Computer tablets are the latest innovation in individualized computer technology. They combine the communication and portability advantages of an I-phone with the computational and application abilities of a personal computer. These devices offer much in the way of entertainment and communication, but they are also useful for education. Their combination of portability, small size, and application capacity means that the students can engage in a wide range of learning activities without being tied to the library or the computer lab.
In history, geography and current affairs, tablets can be used to gain access to a wide variety of documents, data and reports. You can use them to examine the Magna Carta, a sixteenth century map of the world, or a twenty-first century political party platform. In addition, you can look at current news reports from a wide variety of sources, government economic and social data, and weather reports from anywhere in the world. Some history-oriented games, such as Oregon Trail or Civilization Revolution, can be played on tablets to demonstrate important social studies concepts.
In science, tablet applications provide easy access to periodic tables and models of volcanoes and the solar system. You can study the internal workings of the human body, or dissect an imaginary frog without the mess, the smell or the queasy stomach.
There are many math applications available for tablets as well. Some are games similar to the old MathBlaster, with better graphics, that provide practice with mathematical operations. There are also reference applications that provide and explain formulas for algebra and geometry. You can find tablet applications that provide quizzes for different levels of math, or you can use the tablet to develop your own quizzes and tests.
Tablets can also be used in language arts. There are several applications available to teach sight words, the alphabet and letter sounds. Other applications provide access to classic literature from Shakespeare to Steinbeck, as well as your favorite newspaper. Some textbooks are also available through tablet applications. Several foreign language applications are available too.
Tablets may also be useful in special education. The ability to differentiate instruction is always important when you are teaching exceptional children. The wide variety of educational applications available means that you can almost certainly find suitable software for a student, regardless of their ability or achievement levels. The use of a touch screen instead of a keyboard can also be helpful for students who haven't quite mastered the alphabet yet.
Tablets can be very useful tools for educating your child or student. With a moderate amount of planning and supervision, you can use the tablet to teach children with a wide variety of ability levels, learning styles, and interests.
