Last month the Los Angeles Unified School District approved a $30 million direct deal with Apple to bring iPads to every student.
The reasoning behind this huge deal was that over time they would save money on the cost of hardcopy books. But while most in the industry are calling this deal a landmark for education there is one accessories vendor based in Boulder, Colo., who is saying that more needs to be done because the classroom process will not be easy for students to transition to on an tablet.
According to Mobio Holdings, tablets like the iPad are beautifully designed, but functionally they are not simple to use. Holding a tablet with one hand while trying to type or swipe with the other is just clumsy, and holding it with two hands while trying to type or swipe is quite difficult. Now imagine trying to use an iPad with hands only half of your size.
Also Mobio claims that repetitive use injuries with tablets are a relatively new phenomenon, but “iPad hand” has already been coined to describe the aches and pains in the hand used to hold the device while typing with the other.
Mobio has introduced the Mobio Grip to enhances the use of tablets (and smartphones) in the education sector. Mobio Grip uses magnetic-based technology to securely hold mobile devices comfortably right where the user wants them. Mobio Grip works with all brands of tablets and cases.
Mobio Grip is both a handle and a stand that can be added or removed in a second. Mobio Grip is ergonomically designed to fit in the palm of the hand or between the fingers. It allows students to carry or hold their tablets at any angle, with just one hand, leaving the other hand free to type, scroll, or take notes. It can be used for making class presentations because it can spin from portrait to landscape while holding the device. On a horizontal surface, Mobio Grip is a stand that keeps the tablet stable and viewable, and both hands free to type. The company added that with this accessory students can view photos or educational videos, show presentations, do homework, or reading a book.
Nancy Brankis, M.Ed. said the versatility and functionality of the Mobio Grip product, coupled with the use of integrative technology (Smartboard, iPad, tablets), impacts and enhances a teacher’s ability to provide instruction; thereby, directly preparing students for college and career readiness in the 21st century.
Mobio Grip use magnetic-based technology to securely hold tablets or mobile phones. The Mobio magnet attaches to the tablet with an industrial grade 3M adhesive that’s incredibly strong and removable if necessary. Then, the tablet attaches to Mobio Grip with a click, and pops off in a second. Once connected, the tablet is infinitely adjustable and can to disconnected.
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For more on developing a mobility strategy, view this episode of CIO TV: OCAD: The business case for mobility in Canada
