Apple is riding a wave of revenue success and technological leadership. The iPad has proven that the consumer is interested and willing to pay for a simple but efficient access to information and entertainment. So the competition is lining up for entry to or enhancement of handheld computing devices and these devices are not running Microsoft and they are not running on Intel processors. This leads me to ask just how important the processor is going to be.
Apple has set a new specification standard with the 1GHz A4 processor in the iPad. In response Intel has shifted focus to a new Atom processor, which is designed for devices such as smartphones, tablets and handheld gadgets. Qualcomm has a version of the Snapdragon dual core processors that compete with the A4 in mobile mode and kick in dual processing when plugged in. But what will it take to outperform Apple’s new processors? Apple is serious about maintaining their lead in this tech space, acquiring P.A. Semi in 2008 gave them one of the leading implementations of ARM design. That is ARM as in chip designer ARM Holdings out of the UK whose technology dates back to the Acorn Computer, often referred to as “UK’s Apple” that did not make it. But ARM is known for designing elegant, fast, energy efficient silicon that's small enough to fit into gadgets. ARM is unique in that rather than build its own chips, it simply licenses blueprints to companies like Apple and many others.
So there have been some interesting rumors of late that Apple may try to buy ARM. Apple does appear to be concerned about controlling this processing advantage. Apple just acquired Intrinsity, the company that was greatly responsible for the lightning fast 1GHz A4 design that's within the iPad. It appears Apple would like to eliminate any opportunity for a competitor to consult with Intrinsity for their own designs. But that may not be enough, acquiring ARM if allowed would be a significant strategic play for control of this critical processing design that dominates smartphones and the new tablet devices. So keep an eye out for this one, it would take some of Apple’s billions and it doesn’t make total business sense. But the excitement would be typical Apple fever pitched fueled by dozens of nervous tech companies, and probably a few regulators, wanting to stop such a purchase at all costs. Just the kind of limelight that Steve Jobs would love.
Update 7/15/10 - ARM Holdings continues to attack Intel's dominance of the chip market.
Showing posts with label iPad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label iPad. Show all posts
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
iPad Configuration for the Students
I’m writing this post in my room at Skamania Lodge looking out over the Columbia River Gorge (see photo of the month). I’m here for our annual NWACC Summit where IT leaders from most of the institutions of higher education in the Northwest come together to focus on current technology concerns. The view this morning is a bit clouded but stil pretty amazing. So do I talk about the iPhone 4, how again Apple has packaged a consumers dream, but do I really care about “FaceTime” or movie production on my iPhone? Yes, another impressive example of nano-phone engineering and with iOS4 it bring multi-tasking closer to the iPad where it is really needed.
No this post is about our final iPad configuration for our incoming freshman where early returns on their selection results show that about 10% are opting for the iPad. Going into this I was expecting some love from Apple in the form of discounting on the iPad similar to what we get on the MacBooks when purchased in bulk. That did not happen so it did kind of shock us when we realized the iPad configuration that we were offering actually cost us more then the MacBook package. Anyways, we modified it a bit and have finalized on the 32 G iPad, you really don’t need more then 16 G since it is so difficult to actually move useful content onto the iPad. We added the dock and wireless keyboard because the students really can write term papers on this device. We decided to add the camera connection kit knowing that someday for the iPad to truly be useful to a college student the ability to transfer files to or from a USB device would be needed. We completed the package with iWorks and the 2 year warranty.
Off to the NWACC meetings where I bet half of the CIO will have an iPad. Oh we so want this device to be made whole for higher education.
No this post is about our final iPad configuration for our incoming freshman where early returns on their selection results show that about 10% are opting for the iPad. Going into this I was expecting some love from Apple in the form of discounting on the iPad similar to what we get on the MacBooks when purchased in bulk. That did not happen so it did kind of shock us when we realized the iPad configuration that we were offering actually cost us more then the MacBook package. Anyways, we modified it a bit and have finalized on the 32 G iPad, you really don’t need more then 16 G since it is so difficult to actually move useful content onto the iPad. We added the dock and wireless keyboard because the students really can write term papers on this device. We decided to add the camera connection kit knowing that someday for the iPad to truly be useful to a college student the ability to transfer files to or from a USB device would be needed. We completed the package with iWorks and the 2 year warranty.
Off to the NWACC meetings where I bet half of the CIO will have an iPad. Oh we so want this device to be made whole for higher education.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Reflections & Migration to Google went Well
I’m at MSP waiting for my flight back to Portland and had time to reflect on the week. Last weekend we migrated all of our University (faculty, staff & students) to Google gmail. All indications are that the migration went really well. An excellent value proposition, we essentially get Unified Communications with serious email resources and Google gets target marketing data and an excellent chance for lifetime customers.
The reason for the trip to Minnesota was our annual CCCU Technology Conference, that is the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, which is a very good cross section of small to medium size institutions of Higher Education. I gave a presentation entitled “Will the iPad Change Higher Education?”. The key message was how GFU was going to support the iPads that some of our freshman would choose from our “Connected Across Campus” program. Unfortunately my presentation was mostly about how we would deal with the deficiencies of the iPad, but we did get to a more open discussion. E-Textbooks are not happening, and cloud collaboration should be a key to the future of iPad type devices.
