Over the past several years, digital technology has become increasingly intertwined with education, and bringing an electronic device to school is practically a requirement.
Although the main device for digital schoolwork for students has long been the computer, the iPad has recently emerged as another strong contender. Some may argue that the iPad’s convenience makes it a better option; however, some iPads that are used for in-school activities heavily resemble the structure of a computer.
Others may claim that the touch-style integration of an iPad makes it better for handwriting. However, a survey conducted by The Standard showed that 89.1% of students preferred typing essays over handwriting them. Despite this, the computer remains the most effective for school-related tasks.
The computer has greater multitasking capabilities, with its larger screens offering better visibility for split-screen mode. This is especially useful for students, as schoolwork often entails working on multiple resources at once: taking video notes in AP History courses or researching for an essay.
Additionally, the computer offers the full desktop versions of programs such as Integrated Development Environments (IDEs) for coding and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. These applications are essential for tech-related classes like Industrial Design Engineering Academy (IDEA) and Computer Science.
The computer’s features, such as its built-in USB ports, make it a more practical option for typing and storage. Computers often have greater base storage than iPads, starting at 256GB, while iPads typically start at 64GB. Although some newer iPads offer up to 2TB of storage, computers can easily utilize internal storage upgrades or additional USB ports.
Overall, the computer is better suited for school. Despite the iPad’s advantages in portability and touch-style integration, its limitations in multitasking, software, and storage keep it from fulfilling all the requirements of digital education. The computer surpasses the iPad with its amount of storage, capabilities for building technical skills, and greater efficiency.