when it comes to using it in a teaching environment.

I'll bet someone is getting a nice check for making this shitty deal too...

 

[GraveRobberX]

Shouldn't it be "Our", it's not like your the only one with the burden that is paying taxes

It's government being the government

 

[Ourobolus]

http://www.extremetech.com/computin...-units-at-199-offering-schools-major-discount

Yeah, especially considering I just saw this pop up. I know they are just trying to dump units, but it's still a better value.

 

[Choke on the Magic]

Is this LA resident tax dollars or California state tax dollars? Not that it matters. Fuck LA.

 

[diamount]

Apple is hip to the kids.

 

[speculawyer]

Yeah, that is pretty pathetic.

And considering the way Apple bends over backwards to avoiding paying tax in California, there is little reason to prefer them over other suppliers.

 

[amnesiac]

My tax dollars are being wasted trying to find Jimmy Hoffa.

iPads are fine in the classroom though. You make points about non-Apple tablets being cheaper, but the reality is the iPad is incredibly easy to use.

 

[Ferrio]

Our distrinct is knee deep in the things.

As expensive as they are... they're cheaper than the laptops we were getting students before.

 

[LumpOfCole]

Man, how come this sort of deal never existed for TI-83 / TI-84 calculators when I was in school?

 

[Bombadil]

Idiots. They could've gotten twice as many tablets if they went with non-Apple.

 

[Blearth]

Win8 tablets? Android?

We're trying to help these kids. Not punish them.

 

[blame space]

I gotta say, I didn't expect the tech fanboy angle from this thread.

 

[zero shift]

To be fair iOS is much simpler and intuitive to use and has better apps. But why do you need to give kids a $500 tablet?

Our distrinct is knee deep in the things.

As expensive as they are... they're cheaper than the laptops we were getting students before.

Good point. I guess they are saving money. But that's against the point.

 

[numble]

Yeah, that is pretty pathetic.

And considering the way Apple bends over backwards to avoiding paying tax in California, there is little reason to prefer them over other suppliers.

Compared to other suppliers? At least Apple is incorporated in California versus Delaware companies like Google and Microsoft.

 

[Ferrio]

To be fair iOS is much simpler and intuitive to use and has better apps. But why do you need to give kids a $500 tablet?

Bunch of reasons. They're amazing in SPED classes.

 

[GraveRobberX]

Man, how come this sort of deal never existed for TI-83 / TI-84 calculators when I was in school?

Texas Instruments stock isn't plateauing like Apples, even giving them away looks nice as a sales boost

 

[Fenderputty]

I gotta say, I didn't expect the tech fanboy angle from this thread.

Neither did I.

 

[Busty]

Considering LA had a character like Tony Villar for a Mayor this does not surprise me in the slightest.

Whenever I tell friends about the continuing adventures of dear ol' Mr Villar they don't believe me. But it happened.

 

[zero shift]

Bunch of reasons. They're amazing in SPED classes.

I also think that this misses the bigger issue at hand. The disperity between certain public schools.

 

[Ferrio]

I also think that this misses the bigger issue at hand. The disperity between certain public schools.

Yep

 

[Bombadil]

To be fair iOS is much simpler and intuitive to use and has better apps. But why do you need to give kids a $500 tablet?


Good point. I guess they are saving money. But that's against the point.

Giving kids tablets can help replace multiple textbooks if the publishers go digital.

This is good because a lot of students get back problems from having to carry those books all day (some schools don't have lockers).

But this will definitely increase theft and harassment of students by gangs if any of them find out.

 

[Ninja Scooter]

Yeah what the fuck? Why can't they use my tax dollars in a more productive way, like prosecuting and imprisoning non-violent drug users and keeping people on death row.

 

[Shogmaster]

I gotta say, I didn't expect the tech fanboy angle from this thread.

Fuck fanboy angle, I'm talking about teaching angle.

What the hell are you gonna teach them on iPads? How to use the apps that spoon feeds you some pre-dumped information? They can already do that shit without a teacher.

How about teaching them things like how to take proper notes, how to apply critical thing to a subject matter that are fed to you etc.?

 

[ToxicAdam]

They are pretty incredible learning devices for kids when they are teaching simple concepts (like shapes, colors, patterns, numbers etc).

Better to have kids use a tablet to practice shapes and colors than printing out hundreds of photocopied handouts every year.

 

[jon bones]

My girlfriend's mother is a teacher and she told me all the 4th & 5th graders are getting iPads to use next year.

She utilizes technology very effectively in her classes (you should see the kinds of lessons she cooks up with this "smart board" tech) and even she agrees this is a huge waste of tax payer money. The schools should be updating their desktops and making sure kids know how to use those, not giving kids iPads. Most teachers have no idea how to leverage the technology to improve lessons anyway.

