This document provides an overview of tablet computing, including definitions of key terms, pros and cons of tablets, and implications for use in classrooms. It discusses various operating systems like iOS, Windows, and Android that power tablets and compares advantages and disadvantages of tablets using each. The document concludes by considering possible future directions for tablets and tablet operating systems.

1. What You Need to Know about Tablet Computing Shaun Holland Instructional Technology Rider University

2. Agenda Definition of Terms Pros/Cons of the Tablet Possible implications for the Classroom and beyond Apple (iOS) based tablet(s) Windows based tablets Android based tablets What the future might hold

3. Definition of Terms Tablet – A computing device that is smaller than a laptop but larger than a phone. Uses touch as its primary interface with humans OS – Operating system. The system that drives the tablet “App” – The same as a computer program

4. Pros and ConsTruths and Myths Pro/Truth Incredibly portable Amazing Battery life Intuitive A very intimate and fun web/media experience New things are happening every day This is only the beginning Con/Myth A tablet is a laptop replacement It can do anything my laptop can do I need a data plan from a phone company to use it The iPad is the only tablet in existance

5. Possible Implications for the classroom and beyond Am I comfortable with Cloud computing? Connecting to a projector? What can my students do with this? How do I get things on it? How different is this from a computer?

6. Apple (iOS) Based Tablets Pro Incredible Battery Life Portability The First Wonderful Hardware Huge base of Developers iOS as a touch OS Con Apple’s “Walled Garden” Get your wallet out No ports Wired Sync Can be out-paced iTunes

7. Windows Based Tablets Pro Full OS (just like your home computer) Full Software Choices in purchasing Standard ports No restrictions Con Windows is not a touch interface Lower Battery life Build quality No clear winner

8. Android Based Tablets Pro “Zerg” of devices Large development base No restrictions Cheap Con No Google approval You get what you pay for No clear winner Few pure Wi-Fi options

9. What the Future Might Hold Android – honeycomb iPad 2 Windows 8 WebOS (Palm)

10. THANK YOU! HOLLAND@RIDER.EDU FLAVORS.ME/SHAUNHOLLAND