News Corp. to Challenge Apple's iPad in the Classroom

Posted 03/06/2013 at 3:16pm | by Matt Clark

The tablet market is ever-growing, as the devices continue to replace the standard desktop and laptop computer. Apple has found success in recent years in the education field, with iTunes U and the iPad. But today, News Corp. has announced plans to not only offer digital educational materials, but its very own Android tablet.

Speaking to the New York Times, News Corp. executive Joel Klein has announced the company's new efforts aimed at the classroom. The company's educational division, Amplify, is pushing its own digital curriculum, in addition to a 10-inch tablet.

Klein was once the chancellor of New York City schools, and says his time in the educational field impressed upon him a need for "dramatic technological change."?

The Amplify tablet is intended for K-12 students, and manufactured by Asus. A WiFi-only model with bundled curriculum software starts at $299, with a two-year subscription contract at $99 per year. The Amplify Tablet Plus will cost $349, and includes 4G cellular.

Apple recently announced sales of over 8 million iPad units to educational institutions, and downloads over 1 billion for iTunes U. But unlike Cupertino's seemingly quiet and steady approach to tablets in the classroom, Klein carries some divisive baggage.

According to the president of the United Federation of Teachers, Klein has often mentioned a willingness to "eliminate teachers and make it about a child in front of a computer screen." The Amplify chief executive has made considerable political donations to candidates and education reform efforts.

Be sure to check out the full story at The New York Times.

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Source: http://www.maclife.com/article/news/news_corp_challenge_apples_ipad_classroom

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