2011-Tablet Devices Project
From RSCWMWiki
Exploring the Use of Tablet Devices in Work Based Learning
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Introduction
This wiki page holds all of the information relating to a new Mobile Devices Loan initiative, led by the Regional Support Centre, West Midlands. This initiative leads on from the successful Learning Journey project, in which a number of mobile devices were explored for their potential use in delivering remote learning.
On this page you will find application forms, guidance notes, terms and conditions as well as useful links and information which may help you with your Tablet Devices evaluation. Should you have any questions about any aspect of this initiative please contact Theresa Welch or Jason Curtis using the details below.
Project Aims
Why do we want to run this initiative?
In a recent mobile project we explored the use of mobile technologies in the work based learning sector. This successful project identified that there was a huge demand to assess the potential of tablet devices which are becoming increasingly popular tools, both within and outside of education.
We now hope to investigate this further and look at specific ways the potential of these devices can be harnessed in a number of learning environments. We also hope to compare some of the main brands that currently exist, assessing their overall usability, value for money and flexibility as educational tools.
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How are tablet devices being used in education?
The following document lists seven examples of ways that West Midlands based learning providers used tablet devices as part of a recent Mobile Learning Project. These examples were extracted from a full project report which details the overall findings of that project. The second link, in the form of a 'Wobble' blog post, also shows some of the many ways that tablet devices are being used in education to enhance the learning experience:
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What is involved?
For this project, we are looking for learning providers that wish to explore a variety of popular tablets devices and to see how these might benefit their own organisation.
We have seven brands of tablet devices available, each with differing features and specifications (see below). This is to offer providers the opportunity to try out a number of sizes, specifications, and models. Learning providers will be able to loan a set of five different devices for a period of four weeks. During this time you are encouraged to use them with staff and learners and at the end of the period feedback your findings to us in a short survey. RSC staff will support you throughout the duration of the project and via our usual support channels, answer any queries you may have about the devices.
At the end of the period, the tablet devices must be returned to us. At that stage we hope you will be better informed as to their potential and perhaps in a position to make your own purchasing choices should you wish to do so.
Who can apply?
This initiative is open to all of our supported learning providers; all that is required is a willingness to see what tablet devices can do for you, and to complete a short survey at the end which will be used to feedback your findings.
See Terms and Conditions in the Project Documents below for full project requirements.
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Tablet Devices Available
The following devices are available for loan as part of this initiative:
| Apple iPad | The iPad is a tablet computer designed, developed and marketed by Apple. It serves primarily as a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games and web content, and is available in black or white.
CNET review of the Apple iPad 2 |
| Asus Eee Pad Transformer | The Asus Eee Pad Transformer is an Android tablet that employs Asus's netbook expertise, including a keyboard dock that not only makes typing easier - it also doubles the battery life and boosts connectivity.
CNET Review of the Asus Eee Pad Transformer |
| Blackberry Playbook | Research In Motion, pioneers of the smart phone, were a certainty to enter the crowded tablet marketplace – as entrepreneurs and senior executives were likely consumers of the iPad. The company's response was the Playbook with seemingly a great deal of emphasis on the 'play' side of its persona. IT departments will like the ability to lock down the device to prevent their user base loading it up with non-business-related apps. But with the ability to use Flash – and the ability to stream this to a TV, there will still be plenty of fun to be had from this 7in device.
CNET Review of the Blackberry Playbook |
| Motorola Xoom | Very few in the UK would have heard of the Motorola Xoom were it not for Steve Jobs giving it a plug when criticising the competition for their 'me-too' attitude. But the Xoom is much more than just another also-ran. Impressive stats such as its battery life supercede the iPad2. But all this adds to the bulk and weight contrasting heavily against the super skinny models on the tablet catwalk.
CNET Review of the Motorola Xoom |
| HTC Flyer | HTC Flyer is a portable 7-inch tablet with a digital pen. It can be used for taking multimedia notes or even signing digital documents.
CNET Review of the HTC Flyer |
| Samsung Galaxy | The Samsung Galaxy Tab is perfect for life on the go. The 7” touchscreen packs incredible entertainment and communication features, while a slim and light weight design ensures both comfort and portability. It features the new Android 2.2 operating system, voice and face-to-face video calling, and four new amazing Hubs (Music, Media, Readers and Social) for the ultimate tablet experience. The Galaxy Tab also supports Flash 10.1 and delivers the full web experience for you to enjoy.
