Apps, software, web apps - they are all tools to use on computing devices to get things done. I use 95% web apps (Gmail, iGoogle, Evernote, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Tweetdeck, Prezi, etc) and occasionally use Microsoft Office for some things I haven't uploaded to Docs yet. Web apps are free, easy to use, accessible anywhere, and platform independent.
Apps and software are sometimes free, usually still easy to use, not accessible anywhere (although your files can be if you use a file sync service) and dependent on your platform. Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Blacberry, webOS, smartphone vs. tablet, etc.
So, which should schools be using? I think schools should look at web apps whenever possible. There are thousands of blogs and sites that talk about free web apps and what web apps replace what software, etc. For the most part, everything that students need to do can be done with web apps. There is also no updating for IT to worry about, no lost dollars if you switch platforms, and any one can access them no matter what platform they are on. This is really important if you are working towards BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). It would be terrible to have a lesson that relies on a specific app and then a student or teacher has a device that doesn't have that app. With a web app, that is no longer a concern. It's one of the reasons I love Google Chrome OS and Chromebooks.
Don't get me wrong, I have tons of apps on my TouchPad and Android phone. But, whenever I share a service or app with my colleagues or students, I always make sure that there are web apps of it. There may be on device apps for these services too, like Evernote, but they also have a web app. Most of what I use with my students for classes are web apps or web sites that they can access from anywhere.
So, what do you think? On device apps or web apps? And why?
Are there on device apps that you have to have that you can't find a web app version of?
I definitely agree that web apps are better for schools than native apps. Especially if BYOD is expected. And it's amazing how good quality apps you can get for free nowadays.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm a bit hesitant on schools tying themselves to free web apps. Like Dave Winer recently mentioned (http://scripting.com/stories/2011/11/07/willUsersAlwaysBeUsers.html), there is no guarantees what will happen to the service tomorrow or in the near future. If teaching depends on some web apps, schools might be better off paying for the service then facing the possibility of sudden changes in services. I don't see Google Docs disappearing tomorrow, but you never know with some smaller apps.
Ville,
ReplyDeleteI agree that having all of "your eggs in the free app basket" is a risk, there are so many alternatives that there always seems to be a free app for some function or purpose. Rarely is your data locked in where you can't move it somewhere else or back it up to use on a different system. I say use the free apps for as long as you can and save the money.
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I noticed youre located in SW ct. GHS chemistry teacher here!
Second, assuming students have wi-fi access throughout the school, web apps are probably better. That said, the whole point is for anywhere mobile access and if students cant do that on the web in class, then the point is lost. In addition, students bring their mobile phones with them everywhere, and having free learning software on it is probably more convenient than needing intenet access to use an app.
I think it's a tie, to be honest. I've put my developing eggs in the device centered app basket, and whether or not thats a good choice is beyond me. My main reason: i have faith in apple.
Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteI agree that internet connectivity is a guiding force. But, for most schools using digital devices, they have WiFi in their buildings. Also, there are more and more free WiFi hotspots around.
The biggest problem with on-device apps is platform dependency. If you school is providing devices for your students, then no big deal, but if you are having students and faculty use their own devices, you would have to make sure that the apps you want to use are available on every platform. If you are not providing devices, you shouldn't require a specific brand or OS to be purchased by the students or faculty.