 

[DUFFMCWALIN]

Is this LA resident tax dollars or California state tax dollars? Not that it matters. Fuck LA.

My man. Stop stealing our fucking water SoCal.

 

[Kid Ska]

Wow. I can see how iPads would be useful but this is just a ridiculously terrible waste of money.

 

[GraveRobberX]

Fuck fanboy angle, I'm talking about teaching angle.

What the hell are you gonna teach them on iPads? How to use the apps that spoon feeds you some pre-dumped information? They can already do that shit without a teacher.

How about teaching them things like how to take proper notes, how to apply critical thing to a subject matter that are fed to you etc.?

This is going to sound strange coming from me: "CALM THE FUCK DOWN!"

 

[davepoobond]

this is why putting money into education doesn't work. idiots teach our children.

 

[numble]

Idiots. They could've gotten twice as many tablets if they went with non-Apple.

The deal includes customized software (they are going to make an app specific for the curriculum, something most hardware manufacturers are bad at) and a 3-year warranty (something most manufacturers are bad at), and they already have custom education-focused solutions for syncing all devices and a education-discounted volume App Store. They also have the ability to lock down iPads during tests (or just in general) and wirelessly project the display to a classroom screen. And they already have software for educators to make their own digital lessons with iTunes U: http://www.apple.com/education/itunes-u/

I think it's a fine tool for education.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Fuck fanboy angle, I'm talking about teaching angle.

What the hell are you gonna teach them on iPads? How to use the apps that spoon feeds you some pre-dumped information? They can already do that shit without a teacher.

How about teaching them things like how to take proper notes, how to apply critical thing to a subject matter that are fed to you etc.?

Apple has a big focus on education. There are tons of educational apps and digital textbooks that work great on the iPad. Do a couple of searches if you want some examples of how iPads are being used in the classroom. You'll find hundreds. There are plenty of education-specific features and support options that Apple provides for the iPad. Getting it in classes is a big initiative of theirs and it shows.

In this specific context, no one gives a shit about having an SD card slot or running Microsoft Office. You're missing the point.

Don't forget that Apple supports its devices, especially in the field of education, far better than random manufacturer of Android/Windows 8 tablets who will drop support of any specific device within months of it launching.

 

[Ragnarok]

Is it possible that there are higher quality educational apps on iPad?

 

[Shogmaster]

This is going to sound strange coming from me: "CALM THE FUCK DOWN!"

NO U

 

[Ryaaan14]

I doubt they paid retail for 30 fucking million dollars worth of iPads.

They probably phoned that shit into Tim Cook and got a deep discount on bulk.

 

[Ferrio]

Is it possible that there are higher quality educational apps on iPad?

Not possible, it's just true.

I wouldn't be surprise id educational apps on the ipad are better than what's available on the desktop. It's a booming business, while all the educational apps on desktops that I see are *horrible*.

 

[Somnid]

Is it possible that there are higher quality educational apps on iPad?

This assumes quality educational apps. Many have tried, I can't think of any noteworthy successes yet. Especially for the over 6 crowd.

 

[davepoobond]

I doubt they paid retail for 30 fucking million dollars worth of iPads.

They probably phoned that shit into Tim Cook and got a deep discount on bulk.

"10 dollars off retail price"


this is from the article:

"The agreement will roll out iPads to students at 47 campuses; the iPads cost $678 apiece (nearly $200 more than a standard entry level iPad) and come loaded with educational software. "



678 each. so approximately 44,247 ipads "with" software


but then later:

"We asked Apple to clarify and were told that the contract is for 31,000 iPads (for both students and teachers) which come with "Pearson Common Core System of Courses delivered via a new app.""

so its actually only 968 dollars each iPad

 

[GoldenEye 007]

Seems pretty dumb. There are plenty of serviceable cheaper alternatives.

Just ran into a major productivity issue. Can't even attach a file for the email app? Or through online webmail? boo this. My Android phone can easily take files from Skydrive and attach to messages with the native email app.

Want to submit an assignment? NOPE. Email a teacher/professor with some supporting documentation without sending some link? NOPE

Unless there is a solution out there I missed...

Edit: And yeah Apple education discounts are usually shit. Unless you're moving a shitton of merchandise.

 

[MIMIC]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?p=51737283

lol

The district I taught in had iPads for all the students, too. It was weird, but I thought it was kinda cool.

 

[Junior Mint]

Low attention span + failing education system = iPads in classrooms

 

[numble]

This assumes quality educational apps. Many have tried, I can't think of any noteworthy successes yet. Especially for the over 6 crowd.