General networking discussions leaned toward frustration and disappointment with Microsoft’s product strategy. How Microsoft’s arrogance prevents them from being innovative, but also how Apple’s arrogance is starting to look a lot more like Microsoft. Hmmm, history always seems to repeat itself. Interesting observations about the leadership of these 2 companies. Microsoft’s hope is that Ballmer will leave. Apple’s fear is that Jobs will leave.
The reason for the trip to Minnesota was our annual CCCU Technology Conference, that is the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, which is a very good cross section of small to medium size institutions of Higher Education. I gave a presentation entitled “Will the iPad Change Higher Education?”. The key message was how GFU was going to support the iPads that some of our freshman would choose from our “Connected Across Campus” program. Unfortunately my presentation was mostly about how we would deal with the deficiencies of the iPad, but we did get to a more open discussion. E-Textbooks are not happening, and cloud collaboration should be a key to the future of iPad type devices.
General networking discussions leaned toward frustration and disappointment with Microsoft’s product strategy. How Microsoft’s arrogance prevents them from being innovative, but also how Apple’s arrogance is starting to look a lot more like Microsoft. Hmmm, history always seems to repeat itself. Interesting observations about the leadership of these 2 companies. Microsoft’s hope is that Ballmer will leave. Apple’s fear is that Jobs will leave.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
iPad as an Advancement Tool
I stumbled across an important use for the iPad. Earlier this week I was wearing my hat as Chairman of the Board for GeoAid where I was supporting our Director in request for a new grant. GeoAid has a number of positive events and accomplishments that we needed to reference in support of this grant request. Once in the meeting my Director was referencing the typical one page executive summary and I could tell that the execs across the table were not engaged. So I opened up my iPad and pulled up some photos of Cameroon Baka Pygmies whom we had helped. Then I pulled up a video of some kids in a school we built and we had them.
So the important use is to get these iPads in the hands of our Advancement people so that they can pull up the gotcha photos and video clips that will seal the deal for their grant or donation request. This will take some coordination, probably with marketing working with Advancement to script out the most effective way to leverage the iPad. But the real key is that the iPad is perfect for a low key tech sales pitch. Pulling up the clip is quick and non-distracting, then just hand the iPad to your prospect as supporting material. You can’t do that with a laptop. Maybe it works really well now while the iPad is a novelty, but I think the reason it works is because it doesn’t come across as a canned presentation.
So the important use is to get these iPads in the hands of our Advancement people so that they can pull up the gotcha photos and video clips that will seal the deal for their grant or donation request. This will take some coordination, probably with marketing working with Advancement to script out the most effective way to leverage the iPad. But the real key is that the iPad is perfect for a low key tech sales pitch. Pulling up the clip is quick and non-distracting, then just hand the iPad to your prospect as supporting material. You can’t do that with a laptop. Maybe it works really well now while the iPad is a novelty, but I think the reason it works is because it doesn’t come across as a canned presentation.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The iPad may not usher in E-Textbooks
Why am I not hearing about plans for real E-Textbooks being developed or released. Why was there so much talk of them at the beginning of the year coinciding with the announcement of the iPad? Was that talk just about satisfying the legislators who were politically concerned about the strain of expensive textbooks on higher education. But really, nothing seems to be happening. If you dig you still hear all the excuses about a complicated business model. But you also hear the same old ridiculous ideas like time bombing the digital copies or still demanding nearly the same prices. So are the textbook publishers going to step up to the plate? I don’t think they are, I think they are content to manipulate the market as long as they can with the belief that they will always control the textbook industry.
In talking with faculty I get the sense that they are ready for a change. They realize that they have access to equivalent digital material that used to be the foundation of their textbooks. Doesn’t mean they want to spend the time to build out a new course, but they are open to alternatives. One alternative that may not be that far away are the various forms of self or university controlled digital publishing. Distribution is not an issue, Amazon or Apple present excellent options or maybe Google ends up winning it all. Maybe the bookstores grab the action as in Follett’s CafeScribe. Pearson Education could be well positioned. CourseSmart’s may be able to go with the flow.
The answer may lie with the question of whether textbooks are really needed anymore. Let’s face it, all of the information that exists in most textbooks is available digitally throughout our Internets. Devices such as the iPad may not usher in the E-Textbook era, they might eliminate it.
May 31, 2010 - Wired Epicenter
Amazon Vs. Apple be Dammed: Publishers Pine for a Universal e-Book Format
In talking with faculty I get the sense that they are ready for a change. They realize that they have access to equivalent digital material that used to be the foundation of their textbooks. Doesn’t mean they want to spend the time to build out a new course, but they are open to alternatives. One alternative that may not be that far away are the various forms of self or university controlled digital publishing. Distribution is not an issue, Amazon or Apple present excellent options or maybe Google ends up winning it all. Maybe the bookstores grab the action as in Follett’s CafeScribe. Pearson Education could be well positioned. CourseSmart’s may be able to go with the flow.
The answer may lie with the question of whether textbooks are really needed anymore. Let’s face it, all of the information that exists in most textbooks is available digitally throughout our Internets. Devices such as the iPad may not usher in the E-Textbook era, they might eliminate it.
