Classrooms get tech savvy

Tablet computers are now increasingly being used in schools the world over as an educational tool. City-based Meridian School too has introduced tablets for its senior classes. Postnoon takes a look

Schools in the city are getting increasingly smarter and tech savvy by the day. First it was introducing smart classrooms equipped with computer and audiovisual equipment, allowing the instructor to teach using a wide variety of media. Soon, the idea of sending notes and submitting homework using email caught up. The latest to catch the tech-bandwagon is introducing tablet PCs in schools, especially for students from Class VII.

Meridian School, a leading educational institute in the city, pioneered this idea and, well, the students aren’t complaining. A special tablet developed by Edutor has been introduced in the curriculum. Usha Reddy, principal, Meridian School, Banjara Hills, affirms the introduction of tablet PCs in the school, she says, “Technology has a lot more advantages than we think. At some point in time, we have to make use of it. There are a lot of advantages to introducing tabs in schools. Apart from saving paper, it is also easier for students as they don’t have to carry books. Everything is chipped into the tab and even teachers find it easier to asses students.”

Nowadays, it is hard to find Eamcet and Olympiad books and since it is installed in tabs, it makes studying a lot easier, claims Anish Vishwanathan, a Class IX student of Meridian. “It is a good effort and tabs certainly do help. The fact that the tabs are incorporated with an encyclopedia and dictionary makes it very easy for us. The tests too can be handled easily. This is the way forward for us,” he adds.

If this is the way to go, then students will be thrilled to know of the wealth of educational apps available for use. We list a few.

Student Pad

Described as an office suite contained in a single app, this is really helpful— and it’s not only students who will want to get their hands on it. The app will let you read PDFs and annotate them, manage your schedule and add notes and sketches to the notebook. There’s a built-in calculator which can handle some complex functions. It’s very simple to use and nicely designed. You can store your notes, timetables and documents. Handy. Price: $0.99

Math Board

Math Board is a fantastic math learning tool for your iPad— MathBoard is appropriate for all ages from kindergarten (with simple addition and subtraction problems) to elementary school where learning multiplication and division can be a challenge. You can control the range of numbers you want to work with, the amount of questions you want to answer and even assign a time limited quiz. Price: $4.99

Star Walk

Do you like stars? Star Walk is a stellar augmented reality app that labels all the stars, constellations, and satellites you point your iPad at. You can track the ISS, find out what constellation you’ve been looking at from your bedroom window and get a lot of exciting and educative information. Combine that with the amazing Apple design award- winning graphics and highest quality content, you get the magic so highly praised by people who have used it. Price: $4.99

Wikipedia

Who hasn’t heard or used Wikipedia? It is, by far, the most useful website on the Internet giving you detailed information of just about anything under the sun. Now that there is an app for it, it is only bound to be the most useful educational app both for iTunes and Android. Type what you want to know about in the search toolbar and voila, information is right on your screen. Price: Free

History: Maps of the world

History: Maps of World is a fun and educational collection of high-resolution historical maps.Check it out to keep up with history, learn something about history. It features a wide variety of historical displays, support for category/era view, keyword search, displays the source about each map. The best thing is, it doesn’t require a network connection. It is best for students who really are into history and a bit of geography as well. Price: Free

Tags: apps, educational tool, History: Maps of the world, Math Board, Meridian School, Star Walk, Student Pad, Tablet computers, tablets, Wikipedia

Category: Gadgets, Science & Tech