The deal includes Apple making a custom App for their curriculum. And they already provide iTunes U software for teachers to make their own lessons:
http://www.apple.com/education/itunes-u/

 

[Dresden]

Stuff like bulk discounts, continued support, warranties, and standardization matters, y'know.

 

[Ryaaan14]

"10 dollars off retail price"


this is from the article:

"The agreement will roll out iPads to students at 47 campuses; the iPads cost $678 apiece (nearly $200 more than a standard entry level iPad) and come loaded with educational software. "



678 each. so approximately 44,247 ipads "with" software

Dumb lol

 

[RSLAEV]

30 million dollars?

iPads???

We're fucking BROKE goddamnit!

How about we start handing iPads out to people for *not* having kids? That's right I said it!

 

[Deleted member 17706]

Seems pretty dumb. There are plenty of serviceable cheaper alternatives.

Just ran into a major productivity issue. Can't even attach a file for the email app? Or through online webmail? boo this. My Android phone can easily take files from Skydrive and attach to messages with the native email app.

Want to submit an assignment? NOPE. Email a teacher/professor with some supporting documentation without sending some link? NOPE

Unless there is a solution out there I missed...

Edit: And yeah Apple education discounts are usually shit. Unless you're moving a shitton of merchandise.

Yeah... those school kids at the compulsory education level are all about emailing assignments to their teacher. What?

 

[Buddha Beam]

Apple has a big focus on education. There are tons of educational apps and digital textbooks that work great on the iPad. Do a couple of searches if you want some examples of how iPads are being used in the classroom. You'll find hundreds. There are plenty of education-specific features and support options that Apple provides for the iPad. Getting it in classes is a big initiative of theirs and it shows.

In this specific context, no one gives a shit about having an SD card slot or running Microsoft Office. You're missing the point.

Don't forget that Apple supports its devices, especially in the field of education, far better than random manufacturer of Android/Windows 8 tablets who will drop support of any specific device within months of it launching.

This.

Plus, why would you worry about being able to take notes with a stylus when you can just use a keyboard?

 

[Feroce2]

Pretty sure people do just fine learning with pen and paper and a good teacher. This is just a waste and serves as a crutch to these kids' stagnating education.

 

[Shogmaster]

Apple has a big focus on education. There are tons of educational apps and digital textbooks that work great on the iPad. Do a couple of searches if you want some examples of how iPads are being used in the classroom. You'll find hundreds. There are plenty of education-specific features and support options that Apple provides for the iPad. Getting it in classes is a big initiative of theirs and it shows.

In this specific context, no one gives a shit about having an SD card slot or running Microsoft Office. You're missing the point.

Don't forget that Apple supports its devices, especially in the field of education, far better than random manufacturer of Android/Windows 8 tablets who will drop support of any specific device within months of it launching.

This is McDonalds cashier approach to teaching. You know, click on pictures of food on a special cash register instead of one that makes you understand all that is required of being a cashier?

Instead of formulating and executing lessons tailored by the teacher, you just let them use some interactive apps and sit back. This will just end up further lowering quality of teachers and accelerate our path to living out scenes from Idiocracy in real life.

This.

Plus, why would you worry about being able to take notes with a stylus when you can just use a keyboard?

Have fun making ASCII diagrams for things that are text.

 

[numble]

Seems pretty dumb. There are plenty of serviceable cheaper alternatives.

Just ran into a major productivity issue. Can't even attach a file for the email app? Or through online webmail? boo this. My Android phone can easily take files from Skydrive and attach to messages with the native email app.

Want to submit an assignment? NOPE. Email a teacher/professor with some supporting documentation without sending some link? NOPE

Unless there is a solution out there I missed...

Edit: And yeah Apple education discounts are usually shit. Unless you're moving a shitton of merchandise.

They have created a whole infrastructure for lessons and homework submission:

http://www.apple.com/education/itunes-u/

But the $30 million deal also includes Apple creating a custom app for the school district.

 

[GraveRobberX]

Do you really think these iPads will not be built with educational apps and catered to the school needs

Do you really think kids can DL Fruit Ninja and Angry Birds just to fuck around

It will be used as a tool, maybe help kids who get bored reading textbooks verbatim, I sure as hell did, Please "GRX" read the 4th paragraph aloud for the class... "FUCK THAT NOISE"

Interactivity can play a fundamental role and help educate the child better

Maybe before you go RAWR $600 iPads being bought just because their iPads, look deeper

Hell you can see on many news stories how iPads have helped kids with Autism and their social anxiety and the iPad be their helpful guide
Just transfer that to regular kids, it should pay off

It's not like the iPads are being given away free to students to take home and when the graduate they get to keep them
They will be a classroom tool, I rather have videos/interact with the subject, rather than the teacher yap away at the same ol' bullshit written in the book but make it sound like they know what they are talking about