May 31, 2010 - Wired Epicenter
Amazon Vs. Apple be Dammed: Publishers Pine for a Universal e-Book Format
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
iPad's Filling System
I have been meaning to write this Post for a few days now. There are enough people around here with iPads that it has become obvious that the iPad is the desired note taking device for meetings. I also believe it is a great use for the iPad. My previous note taking strategy has revolved around various paper notebooks that allowed me to maintain a certain level of archiving. I do realize that managing all of the meeting notes is about to get out of control. Of course I could just let the list grow and use the Search option to hopefully find a meeting or scroll through them all. But why mess with that when the iPad has a perfectly adequate filling system thanks to their primary email export option. Of course email the notes to myself and file them. Makes even more sense now that we are about to migrate to Google to realize 7 gig of email storage. The brilliance of simplicity or is it a partnership with Google?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Careful Recommendation of iPad for Students
This weekend I need to write up a recommendation for our incoming freshman about how the iPad will satisfy their academic computing needs and what support options will be available to them from our IT organization. And I will need to be truthful. I probably can’t qualify my statements with a fallback like you have to believe that Apple will release that feature or they are bound to offer that service eventually. So just to give you a quick review. The lack of a clear printing option is an embarrassment especially for addressing the needs of a college student. Multitasking at least to the the extent mentioned for the iPhone 4 needs to show up sooner then later on the iPad. And the iPad needs some semblance of a file system or at least the ability to send or receive files to and from Internet Web sites. For the college student the iPad should be able to export a file to their LMS system’s homework dropbox.
I know that Apple is still trying to figure out how this iPad will be positioned and how long the techies will accept these feature crippling strategies. Unfortunately today we don’t have a choice. The iPad is in a category by itself with enough features to justify our acceptance. But you know, those iPad competitors are not far off. It will not be hard to duplicate the E-Reader and web surfing features. So when the competition finally hits the street offering file interaction for limited creation and editing. That is when we will see Apple rev the OS and reclaim the loyalty of their technical users. I just ask that Apple go their sooner then later, trust that you will sell just as many Macs after opening up the iPad.
I know that Apple is still trying to figure out how this iPad will be positioned and how long the techies will accept these feature crippling strategies. Unfortunately today we don’t have a choice. The iPad is in a category by itself with enough features to justify our acceptance. But you know, those iPad competitors are not far off. It will not be hard to duplicate the E-Reader and web surfing features. So when the competition finally hits the street offering file interaction for limited creation and editing. That is when we will see Apple rev the OS and reclaim the loyalty of their technical users. I just ask that Apple go their sooner then later, trust that you will sell just as many Macs after opening up the iPad.
Friday, April 23, 2010
iPad Survives flying off car roof at 55 mph
Here is what happened. Left work at 5:00 tonight. I set my iPad in its case on top of my car as I was putting other things down to get into my car. Yes there were distractions, like dealing with my recovering new hip and the Remote TV crew that was filming for some reason in front of our university. No excuse for me forgetting that my iPad was on the roof. As I was leaving the Newberg City limits I was accelerating to 55 mph when luckily I saw the black pad fly off my roof and bounce on the highway via my rear view mirror. I quickly turned around and was the first car to get back to my iPad which was fortunate since it could easily have been run over. I jumped out, new hip and all, grabbed the iPad, saw that it appeared to be intact, opened up the case saw that the iPad screen was OK and voila I turned it on and all was well.
Well this iPad owes its life to the extra strong convertible case jacket by incase which was recommended to me at the Apple Store when I bought the iPad. It was $60 and obviously nicer than you might think you want or need, but now I feel like a genius for buying it. The iPad itself has a couple of small scratches on one end but otherwise it is as good as new.
Well this iPad owes its life to the extra strong convertible case jacket by incase which was recommended to me at the Apple Store when I bought the iPad. It was $60 and obviously nicer than you might think you want or need, but now I feel like a genius for buying it. The iPad itself has a couple of small scratches on one end but otherwise it is as good as new.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Where is Apple Going?
Most questions lately that I am asked about Apple have to do with obvious limitations imposed by the iPad. And yes this has been well documented. The iPad could easily become the killer academic computing device, but it does not need to for another year.
Apple is currently experiencing their greatest success in adoption rate of MacBooks by universities. They really should ride that out until other market factors force them to upgrade the iPad to be a self sufficient computing device. This is a transition year for E-Textbooks so Apple does not want to put the cart in front of the horse. I also do not think Apple really knows how it will all play out. If they could force the world to always tether an iPad to a computer then they most likely would benefit greatly from that computer selection. But Apple is foremost a business that is making the smartest business decisions. They will lay the groundwork for many of the iPad needs by boosting the iPhone line. Within a year all of the iPad issues will be solved and they will begin to position the iPad as stand-alone computing device. But in that time period they will also acquire a vast number of new customers that will be primed for their next generation of computing devices that will most likely be entertainment driven. And do not underestimate the power that the eventual stand-alone iPad will have.
Apple is extremely well positioned for the technology buying trends for the future as well as for the advertising and entertainment trends. Think of the market that will be created by the many million new iPad customers who will be ready to seamlessly link their iPad into a more powerful “Entertainment” device. But that market foundation must still evolve with vast improvements to our Internet grid and lot’s of content copyright definition.
There are many who bash Apple for their proprietary agenda. But are you bashing from behind or ahead. I supported Microsoft in their rise as passionately as I may now support Apple. What I support is the technological innovation. When that ends it is time to bash the proprietary control, but during the rise I am willing to jump on board. It is OK to follow a leader if they are actually leading you to something better. Apple’s power and influence will dwarf what Microsoft was ever able to attain. However, Apple’s greatest success may be written by how they deal with their eventual leveling out.