CNET Review of the Samsung Galaxy |
| Toshiba AT100 | Toshiba recently announced their latest foray into the tablet market: the 10.1-inch Toshiba AT100 tablet, which was available from September first in the UK. This tablet has the same processor found in the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, 32GB of onboard storage and a seven-hour battery life. The AT100 also comes running the latest iteration of Google's Android operating system, Honeycomb 3.1.
PC Advisor Review of the Toshiba AT100 By Melissa J Perenson
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CNET is a tech media website that publishes news articles, blogs, and podcasts on technology and consumer electronics.
PC Advisor PC Advisor is a Technology Magazine Website for UK Audience (Nielsen Online), and is dedicated to covering the latest digital reviews and news, offering tech advice through how-to articles and real-time forums.
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Project Support and Documentation
To apply to take part in this initiative please download the following application form, complete and return to us by email at the addresses below. We will also require you to agree to the Project Terms and Conditions as noted.
Tablet Devices Project Application Form
For any queries relating to this project please contact Theresa Welch or Jason Curtis:
- Theresa Welch, eLearning Advisor - Work Based Learning, Tel: 01902 518976, theresa.welch@rsc-wm.ac.uk
- Jason Curtis, Learning Technologies & Information Officer, Tel: 01902 518986, jason.curtis@rsc-wm.ac.uk
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Video Review of Android Operating System
The following video shows a first look at the Google Android Operating system that is used by many of the devices that can be trialled as part of this project. For more information on the various operating systems that run on different types of tablet devices, see the Additional Information section lower down this page.
Useful Planning Tools and Checklists
The following documents are supporting resources for the JISC publication: Innovative Practice with E-Learning. They may be useful for helping you to think about embedding your use of tablet devices as well as other mobile technologies.
- A manager’s planning tool for use of mobile and wireless technologies This planning tool, designed for use by managers in post-16 education, takes a stepped approach towards the implementation of mobile and wireless technologies. Throughout the tool, the term ‘institution’ is used. The planning tool may, however, be adapted to a range of management contexts, from whole organisations to departments, or individual teams. The questions and guidance provided may not apply equally to all contexts, but are intended to provide a broad framework from which to commence the planning process.
- Practitioner’s planning tool for use of mobile and wireless technologies This tool could also be used to evaluate practice with mobile and wireless technologies to identify ways in which the quality of the learners’ experience has been improved, or could be improved further. Points for further action could then be highlighted.
- E-learning manager’s planning tool for use of mobile and wireless technologies This tool looks at two separate areas, Mobile learning (using small portable devices to enhance learning) and Infrastructure (issues to consider if mobile and wireless learning is to be made available across various sites).
- An institutional audit tool for mobile and wireless and other forms of e-learning The questions contained within this tool can be used to audit existing provision, either by a single individual with an overview of e-learning and learning with mobile and wireless technologies, or in discussion amongst a range of stakeholders. This second approach could reveal significant differences in how the current situation is perceived, and could be more instrumental in moving the organisation forward.
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Other Links and Information
- Tablet Devices - Jargon Buster: http://www.which.co.uk/technology/computing/guides/tablet-buyers-guide/jargon-buster/
- 'Which' Guide to what you can do with a tablet: http://www.which.co.uk/technology/computing/guides/tablet-buyers-guide/what-is-a-tablet/
- Tablet Operating Systems explained: http://www.which.co.uk/technology/computing/guides/tablet-buyers-guide/operating-systems-explained/
Blog Posts:
The following 'Wobble' posts link to a number of websites and publications which explore the use of mobile learning in Work Based Learning:
- Innovative Practice with e-Learning, a free JISC publication focussed on Embedding Mobile Technologies.
- The Impact of Mobile Technologies, examining what it means to teaching and learning. , This report summarises the findings of 32 MoLeNET projects, offering lots of examples of good practice and lessons learnt.
- Mobile Learning in the Work Based Learning Sector Post with links to other mobile learning related sites including the NIACE Mobile Technology website, TechDis wesbite and more.
- Go Mobile, Maximising the potential of mobile technologies for learners with disabilities. This publication was developed jointly by the Learning and Skills Network (LSN) and JISC TechDis. It focuses on the use of mobile technologies for learners with learning difficulties, and also offers examples of ways that mobile devices can be used more generally to engage all learners.
- Kineos Free Mobile Learning Guide. This guide published by Kineo and UfI explores the opportunities available for mobile learning or learning on the move.
- Moleshare This site offers a number of mobile friendly learning materials that can be freely downloaded, for use on your intranet or your Virtual Learning Environment.
