SMART-4

Netbooks

I would say that I am a proponent of one-to-one computing in classrooms. I know that it could potentially be a huge distraction, but I believe that it will help students be more prepared for their futures. I do not think it is appropriate for teachers to discourage any kind of technology use in the classroom if the students can learn from it. In the first chapter we read about how most students these days are not being properly prepared to use technology in their future workplaces. As teachers, it is our job to make a change here and promote the use of technology so that our students are learning what is necessary.

Students are much more excited about learning when they are not required to do the old, boring, plain worksheets from the past. The article by Linda Borg says, ""When teachers say, ‘Get out your worksheet,’ I’m like, ‘OK,’" says 12-year-old Teri Thompson. “When they say, ‘Get out your iPad,’ I’m like, ‘Yes! The iPad!’”" So I believe that learning with one-to-one computing will add excitement and interest to my students' attitudes.

Also, one-to-one computing would allow for students to have their textbooks electronically rather than hard copies. The article called "iPad May Replace Textbooks in the Classroom" that tells how expensive it is to buy textbooks and the cost is greatly reduced by using electronic versions of the same books.

The article called "Schools See Rising Scores with iPads" is a short study with few students, but it seems to have good results. Of course, the study should be carried out further because there are many factors to be considered, but the idea that this kind of technology can raise scores is incredible.

On page 42 in Teaching with Tools Kids Really Use there is a list that gives reasons why the use of one-to-one computing is beneficial. A brief outline of this list is files can be shared, discussed, edited, etc. right on the computer and at the same time, students can post in wikis, videoconferencing and interviewing, and they promote solving real world problems.

Pros of Netbooks vs. Tablets:

Netbooks don't have as much room for gaming so they would be less of a distraction.

Netbooks have an actual keyboard which gives students an opportunity to learn to type correctly easier because they can feel the buttons. 

Netbooks are generally cheaper than tablets.

Cons of Netbooks vs. Tablets:

Tablets have more apps that could be used educationally. They can even be focused specifically on subject areas.

Tablets are simply a screen which allows for more versatility.

Tablets are simpler to trouble-shoot on.

I have never heard of tablets getting viruses (but they may and I just don't know).

In the chapter there was a lot written about how operating systems on the Netbooks can often be sluggish.

Tablets have the iBook or eBook apps.