Apple is currently experiencing their greatest success in adoption rate of MacBooks by universities. They really should ride that out until other market factors force them to upgrade the iPad to be a self sufficient computing device. This is a transition year for E-Textbooks so Apple does not want to put the cart in front of the horse. I also do not think Apple really knows how it will all play out. If they could force the world to always tether an iPad to a computer then they most likely would benefit greatly from that computer selection. But Apple is foremost a business that is making the smartest business decisions. They will lay the groundwork for many of the iPad needs by boosting the iPhone line. Within a year all of the iPad issues will be solved and they will begin to position the iPad as stand-alone computing device. But in that time period they will also acquire a vast number of new customers that will be primed for their next generation of computing devices that will most likely be entertainment driven. And do not underestimate the power that the eventual stand-alone iPad will have.
Apple is extremely well positioned for the technology buying trends for the future as well as for the advertising and entertainment trends. Think of the market that will be created by the many million new iPad customers who will be ready to seamlessly link their iPad into a more powerful “Entertainment” device. But that market foundation must still evolve with vast improvements to our Internet grid and lot’s of content copyright definition.
There are many who bash Apple for their proprietary agenda. But are you bashing from behind or ahead. I supported Microsoft in their rise as passionately as I may now support Apple. What I support is the technological innovation. When that ends it is time to bash the proprietary control, but during the rise I am willing to jump on board. It is OK to follow a leader if they are actually leading you to something better. Apple’s power and influence will dwarf what Microsoft was ever able to attain. However, Apple’s greatest success may be written by how they deal with their eventual leveling out.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
iPad's goal for the coming year
The common question I get now is whether the iPad will make a significant difference in Higher Education. And the answer is, yes if it was allowed to. The iPad is a more effective casual computing device, I now prefer it over my MacBook Air, which is the greatest laptop I have ever owned. But that is the problem, I place myself in a high competency computing demographic which Apple has already experienced great progress in transitioning to their MacBook line. True the MacBook is the best computing device for my demographic but we also see the tremendous potential for the iPad. It is a better computing device, but without multitasking and effective interaction with the outside world for file sharing and printing it has not been allowed to replace our MacBooks. This is entirely Apple’s decision and yes it is a good business decision.
Today Apple made sure that the iPhone would move to the next level of dominance with a glimpse at the key features of the 4.0 OS. And by delaying important upgrades to the iPad they confirm their business strategy. A strategy, by the way, that is brilliant but frustrating to me. Apple is going after an entirely different demographic. I would call it the users who have someone in their household capable of supporting a PC. These PC homes are frustrated with the value they have gotten out of this supposedly powerful computing device. Vista frustration, virus management and the many other issues have left them questioning their path to the internet. All they want is email and FaceBook, but reading a book online or innovative gaming is the open door to their exploring this new device called an iPad. Boom - Apple easily grabs this demographic and extracts maximum profit. But they have to keep my demographic out of the equation because we will confuse the general consumer platform.
Back to Higher Ed, students will or would love the iPad. However, the gatekeepers (faculty) to promoting the iPad are far to strictly dependent on features that are absent in the iPad, hence, the iPad will not be an easy adoption for students. It will still be positive for the select group of students capable of dealing with these restrictions. But it is a shame the real value of the iPad for Higher Education is probably being kicked back a year.
Today Apple made sure that the iPhone would move to the next level of dominance with a glimpse at the key features of the 4.0 OS. And by delaying important upgrades to the iPad they confirm their business strategy. A strategy, by the way, that is brilliant but frustrating to me. Apple is going after an entirely different demographic. I would call it the users who have someone in their household capable of supporting a PC. These PC homes are frustrated with the value they have gotten out of this supposedly powerful computing device. Vista frustration, virus management and the many other issues have left them questioning their path to the internet. All they want is email and FaceBook, but reading a book online or innovative gaming is the open door to their exploring this new device called an iPad. Boom - Apple easily grabs this demographic and extracts maximum profit. But they have to keep my demographic out of the equation because we will confuse the general consumer platform.
Back to Higher Ed, students will or would love the iPad. However, the gatekeepers (faculty) to promoting the iPad are far to strictly dependent on features that are absent in the iPad, hence, the iPad will not be an easy adoption for students. It will still be positive for the select group of students capable of dealing with these restrictions. But it is a shame the real value of the iPad for Higher Education is probably being kicked back a year.
Initial Thoughts on iPhone 4.0
Initial thoughts after viewing the sneak peek at the iPhone 4.0 feature set. Again, major confirmation that Apple is foremost a savvy business always focused on maximizing revenue. Yes, some good stuff coming. Multitasking is important but we need it more on the iPad and of course we will have to wait until the iPhone is allowed to leverage the advantage. The improvements to email are again a tremendous boost to one of the finest mobile emails services available. Not as critical a wait for the iPad since iPad’s email client is already better then anything else Apple has. On that note, how about putting the iPad email client on the Macs. Of course all that the email client needs is multitasking, and yes that would be the killer service that would make me feel better about preferring my iPad over my MacBook which is a no no. But the game changer is iAds. This is a blue ocean opportunity for Apple to make even more money and developers to have a much needed profit stream. But above all it allows Apple to effectively compete against Google.
