Dive Brief:
- A preview of Apple's iOS 9.3 update reveals a host of new features that will make iPads easier to use in the classroom; chief among them is a multi-user support feature that enables school staff to set up individual profiles for students on a single device.
- One reason why Apple is adding the multi-user enhancement could be cost, as it's generally too expensive for many schools to purchase Apple hardware for every student.
- Teachers will also be able to use a feature that lets them launch apps and websites on student devices remotely, across all devices in a classroom simultaneously, in addition to monitoring what students are doing on their devices.
Dive Insight:
The new features are exciting and practical, designed to make using the iPad in education much more palatable to both districts and teachers. Cost effectiveness is key, and the multi-user function means that investing in a single device could now potentially serve dozens of students. Nevertheless, having several children passing off a single iPad also raises questions about just how much time could be utilized with the technology, since each individual's time would likely be limited.
Still, Apple has a long way to go in catching up to Google's Chromebooks, which have saturated the ed tech device market and continue to gain popularity due to their durability, tech support, and cheap price tag.
