Tablets Redefining Education Delivery

Tablets hold great promise in delivering education more effectively as they feature innovative hardware and also interactive content both of which are key to superior learning

By Pragya Gupta, Elets News Network (ENN)


Tablets have become the vehicle for a new trend in education, where students use handheld devices to interact with courseware. When the iconic iPad was launched, most analysts were of the opinion that this device would remain confined to the luxury segment, primarily because of its high price. But now a wide range of cheaper models have become available. For instance, there is Aakash.
Aakash has been promoted by the Government as a device that can bridge the digital divide across the country. However, it was not a great sucess but it inspired many other players to come up with their low priced tablets. Now the Government has launch its second version of the Aakash tablet, which boasts fbetter hardware features.
According to market reports, the country saw sales of about 475,000 units of  media tablets in the last calendar year. Report from research firm Frost & Sullivan says the tablet PC user base in India has increased from 60,000 units  in 2010 to 300,000 in 2011. The report further says that overall TabletPC user base is likely to grow at a CAGR of 107 per cent to reach 23.38 million by 2017.
Adoption of tablets in education is likely to grow at fast pace. “In terms of  sales, the market size in India is expected to grow to 500,000 units by end of  this year. However, even with such high numbers, we will not be reaching  even the Five percent of the education space and that is why this is a huge opportunity. Tablet market is set to keep growing at a rapid pace,” informs Abbhishek, CEO, Kloudpad.
Heavy bags, personalised learning, interactivity and reservation to the classroom have always been a challenge in conventional classroom learning environment, which is answered by tablet to a large extent. Still, lot more  innovations and improvements are required and these will be addressed by upgradation of tablets.
Computerisation started with heavy desktops in computer labs and then we had the advent of laptops. Now there  is a unified learning wherein desktops,
laptops, tablets and smartphones are playing their role in imparting education. Tablet is usually a 7 to 10 inches form factor and it works on  different mobile operating Systems like iOs, Android, and Microsoft Windows. It is now well accepted as platform for interactive and personalised learning.
The teacher can easily explain concepts using the digital whiteboard that is  set up in the Tablet PC. Using learning tablets the students can access what  was taught in the classroom and can also access the collaborative learning  platform for discussions on relevant topics taught in the classroom. Students  can have the benefits of studying from the best faculties from across the globe.

Key Players
There are two segments of tablets in the market, one is high end feature rich tablet and other is low cost budget tablets. Suneet Tuli, CEO , Datawind and manufacturer of Aakash one tablet, says, “There are three different segments  on how purchasing is done in the Indian education scenario. One is the high end segment, which is providing sophisticated solution, but that portion of the market in this case is small, about 3-4 percent. The big portion is 40-45 that is government segment spending on low cost tablet. Other big market is made out of those people who buy feature rich tablets for children to provide them a support for quality education with access to Internet and good content.”
Here are the companies those have visibility in education space.

Apple
Apple offers user-friendly interface and apps for education in iPad and iPhone. iPad apps are expanding the learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. From interactive lessons to study aids to productivity tools, there’s an app for every learner such as English, Maths, Science, Arts , music, creativity and much else.

Asus
Asus has plans to enter into the education segment. Asus designs and manufactures laptops, tablets, desktops, motherboards, and mobile phones, etc.

Across World

AcrossWorld Education, the global SaaS company, offers tablet called ATab at Rs 5000.

Classteacher Learning Systems

Classteacher Learning Systems offers interactive classroom technology offering digital classrooms solutions. Classteacher has launched its latest innovation Classpad for Indian education segment.

Datawind
Datawind is a provider of wireless web access products and services. Datawind has launched Aakash one tablet with the MHRD and offers its tablet under Ubislate series. They develop and license content for education.

Dell

Dell is one of the leading PC manufacturer has its tablet called Streak.Dells  tablet can be utilised by the education segment.

Edutor Technologies
Edutor’s Classroom Solution enables schools and coaching Institutes to leverage the power of Tablets in engaging students within the classroom and at home.

eTutor
Sam Pitroda, advisor to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has launched the cloud-based tablet solution for school students called ‘e-tutor tablet’. This can be used by students from Class 1 to 12and price at Rs 7,500

HCL

HCL recently launched its MyEdu tab. Based on Cloud based learning  ecosystem, it brings together students, teachers, parents, institutions on an integrated education platform. MyEduTab K12 version is priced at Rs 11, 499  and higher education version priced at R9, 999.

iProf
iProf offers test preparatory content for Entrance Exams. From Engineering to Medical, Civil Services to Management, iProf content is available in multiple formats like lectures in 2D and 3D animations, e-Book and practice tests that can be accessed on any Android powered tablet. The company also provide tablets bundled with its content. Price varies with the content opted.

Micromax Informatics Ltd

Micromax has launched the android based edutainment device- Funbook.  Micromax has partnered with Pearson and Everonn to make available  relevant content for the students. It is available at a price of Rs 6,499.

Samsung
Samsung is targeting the high end market like Apple. Samsung offers Android based Galaxy Tabs. But at this given point of time, Samsung do not have anything more than a device for the education segment.

KloudPad

KloudPad has launched its Android 4 tablet with 3G connectivity. The compa ny has tie-up with Attano for receiving educational course related content like sample test papers for Medical and Engineering , etc.

Milagrow

Milgrow customises its tablet according to the educational institutes demand.  Customisation is possible with the minimum order of 500 tablets.

Telmoco Development Labs Pvt Ltd
Telmoco Development Labs Pvt has come out with a Tablet PC – Attitude Daksha for Rs 5,399.

WishTel

Wishtel has launched its tablets IRA and IRA Thing tablet PCs.



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