News Corp launches tablets for the classroom

 

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By Stewart Mitchell

Posted on 7 Mar 2013 at 12:37

Rupert Murdoch's News Corp has made a push into the classroom, targeting the iPad with the launch of an Android-based tablet from its Amplify education subsidiary.

According to Amplify, its 10in tablet could change the way children from primary school and on learn in the classroom, with the tablets loaded up with curriculum materials for the relevant age group. For teachers, It offers central controls and monitoring.

The first Wi-Fi only models targeting 11-14 year olds in schools in the US will cost $299, plus a $99/year on a 24-month subscription. The Amplify Tablet Plus also includes 4G LTE connectivity for $349 plus $179 a year for two years.

The last thing we need is another pile of unused laptops in the back of the class

Amplify claims it has a headstart on other tablet makers because it understands both education and technology, with the company promising to educate teachers on how to use the devices most effectively in classrooms.

"In many school districts, teachers have been handed technology they either don’t think is effective or don’t know how to use," said Amplify. "The last thing we need is another pile of unused laptops in the back of the class."

Manufactured by Asus, the tablet also includes features such a pop-up messages telling children to pay attention to the teacher and the intention is for schools to deploy the tablets with one device per student, with students allowed to take the tablets home.