Waiting for the next big thing. Isn't that what we're all doing?
Every year tech giants release new versions of their flagship devices, and every year they make small incremental upgrades.
It's 0.1mm thinner!
It's got smaller bezels! (Frames around the screen for those who don't know!)
It's got a processor that's 10% faster!
It's got a bigger battery!
It's got no headphone jack! (Boooo!....)
Whoop-de-doo. I have never been someone who waits in line for the next iPhone, or rushes to buy a new release of a video game the day it hits store shelves. But lots of people do. Heck, you even have people who make a living waiting in line so others don't have to!
Tech hardware has reached something of a plateau in recent years. There really is not that much more that manufacturers can do to drastically improve the user experience from a hardware perspective.
And when it comes to increasing the use of technology in schools, it is a very similar story. I am approached on a regular basis by someone who wants to sell me something at a reduced rate (just to get a foothold in the market) and I am yet to see something that completely blows my mind.
Every publisher is trying to get into the e-books game, and each one is developing ways to augment the experience for both students and teachers. But every product is essentially the same, albeit some better (and more expensive!) than others.
So where should schools spend its money?...
Let me know what you think in the comments below.