Friday, April 2, 2010
So what about this iPad
What a great day at home observing Good Friday which is a vacation day for us. It is raining with no chance of improved weather so I’m catching up on all sorts of correspondence and web surfing. Oh, yes and my dog is at my feet. So what about this iPad? Yes, I’m very excited about picking one up tomorrow morning. I held off for a week on the iPhone and I do remember being in line to buy Windows 95 way back when, so choosing to go to the store is as much about the task as it is the experience. I am really interested in the type of crowd that will be there. I will probably do a post based on observations and feedback. So what about this iPad.
If you know of me and George Fox University you may understand that our decision to offer the iPad as an option to the MacBook for incoming students was a simple decision influenced by the changing technology landscape. The fact that we were first has generated a lot of publicity which has spawned a number of commentaries and interviews. An interesting forum, not so much for promoting our decision to offer iPads, but more for the stage to talk about the future of academic computing. Most Higher Ed CIOs do not enter into these conversations, and those that do tend to have focused agendas, I tend to be more speculative. And if I look back on my career it is my track record. But I also look back and realize that I have always been right and I think that is because I have always been able to view my job from the outside. I have been in Higher Ed for half of my career and time spent with HP and various other jobs even as a chemist has helped keep me on the edge. That said let’s recap: “So what about this iPad”
We do not need to spend time addressing what the Apple iPad has or does not have. It has all that most of us need to function very effectively in this Internet driven world and it optimizes those features at the expense of the less important. The biggest issue for many is that it is no longer a Microsoft driven world, so get over it. A common evaluation: “The iPad is designed more for consumers rather then creators”. Yes, but the creators it is not designed for is a very small percent. I think this is again more about accepting our changing role as technology users. This is an issue for the geek who defines their worth from their computing prowess and many more of us who want to believe we are of that level as well. Nope, being Web 2.0 savvy does not classify us as power users and it is OK to have a base computer for those times when we do need to power create.
How does this translate to higher education? Our students are primarily information consumers and the reason the iPad is the perfect tool is that the Internet is the primary information provider. This has been creeping up on us but it has been easy to ignore or control. Our students typically bring their laptop to class and we have gotten past the apprehension that it will be misused. It has been easy to observe the value of Internet assisted collaboration in our online courses. Now we have to acknowledge and adapt to that value in the classroom. The professor becomes a mentor for all of this information rather then the deliverer. Faculty can deal with this and can thrive, they just don’t like the work it will require for them to transition. I believe the iPad will be the device that will define this transition.
If you know of me and George Fox University you may understand that our decision to offer the iPad as an option to the MacBook for incoming students was a simple decision influenced by the changing technology landscape. The fact that we were first has generated a lot of publicity which has spawned a number of commentaries and interviews. An interesting forum, not so much for promoting our decision to offer iPads, but more for the stage to talk about the future of academic computing. Most Higher Ed CIOs do not enter into these conversations, and those that do tend to have focused agendas, I tend to be more speculative. And if I look back on my career it is my track record. But I also look back and realize that I have always been right and I think that is because I have always been able to view my job from the outside. I have been in Higher Ed for half of my career and time spent with HP and various other jobs even as a chemist has helped keep me on the edge. That said let’s recap: “So what about this iPad”
We do not need to spend time addressing what the Apple iPad has or does not have. It has all that most of us need to function very effectively in this Internet driven world and it optimizes those features at the expense of the less important. The biggest issue for many is that it is no longer a Microsoft driven world, so get over it. A common evaluation: “The iPad is designed more for consumers rather then creators”. Yes, but the creators it is not designed for is a very small percent. I think this is again more about accepting our changing role as technology users. This is an issue for the geek who defines their worth from their computing prowess and many more of us who want to believe we are of that level as well. Nope, being Web 2.0 savvy does not classify us as power users and it is OK to have a base computer for those times when we do need to power create.
How does this translate to higher education? Our students are primarily information consumers and the reason the iPad is the perfect tool is that the Internet is the primary information provider. This has been creeping up on us but it has been easy to ignore or control. Our students typically bring their laptop to class and we have gotten past the apprehension that it will be misused. It has been easy to observe the value of Internet assisted collaboration in our online courses. Now we have to acknowledge and adapt to that value in the classroom. The professor becomes a mentor for all of this information rather then the deliverer. Faculty can deal with this and can thrive, they just don’t like the work it will require for them to transition. I believe the iPad will be the device that will define this transition.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Looking forward to next year's iPad to MacBook comparision
It has been about a month since we decided to offer the iPad as an alternative to the laptop that we have been giving out to our students for many years. There have been mentions of this by mostly technology publications around the world with many comments ranging from concern to praise. And of course there has been a fair amount of discussion on campus about what this really means. Actually the greatest advantage for us is that it has forced our programs to consider what their minimum computing requirements are so that they can properly advise their students about whether they really need a laptop or not. We have no idea what the adoption rate for iPads will be but we know there is excitement growing especially with incredible hype that has been accompanying the scheduled release of the iPad this coming Saturday.
What struck me tonight as I was thinking about all of the standard interviews that I have been giving is that the most interesting aspect of George Fox giving out iPads will be the direct comparison to the MacBook. It has been interesting observing faculty consider and realize that the iPad probably can do all that they require. Unfortunately as I have mentioned before this is not exactly what Apple wants explored at this time in Higher Education. But this may be really interesting in that our university has totally defined the usefulness of a laptop and in recent years the MacBook for support of academic technology needs. Next year we will get to compare the experience of those who select the iPad with this wealth of laptop experience.
