Can the iPad finally Replace Textbooks?
- Image by Getty Images via Daylife
The iPad was unveiled this week by Apple’s CEO Steve Jobs to rave reviews from techies everywhere. It is predicted that base models will cost about $499. I was lucky enough to spot a pre-production version of one at an ad firm last summer and I have longed for one since then. This device promises the usability of the iPhone in a package that is better for learning because it offers more real estate for the display of information.
I can’t wait to see what app developers do with the screen extra space. Here is a video of a great app that proposes ways this tool can be used on the university level to do away with textbooks and enhance education:
It is also revolutionary because it offers the wealth of info found on the web to students anywhere, anytime if you opt to spend a bit more ($130 or so) for the 3G connected version. As an instructional designer/technologist the combination of form and function that this new learning tool offers is powerful. At this point iPhone OS is accepted as being rock solid and free from the crashes (and even mobile virus issues) that hinder Windows Mobile devices. That said, it is is still hindered by its inability to display Flash-based media on websites.
Read More...WhiteHouse.gov Offers First iPhone App
Last week WhiteHouse.gov announced the new White House App. This new App delivers dynamic content from WhiteHouse.gov on to your iPhone or iPod Touch. This device ushers in a new age of mobile Presidential access.
One of the key features that caught my eye was the live video streaming aspect of the App. You can use the app to watch the President’s public events at the White House, frequent web chats with Administration officials, and other events like key speeches and press briefings in real time asynchronously. The White House also promises to launch mobile.WhiteHouse.gov, a mobile-ready version of WhiteHouse.gov that is optimized for any internet-enabled mobile device, including many other phones very soon.
The White House’s Press release said; “Mobile internet access is an important way Americans are staying informed. Mobile web usage grew over 100% in the last year in the United States and higher worldwide. As part of President Obama’s commitment to an open and transparent government, the White House App makes getting all the latest news and media from the White House easier than ever. And of course, we’ll continue to look for new and emerging technologies to engage the American people and make information about the President and his administration easily available.” This is a powerful statement that makes me, as a technology advocate and developer, feel America is, once again, back on track to becoming a high tech leader in the world eye.
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