Tablet Computers & Smartphones

A tablet computer or smartphone may not replace your laptop, but it can become an integral part of your technology toolbox at school. Whether it’s an Android or iOS tablet, there are probably more ways you can use it than you think.

Here are some things to consider.

Major vendors such as Google, Apple, and Adobe develop many apps, and private individuals develop many others, which vary in usefulness. Even if a vendor certifies that an app won’t damage your device and doesn’t contain hidden security risks, that doesn’t mean it is a “good” app for you. Before you buy a particular app, be sure to read reviews and use a free “limited” version, if available, to help you determine if it will do what you want it to.

Apps allow you to create and explore a great variety of things:

Capture / Recording / Editing

Audio, video, and still images from most smart devices; information from white boards, presentations, or lectures; but only with the presenter’s permission.

Task Managers

To Do lists, class and schedule managers, project management software

Scientific

Periodic tables, star charts, calculators, formulas

Word Processors / Page Layout

Simple notepads, full page layout applications, offline work with Google Apps documents

Image / Photo Editing

Image manipulation (e.g., Photoshop for the iPad), mimics of various film types, cameras, and effects

Utilities

Virtual storage for loyalty cards, locators for local events and restaurants, bar code scanners, dictionaries.

Presentation

Slide shows, videos, or photo galleries

Communication

Voice and video calls, all your instant messaging in one place