What struck me tonight as I was thinking about all of the standard interviews that I have been giving is that the most interesting aspect of George Fox giving out iPads will be the direct comparison to the MacBook. It has been interesting observing faculty consider and realize that the iPad probably can do all that they require. Unfortunately as I have mentioned before this is not exactly what Apple wants explored at this time in Higher Education. But this may be really interesting in that our university has totally defined the usefulness of a laptop and in recent years the MacBook for support of academic technology needs. Next year we will get to compare the experience of those who select the iPad with this wealth of laptop experience.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Let Freedom Ring
I was recently interviewed by OurBlook with questions about the future of Education. They asked me to comment because of issues I have brought up concerning the iPad's possible affect on Education. Their questions helped me better encapsulate this change in computing that is upon us. I do think that technology such as the iPhone on the low end and Netbook on the high end pointed our tech industry toward a more accessible computing solution for all. That may be the iPad but I do believe the iPad will at least open the door.
Manipulating American's massive consumer engine to maximize profits is all that matters to the major international businesses. Automobiles, pharmaceuticals and yes personal computers are heavily marketed and we know we over buy but that may be changing for PCs. Not because we see the light but rather because the supplier's profit engine has shifted to distribution and advertising. What a shame we have pushed these complicated computing devices into the consumer mainstream. Why should my parents have to worry about viruses and spy-ware. That's why I am excited about this new generation of internet access devices led by the iPad. Our eyes will be opened and the masses will be allowed to participate. That will definitely have some influence on education.
Manipulating American's massive consumer engine to maximize profits is all that matters to the major international businesses. Automobiles, pharmaceuticals and yes personal computers are heavily marketed and we know we over buy but that may be changing for PCs. Not because we see the light but rather because the supplier's profit engine has shifted to distribution and advertising. What a shame we have pushed these complicated computing devices into the consumer mainstream. Why should my parents have to worry about viruses and spy-ware. That's why I am excited about this new generation of internet access devices led by the iPad. Our eyes will be opened and the masses will be allowed to participate. That will definitely have some influence on education.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Newspapers are Running Out of Time
It is interesting how quickly it appears the book publishing industry has embraced digital distribution and yet the Newspaper industry can’t. Well I decided to write this blog as I read my last home delivered Sunday Oregonian newspaper. Yes we finally gave up, that feel good morning coffee and paper just is not what it used to be. Generally it is a wet paper that requires you to remove the tricky half wrap add to see the front page, then search threw the rest of the paper to find Business and Sports. I think it was the recycling effort that finally did us in.
Well this week the Oregonian, Portland’s newspaper, had another layoff. Significant in that the “No Layoffs Promise” was rescinded in August of 09 by their parent company when they started the early retirement enticements. So in less then a year with 25% fewer employees the paper is still tossing out the same old lines that the newspaper industry is strong and the only problem is that the darn Internet is stealing all of their advertisers. Yes, and your business model is??? And they complain that they are spending half their effort on the online version, "OregonLive" with no positive results. True, online newspapers have to be real newspapers not outdated web portals. Come on you regional newspapers, you don’t have that much time. Formulate your alliances with some larger digital news service with multimedia development skills that will help you to be competitive.
I will buy a subscription to a good digital newspaper especially if there is some regional presence. I may not feel that it is fair to pay the same amount, but at least half. And considering distribution is 85% of the cost shouldn’t that help your bottom line. Plus you regain those advertisers who bolted for the Internet.
Well this week the Oregonian, Portland’s newspaper, had another layoff. Significant in that the “No Layoffs Promise” was rescinded in August of 09 by their parent company when they started the early retirement enticements. So in less then a year with 25% fewer employees the paper is still tossing out the same old lines that the newspaper industry is strong and the only problem is that the darn Internet is stealing all of their advertisers. Yes, and your business model is??? And they complain that they are spending half their effort on the online version, "OregonLive" with no positive results. True, online newspapers have to be real newspapers not outdated web portals. Come on you regional newspapers, you don’t have that much time. Formulate your alliances with some larger digital news service with multimedia development skills that will help you to be competitive.
I will buy a subscription to a good digital newspaper especially if there is some regional presence. I may not feel that it is fair to pay the same amount, but at least half. And considering distribution is 85% of the cost shouldn’t that help your bottom line. Plus you regain those advertisers who bolted for the Internet.
Monday, February 22, 2010
It is time to recapture efficiency and affordability
It has been very interesting discussing our newly announced option to offer the iPad as an alternative to the MacBook that we have given out for our laptop program in recent years to incoming freshman. Overall most people think it is great to offer choice and understand that it may offer a healthy change for higher education. That change may just be that a microcomputer offering Microsoft Office is not necessarily the de-facto standard for a successful college experience. I’m kind of excited about the possibilities. We are making a change to our laptop program because of market conditions, but it may turn out to be a liberation of a far to long stranglehold that has suppressed creativity in the American Higher Education system.
A few faculty members have jumped to conclusions that they will have to change their curriculum since some students may not have Microsoft Office, specifically Word, on the iPad. Say What? At that point I ask a few more questions which clarify that all they really require is that students turn in certain assignments in the common format typically MS Word. I understand that concern, a common format allows a professor to be assured that they can properly grade all assignments. Many have no idea that producing that format is not dependent upon using MS Word. They are still skeptical that Google Docs could actually be an option but when they realize that iWork Pages could be they start to realize that choices for word processing might be a good thing for a student.
