Benefits of Using Tablets in the Classroom
Tablets and 2-in-1s in tablet mode are great choices for younger students between the ages of four and 12 to engage in collaborative, hands-on learning.
- Mobility and durability. Tablets and 2-in-1s are flexible, durable form factors that offer students the ability to learn in any environment and promote both individual development and collaboration during group activities.
- Interactivity with touchscreens and styluses. Touch-based interfaces support inquiry and exploration of material through direct interaction, as well as data gathering and presentation activities. Engaging, touch-based lessons can also help younger students learn subject matter while developing motor skills. With the addition of a stylus, students can practice handwriting, draw, sketch, or take notes by hand.
- Long-lasting battery life. Tablets and 2-in-1s that come with long-lasting batteries allow devices to be used for classes and learning activities throughout the day without requiring a charge.
- Introduction to technology as a learning tool. Familiarity and proficiency with technology is critical in today’s digital environment and for developing skills required for jobs of the future. Tablets and 2-in-1s provide an approachable introduction to technology that students can build on as they progress through school.
Considerations When Choosing Tablets for Education
When you’re selecting educational tablets for students, there are several factors to consider to get the most versatility and use from your investment.
It’s important that educational devices provide the level of performance needed to support common learning activities and uses without interruption. Students using tablets in education may access the internet and online learning platforms; engage with educational applications that encourage learning through touch-, audio-, text-, and video-based activities and games; or capture images and videos with an integrated camera.
While Intel offers a wide range of processors that can provide powerful performance options for students of all ages, tablet devices with Intel® Celeron® and Intel® Core™ i3 processors are right-sized to support the activities of this younger age range, as well as scale to support students as they grow and increase the number and complexity of programs and tools they use.
Another element to consider is the form factor that will work best for your students: a tablet or a 2 in 1 device. Both are mobile form factors that students can use in and out of the classroom, and, when 2-in-1s are in tablet mode, both offer the same single-screen, touch-based experience.
Thinking about how the devices will be used and by which ages can help inform your choice. Tablets provide added durability and are a thinner and lighter-weight option, as they don’t come with an attached keyboard. 2-in-1s offer a more versatile option out of the box, operating in tablet mode and—because of their attached keyboard—easily shifting to keyboard-and-mouse operation for more involved tasks. Some tablets can also be used with a detachable keyboard; however, if you want the flexibility of this option, be sure the tablet you select can support added peripherals. Digital pens and styluses can be used with either form factor.
Screen size is another important consideration. Device screens should be large enough so that the learning material is easy to see and capable for interactivity. This way, students can get the most out of interactive lessons and experience reduced potential for eye fatigue.1 At the same time, a larger screen will increase the overall device size and weight. When selecting a tablet or 2-, consider what screen and device size will provide an optimal ergonomic experience for the age of your students.
Screen resolution and brightness can also have an impact on eyesight.2 Intel-powered Windows devices are available with an adaptive brightness feature that automatically adjusts display brightness to the surrounding environment. The adaptive brightness feature also helps to reduce power usage, providing additional battery life.
Mobility is a key benefit of tablet devices, allowing students to learn in many environments. Devices that have integrated, world-facing cameras—meaning cameras that can capture images from either side of the device—will provide the most flexibility for students who want to capture images and videos as part of learning activities such as in-class projects and outside field trips or when creating presentations.
In addition to compatibility with detachable keyboards, another factor to evaluate is support for frequently used peripherals, including headphones, USB devices, external displays, or other classroom technology that devices may need to connect to. Ensure the devices you select have ports to accommodate the most common connections to optimize use.
Having responsive and reliable network connectivity is critical for technology-enabled learning. Not only do devices with Intel® Celeron® and Intel® Core™ i3 processors provide powerful performance, but they also support Intel® Wi-Fi 6/6E (Gig+), which enables nearly 3x faster speeds3 (up to 6x faster downloads on new 6 GHz networks) and up to 75 percent latency reduction,4 ideal for videoconferencing during remote or hybrid learning.
Device security is important for all device types but especially for mobile devices, like tablets and 2-and-1s, that are used in different environments and connected to nonschool networks. Keeping devices secure against viruses, cyberattacks, and bad actors is crucial for preventing interruptions to learning and for protecting individual privacy and data, especially when one in three educational devices contains sensitive data.5
Administrators and IT decision-makers should consider a combination of software- and hardware-based device security features, such as those offered on Intel-based devices, that provide protection at multiple levels against a range of possible attacks.
Manageability and Repairability
When you’re working with a distributed fleet of educational devices, selecting stable and reliable devices is a must, as well as considering how devices can be managed, maintained, and repaired as easily as possible.
Not only do Intel-based components in educational devices meet robust requirements for educational uses, but Intel-based devices are designed to be both durable and repairable. This helps to lengthen the life of your devices and reduce electronic waste and environmental impact.