For many years, there has been a dispute about what is the best technology to use in the classroom between Apple iPads and Google Chromebooks. Many schools have had to make the choice of which they would like to have for their students and what is the best option to increase learning.
In my own experiences in the classroom, I have seen mostly Chromebooks being used. I have seen some usage of iPads, but not as much as Chromebooks. Many schools in Durango, Colorado have decided on Chromebooks, such as Park Elementary and Needham Elementary. One school that I have been to that has used iPads was The Liberty School, but I have no recollection of being to any other school in this area that uses iPads. However, I know that many schools I went to growing up have used Apple computers in the classroom. I personally own an Apple computer, as well as an iPad. I think that I use Apple because I have used it throughout my education, not because I personally like it better than some other brand. I never used iPads until I was in high school, and I did not see iPads being used during my K-12 education. IPads were launched in 2010, which meant that most schools didn't adopt them into the classrooms until much later. However, other schools definitely did use iPads. With the growth of Apple products, more of Apple's technology was used in the classroom. Although, Chromebooks have shown to be dominating over iPads in the classroom, with which I have definitely seen.
But which one seems to be the best to use in the classroom?
In the video shown below, Harris Craycraft discusses some of the major advantages and disadvantages of both the Chromebook and the iPad:
In the article that was published in 2014 named "Chromebooks Gain in K-12 Market, Challenging iPads", Michele Molnar states that "Apple has been dominant in the K-12 tablet market in recent years, controlling an estimated 94 percent of the market last year at this time. But that number had slipped to 85 percent in the third quarter of this year, IDC reported." This means that in the year 2014, the number of iPads used in schools around the country decreased because of the growth of Chromebooks. And the competition today is still very much alive. Because of this, the article "New iPad vs Chromebooks: Why Apple Has So Far to Go" shares that "Apple is pivoting the iPad toward students to help spur sales while adding new capabilities for both students and teachers." This means that Apple has shifted its gears to making iPads better for the school environment. So, the new iPad is cheaper at the price of $299 for schools and uses Apple Pencil, which is a stylus that students can use to draw and note-take. It also has many apps that are free for educators and for school use. Also, iPads are know for creative programs and technologies found on the apps it holds.
However, Chromebooks are more affordable in the long run than iPads. Chromebooks start out at $139 and ranges up to about $270. Even with the cheaper price that Apple has brought the iPads down to, there are still accessories that are needed for the iPad that cost more (like a Keyboard and a case). Also, Chromebooks are more durable and are able to support programs like Google Docs and Google Drive. Basically, Chromebooks are great for schools who "cater to the test" as they say. Chromebooks are great for online testing and other productive features. The iPad is more for creative ways to integrate technology into the classroom with engaging apps that promote learning in a imaginative way.
Below is a table from the article "How Does Apple's New iPad Stack Up to Chromebooks?" that shows whether iPad or Chromebook wins in certain categories:
The prices, the built-in accessories, and the durability are what honestly causes schools to go in the direction of Chromebooks. Students can use them in a productive manner, they will last longer because of their durability, and they are just a cheaper pick all the way around. This is why schools pick to have Chromebooks over iPads.
However, I think that iPads would be a better pick to show off student creativity. All of the apps that the iPad has allows the students to be imaginative and allow for them to showcase their ingenuity. I know on my iPad, I had so much fun drawing and creating videos that I could showcase. I know at The Liberty School, the students have iPads. They use them to plan projects, play educational games, draw, and even code. I think that if schools have enough money to buy iPads with accessories, then the students will be able to engage themselves in the curriculum more.
Citations:
Casey, H. T. (2018, March 27). How Does Apple's New iPad Stack Up to Chromebooks? Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/ipad-vs-chromebooks
Craycraft, H. (2018, April 15). $330 iPad vs $300 Chromebook! Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://youtu.be/2uvkeDBZC5E
Molnar, M. (2018, June 20). Chromebooks Gain in K-12 Market, Challenging iPads. Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/11/12/12chromebooks-market.h34.html
Spoonauer, M. (2018, March 28). New iPad vs Chromebooks: Why Apple Has So Far to Go. Retrieved February 10, 2019, from https://www.tomsguide.com/us/new-ipad-vs-chromebooks,news-26873.html
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