Students don’t know that they have options. They use MS Word because we tell them to, but most admit that they don’t care. They do admit that all they need is a program that captures what they type and that spell checking is a good thing. I am not trying to bash MS Word here, I am bashing the suppression of their creativity that has been perpetrated by a belief that a successful career is based on proficiency in using MS Office. Good grief, we educated generations with slate and chalk or paper and pencil. It is time to recapture efficiency and affordability. If later a student discovers that it is important to use a program with format commands embedded inside format commands that link to a suite of applications to produce some incredible masterpiece so be it. But for now let’s just get back to writing and arithmetic with affordable flexibility.
OH yes, this post was seamlessly pasted into Blogger with a direct copy from the iWork Pages program. Just think how important that really is in this emerging world of open Internet publishing.
A few faculty members have jumped to conclusions that they will have to change their curriculum since some students may not have Microsoft Office, specifically Word, on the iPad. Say What? At that point I ask a few more questions which clarify that all they really require is that students turn in certain assignments in the common format typically MS Word. I understand that concern, a common format allows a professor to be assured that they can properly grade all assignments. Many have no idea that producing that format is not dependent upon using MS Word. They are still skeptical that Google Docs could actually be an option but when they realize that iWork Pages could be they start to realize that choices for word processing might be a good thing for a student.
Students don’t know that they have options. They use MS Word because we tell them to, but most admit that they don’t care. They do admit that all they need is a program that captures what they type and that spell checking is a good thing. I am not trying to bash MS Word here, I am bashing the suppression of their creativity that has been perpetrated by a belief that a successful career is based on proficiency in using MS Office. Good grief, we educated generations with slate and chalk or paper and pencil. It is time to recapture efficiency and affordability. If later a student discovers that it is important to use a program with format commands embedded inside format commands that link to a suite of applications to produce some incredible masterpiece so be it. But for now let’s just get back to writing and arithmetic with affordable flexibility.
OH yes, this post was seamlessly pasted into Blogger with a direct copy from the iWork Pages program. Just think how important that really is in this emerging world of open Internet publishing.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Will iPad Apps Tame the Internet?
The video that demos the new digital tablet format for “Wired” magazine scheduled for release this summer gives us great insight into the near future of the publishing industry. It reconfirms my belief that an iPad equivalent computing device will save many publishing companies and open up serious new E-Publishing market opportunities. This new delivery mechanism will justify paying for a digital subscription.
If we take a closer look at the leading development environment, Adobe Air, that is at the forefront of this revolution we get some more answers to Apple’s business strategy. It is true that Apple does not want to support Flash for Internet browsing because of performance and stability concerns. But what Apple is really doing is controlling distribution of valuable content. If Flash was supported on iPad Internet browsing then full featured content delivery could take place outside of Apple’s control. Adobe’s announcement of Flash 10.1 and Air for Mobiles in Barcelona last week is what its all about. Apple will allow rich media distribution on the iPad via Apps so that they can exert some control over the revenue stream first from the App and second from the in-app advertising and sales. And I think this may be a good thing. We may be seeing the taming of the Internet, which is probably way overdue. Maybe this is the real Web 3.0
If we take a closer look at the leading development environment, Adobe Air, that is at the forefront of this revolution we get some more answers to Apple’s business strategy. It is true that Apple does not want to support Flash for Internet browsing because of performance and stability concerns. But what Apple is really doing is controlling distribution of valuable content. If Flash was supported on iPad Internet browsing then full featured content delivery could take place outside of Apple’s control. Adobe’s announcement of Flash 10.1 and Air for Mobiles in Barcelona last week is what its all about. Apple will allow rich media distribution on the iPad via Apps so that they can exert some control over the revenue stream first from the App and second from the in-app advertising and sales. And I think this may be a good thing. We may be seeing the taming of the Internet, which is probably way overdue. Maybe this is the real Web 3.0
Friday, February 12, 2010
We will offer the iPad as a choice for our laptop program
If you have followed my blog or George Fox University you know about our laptop program where in recent years we have given out an Apple MacBook to all incoming freshman. The purpose for the program was for marketing, standardization and convenience. The issue for us is the changing landscape of educational computing and the value dilution of a laptop for a traditional undergraduate. George Fox University happens to find itself at the crossroads for both of these issues.
We had been hoping that the iPad would be the perfect transition technology, but I address some of the shortcomings of the iPad that prevented us from offering the iPad in place of the MacBook next year. However, in looking for a way to offer an option to the MacBook we have decided to offer the iPad as an alternative choice. I think this will be a very interesting opportunity that will first be marked by the percentage who select the iPad and second by the success we find in utilizing and supporting it. Now we will make sure the iPad offering is as complete as possible and we won’t be able to give any guarantees that the iPad equally replaces the MacBook. In fact the smarter value choice would be for the MacBook, but what will the students choose?
There will be many reasons why students may choose an iPad and it will typically break down into those who already have their laptop of choice or those who actually believe that the iPad is the more functional computing device for them to be a successful student. How the numbers work out will be interesting, but no matter what I think we will see many iPads, iPhones and iTouches throughout the undergraduate population. We will be deliberate in tying to integrate these mobile devices into our Teaching & Learning strategies, but in most cases we will just be observing whether the iPad satisfies the technology needs for undergraduate higher education. Of course the rapid availability and our adoption of E-Textbooks will strongly influence the value of the iPad. Stay tuned.
