Google closes Play for Education program

Google’s shuttering its Play for Education program three years after it was first announced and made available in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. The program was meant to encourage the use of tablets in the classroom. Starting March 14, the company will stop selling licenses for Play for Education but they will continue to support existing license holders for an unspecified period of time. The Next Web speculates that the focus of Google at the moment is getting more Chromebooks into the classroom. We hope that becomes a more viable solution to help kids learn in school.

Source: The Next Web

Google brings Google Play for Education to Canada

Google wants to bring its "one-stop-shop" for educator-approved content for classrooms to the country via Google Play for Education. Serving as an extension of Google Play, the educational tools and content will be delivered through Android tablets. It covers curated apps and free classic books for kindergarten up to grade 12. The apps will be labeled with a yellow "EDU" badge to signify that they have been reviewed by a group of educators. The content covers subjects ranging from English, Arts, Mathematics, World Languages, and Science. Teachers can browse content by grade, subject, and educational goal. There are even classroom activity tips for educators.  

Canadian schools interested in using Android tablets with Google Play for Education have five different tablets to choose from. Each tablet can hold up to five student log-ins. The tablets will also come loaded with Google apps like Docs, Chrome, Gmail, and Earth. 

Dell introduces new laptops and tablets for the classroom

Dell Venue Pro 10

Dell wants to foster a more collaborative learning environment with its new line of laptops and tablets, including a new Chromebook, Latitude laptop, and Venue tablets.

The second-generation Chromebook 11 brings a new anti-glare HD display with optional touchscreen, liquid - resistant keyboard and touchpad, and front-facing HD webcam for collaboration. Dell has also integrated an "activity light" feature that lets teachers monitor student activity and help facilitate activities in the classroom. As a Chromebook, it is also coupled with Google Apps for Education.

Click to read more ...

Samsung adds extra smarts and tougher case for tablets used in schools

Tablets meant for use at school require a bit more protection from kids’ usual antics. That is why Samsung made a classroom ready version of its Galaxy Tab 4 Education. The 10.1-inch tablet has made its debut in the US and it comes with a rugged case to help survive the falls that might happen. The tablet also has access to educational apps, videos, and books through Google Play for Education. The device comes at a premium price though at US$370. And if you want access to Google Play, you will need pay an additional $30.

Source: AnandTech