This paper is about Apple Computer and their attempts at bettering the education of the United States. It analyzes why Apple supports education, how long Apple has been doing so (since the 1980s), and explains why Apple is the best choice over its competitors in the field. Finally, the paper goes over the positions of using federal funding to purchase computers, and whether schools should look to Apple or whether they should pick a cheaper option.
Apple and K-12 Education
The tools we use to teach the students of tomorrow are constantly evolving, and information technology is becoming increasingly mandatory for any educational institute to provide. The Twenty-first century will be defined by the technological advances that mankind will surely make, just as fast or faster than the advances made in the 20th century, which were by themselves extremely significant. (Look Back from the 1980s, 1) Two primary problems have created difficulty in schools' abilities to provide this resource to their students, the first is lack of funding, and the second is lack of knowledgeable teaching staff. Apple Computers has been a pioneer on the subject of education, as they have held a higher education discount for a decade, as well as education discounts for institutions that wish to use Apple Computers. I believe that in partnership with Apple Computers, K-12 schools can work out agreements to provide Apple computers to teach students about technology.
The reason Apple has been chosen over its competitors is the dual platform that Apple offers, in both the iMac and the iPad. (Apple in Education, 1) the iMac is a desktop computer that is sleek, simple, and futuristic in its appearance. Students will use the iMac to learn how to use a personal computer, to check email, to surf the Internet, and to learn how to use word and presentation applications. These tools are core to many highly educated people, and therefore perfecting this skill in the K-12 grade system is a priority. The iPad, a touch tablet that costs half the price of the iMac, is a tool that can be used with younger students who may use the tablet to learn how to read, to do math, or to perform other educational functions. The cost of the iPad 2 is now $400, and with an education discount, $350. This price may be within the range of most educational institutions, if they are supported by federal money for education. (iPad in Schools, 1)
Students need the latest computers for education, because they need to be enthusiastic about picking up and using a modern piece of equipment. Only in this way will these students be able to learn the latest computer code, or the best new app. (Richtel, 1) Many students are unable to have access to computers at home, and therefore school is the only place where they have free use to explore the powers of the computer. Schools have believed in the importance of computers in the classroom for thirty years, and bought some of the very first computers to be used in education settings. Apple was one of the first companies to produce the personal computer, the Apple II, which was the first computer that was commonly adopted by schools at that time. Now, the premier source for technology is represented by Apple Computers, and schools are able to receive a generous discount on Apple's products for educational purposes, even highly valuable printing and camera software.
The American education system has been suffering for decades, with student skills on the constant decline, and teacher pay stagnating. Schools in underserved neighborhoods are falling apart, and privately run schools are taking many students out of their local school districts and into advanced private schools. The system of public education needs to be reformed, and has been attempted to be done so by two Presidents and two different bills, No Child Left Behind, and Race to the Top. No Child Left Behind changed the federal funding for school program to reward schools that succeed, and punish schools that fail. This system was seen as exceptionally harsh on teachers, and not convincing in its ability to raise test standards in troubled school districts, particularly if they were receiving less funding year to year. Race to the Top is less harsh, but more rewarding to better schools, and provides a huge amount of incentive to improve. (Race to the Top, 1) Only time will tell if President Obama's education program will be successful or not.
Those who oppose using federal money to buy Apple Computers, which are notoriously expensive, are against the idea of education as being a source of pride for America, and a tool for expanding the capabilities of America's new 21st century leadership. Usually, these groups are against public education as a federal mandate, believing that local districts should carry the entire burden of education. This view is popular amongst conservatives, but will tarnish the ability of thousands of schools and tens of thousands of students to acquire an adequate education when they are living within poor school districts. These devices are necessary because they hold in themselves the magic of American ingenuity, and have hundreds of different Education oriented apps on the Apple App Store. Apple Computers are more expensive than many desktop computers that can be had nowadays, but Apple has a long shelf life and a solid warranty program, as well as simple and sturdy devices. With care, the products will last the schools many years, and several grades of students can come to learn and enjoy the devices as they were intended.
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