We did - Press Release
We had been hoping that the iPad would be the perfect transition technology, but I address some of the shortcomings of the iPad that prevented us from offering the iPad in place of the MacBook next year. However, in looking for a way to offer an option to the MacBook we have decided to offer the iPad as an alternative choice. I think this will be a very interesting opportunity that will first be marked by the percentage who select the iPad and second by the success we find in utilizing and supporting it. Now we will make sure the iPad offering is as complete as possible and we won’t be able to give any guarantees that the iPad equally replaces the MacBook. In fact the smarter value choice would be for the MacBook, but what will the students choose?
There will be many reasons why students may choose an iPad and it will typically break down into those who already have their laptop of choice or those who actually believe that the iPad is the more functional computing device for them to be a successful student. How the numbers work out will be interesting, but no matter what I think we will see many iPads, iPhones and iTouches throughout the undergraduate population. We will be deliberate in tying to integrate these mobile devices into our Teaching & Learning strategies, but in most cases we will just be observing whether the iPad satisfies the technology needs for undergraduate higher education. Of course the rapid availability and our adoption of E-Textbooks will strongly influence the value of the iPad. Stay tuned.
We did - Press Release
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Apple, Adobe, lets deal with this Flash Problem on the iPad
Just need to get this lack of Flash support on the iPad out on my Blog before the big game. Actually lack of Java is a concern as well. But lets focus on Flash, I have been fielding a lot of comments, questions and concerns about why the iPad may not be ready for Higher Ed prime time. The concern that appears to carry the most weight is the lack of support for Flash video content. Omitting Flash on the iPhone is one thing but leaving Flash off the iPad is more of a problem for Higher Ed. A significant justification for recommending the iPad for our University would have to be for the value of Web interaction during the learning process. Use of the iPad as an eBook reader will drive itself. An iPad having rich educational iPhone OS apps are probably more valuable on an true mobile device. But as much as we may dislike the underlying problems that Flash brings to our computers, Flash is a part many academic Web experiences. So my first call to Apple is to find a way to allow at least the well behaving Flash apps on the iPad Safari. And I also call Adobe to take serious the need to cleanup CPU inefficiencies of Flash. Don’t just wait for HTML5 to solve the problem.
Go Colts
Go Colts
Friday, February 5, 2010
The iPad will be Successful
I probably should be posting everyday if I wanted to keep everyone up-to-date on the many discussions and issues circulating around our investigation of the iPad as our university’s recommendation for a student educational technology device. But I took 5 days out to celebrate my dad’s 95th birthday and now the SuperBowl will require some attention. Go Colts.
So a quick update - the excitement that the iPad has generated was summed up well by our President who was in Washington DC during the Apple iPad event where he observed that the iPad announcement received more media attention then the State of the Union Address. Many who fear the change that the iPad will bring have argued for what it can’t do. Here is an example: “but it does not do handwriting recognition” or “it does not have a camera”, "it does not multi-task", etc. So let’s be clear - the iPad is not a Tablet, or Laptop, or iPhone. It is an iPad and it is not intended to be like anything else, it is a NEW and innovative technology.
Many play the skeptical role questioning whether it will be successful and they are content to wait and see. I say the iPad has no risk of failure, worst case it will be successful if nothing more then as a replacement for our love affair with having a morning newspaper. There is a reason why the book publishers are embracing the iPad and this is different from the music industry and the iPod. First, the music industry did not see or understand what hit them. Second, the iPad comes in as the second or third generation eBook reader that solves most of the problems. Third, the business concept has already been defined and Apple is not the enemy, Amazon and Google have been.
So I need to allocate enough time to fulfill my obligation as a die hard Colts fan this weekend and then I have to present a proposal to my university for why I believe the iPad would be a more effective education technology device then the current MacBook that we give to our students. However, the iPad has no chance of winning that role without the support of our faculty to leverage the iPad’s technological advantages in the classroom and on campus.
So a quick update - the excitement that the iPad has generated was summed up well by our President who was in Washington DC during the Apple iPad event where he observed that the iPad announcement received more media attention then the State of the Union Address. Many who fear the change that the iPad will bring have argued for what it can’t do. Here is an example: “but it does not do handwriting recognition” or “it does not have a camera”, "it does not multi-task", etc. So let’s be clear - the iPad is not a Tablet, or Laptop, or iPhone. It is an iPad and it is not intended to be like anything else, it is a NEW and innovative technology.
Many play the skeptical role questioning whether it will be successful and they are content to wait and see. I say the iPad has no risk of failure, worst case it will be successful if nothing more then as a replacement for our love affair with having a morning newspaper. There is a reason why the book publishers are embracing the iPad and this is different from the music industry and the iPod. First, the music industry did not see or understand what hit them. Second, the iPad comes in as the second or third generation eBook reader that solves most of the problems. Third, the business concept has already been defined and Apple is not the enemy, Amazon and Google have been.
So I need to allocate enough time to fulfill my obligation as a die hard Colts fan this weekend and then I have to present a proposal to my university for why I believe the iPad would be a more effective education technology device then the current MacBook that we give to our students. However, the iPad has no chance of winning that role without the support of our faculty to leverage the iPad’s technological advantages in the classroom and on campus.
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