Google Classroom has set itself a standard as the cost-effective approach that simplifies learning and teaching. It’s no wonder the tablet has gained attention and demand precisely due to its user-friendly interface. I was thinking then about what type of tablet should I use for a Google classroom?
Laptops, desktop computers, tablets, and even smartphones are among the devices used by teachers and students these days. The iPad, which is Apple’s version of a tablet is a top favorite and served as a benchmark in the rise of Samsung, Chromebooks, Windows, and other top tablet models.
Let me introduce the 5 different types of tablets I believe are suitable for all teachers. But first, let’s understand what a Classroom is.
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What is a Google Classroom?
Google Classroom is a free tool in the Google Apps for Education suite. This system is designed to help teachers create and organize assignments without hassle, provide feedback efficiently, and communicate with their classes with ease.
Classroom is based on the principle that educational tools should be simple to understand so they are easy to use. Its main focus is to give teachers more time to teach and students more time to learn.
With Classroom, you’ll be able to:
- Strengthen your connection with your students from anywhere with a hybrid approach for virtual classes
- Make and gather assignments using Google Docs, Drive, and Gmail altogether for a paperless scheme. Through these apps, the teachers can easily see who has or hasn’t completed the work, and quickly provide immediate feedback to individual students.
- Improve class communication as teachers can make announcements to the Stream Page, assign work to do, directly ask questions, and comment with students in the actual exchange of communication inside and outside of class.
- Explore relevant resources to enhance and empower education needs
What Type of Tablet Should I Use for a Google Classroom?
Although Google Classroom works best on any computer, a tablet or phone is suitable, if that’s all you have.
Slate-style Tablet
Slate is the traditional standalone tablet that we all know and love. It is the most common type of tablet in the market right now that many already probably own. This is all due to the all-around features that are appealing to a really wide number of people.
The perfect example of the slate-style is the Apple iPads or Samsung Galaxy Tabs which are lightweight, standard-sized tablets that are versatile enough for basic usage. What makes it ideal for Google Classroom and other e-learning platforms is the decent specs that can run Google Classroom apps without issues.
Compared to a traditional tablet, the slate is lighter, slimmer, and comes with a tough Corning Gorilla Glass feature. Also called the slate computer, it presents itself as a laptop but is serving in a different function as it does not provide a typical keyboard. A slate is often operated with a stylus or using your fingers.
Mini Tablet
Mini tablets have the same functions as slates except for a smaller screen and lighter weight. While they are smaller in size and have the ability to do calls and send SMS, mini tablets are not intended as phone replacements.
These mini devices weigh less than slates and are typically designed between 7–8 inches size of the screen which is 18–20 cm. Compared to ordinary tablets, they have similar operations except that minis have lower specifications.
While not all mini tablets may have direct access to Google Classroom, the web interface offers a lot of options that allow students to turn in files and assignments using the Google Drive account.
Convertible Hybrid or 2-in-1
The convertible hybrid is a category that transforms the device into a laptop with the aid of a keyboard. This is where they get the name 2-in-1 tablets or convertible hybrid. They can be rotated to a full 360 degrees to transform into a tablet-like form or fold their keyboards into a tent mode.
Hybrids are super portable with accessibility that is perfect for students. Because this style gives you a tablet and a laptop, you will see them in a wide price range depending on a model’s special features and power capacity. But whether you get an expensive or non-expensive option, both are perfect for educational use.
Your Phone
As mobile phones these days are becoming more advanced, many people are taking this edge to surf the internet including online learning. As a result, such devices are now as feasible as a laptop or desktop computer, notwithstanding size.
The core of online learning is the virtual model. So schools now use platforms that work on mobile devices so those teachers and students can use the Google Classroom App on iOS and Android mobile devices.
Here’s a video on how to use Google Classroom mobile app on your iPhone or Android
Rugged Tablet
This gadget is for those who want their tablet to be as protected and safeguarded as possible. They are designed to be dust and waterproof, they can resist drops, shocks, as well as vibrations.
This is probably the most durable type of tablet as of now due to its toughly engineered design that can endure extreme conditions. It looks just like a slate but with protective cases around it that make it somewhat on the bulkier side.
On top of that, it is highly functional and would be really effective for more than basic needs due to its high-performance features that can withstand rough situations. The device can also run Google Classroom and other learning apps like no other.
So there you have it, the 5 “tablet” types that you can use for teaching. You can go with any name brand for as long as it allows you to access Google Classroom and other online learning apps. If you are patient enough to look for the best – you will find the perfect tablet of your dreams.
