14 Nov, 2007
7 Ways Google’s new Mobile Android Platform Could Impact Education
Posted by: Jeff VanDrimmelen In: Gaming| Google| Mobile| Second Life| Student Tools
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So the release of Google’s new mobile Android platform is a couple of days old now, but I just finally found some time to read up about it and see a demo. Let’s start with that. (Note, you can skip the first minute and just go onto the demo…)
Well… I’m sad there is no gPhone… but on the other hand… Wow! I must say I am impressed. Just the design alone is awesome and reminds me a lot of the iPhone with one difference… OPEN SOURCE! I am more and more converted to educators using Open Source… not only for the cost, but the ability to make what ever you want. Imagine having the capabilities of the iPhone, but without the iBrick tendencies. 
So without further adieu, here is my list of 5 ways Google’s new Android Platform could impact education:
1. Cost - FREE… what more needs to be said?
2. OPEN - With an awesome Software Development Kit that is totally open (you can even change the dialer and home screen). You can pretty much build any application you want!
3. Multiple Platform Capability - This is not one device that everyone has to have… it is a platform that will be able to run on all mobile devices!
4. Virtual/Distance Education/Gaming - Open GL capabilities and AWESOME graphics! Imagine navigating a virtual world using mobile devices and interacting with your hands for those with multi-touch screens! Takes experiential learning to a new level. (Just FYI… Croquet uses Open GL… )
5. Collaboration - Education is more and more about working together in a GLOBAL community. With built in notifications and mapping software, it would be easy to write an application to notify a group of friends where you are all at once for an impromptu meeting.
6. Mobile Learning - It is becoming more important to have access to information where ever we are. Imagine being out in the field studying zoology and looking up a new bug you have never seen before on wikipedia. Nice.
7. High-Speed Capabilities - One of the BIG problems with the iPhone is the slower cellular network. It made video impossible. Now that functionality can be added in as well.
And this is just the beginning. The sky is really the limit with a product like this. Once again… thank you Google for pushing the envelope!
