Are tablets a valid option for using @ TESC

[Ubuntu_user]

So I'll be enrolling in TESC within the next few months to finish up my bachelors and Masters degrees, but I was wondering if tablets (i.e., iPads, other companies tablets) work well/okay with the blackboard platform that TESC uses?

Thanks.

[nj593]

So I'll be enrolling in TESC within the next few months to finish up my bachelors and Masters degrees, but I was wondering if tablets (i.e., iPads, other companies tablets) work well/okay with the blackboard platform that TESC uses?

Thanks.

I wouldnt. I mean you have assignments that must be uploaded and I know my tablet can not store much. I would use it just to do the dq requirements but thats it.

[valsacar]

I've used mine (ASUS Transformer) for EC courses, they also use blackboard. A few little quirks, but it's generally ok for checking in on the go and draft for homework (Polaris Office comes pre-installed) or last minute touch ups before uploading.

Not sure where the comment about not storing much, my tablet has 32GB of memory, can take a microSD card (another 32GB) and the keyboard dock has another SD card slot (another 32GB, or more), and two USB ports... PLENTY of space to hold a few word documents and powerpoint slides.

[TaliyahFox5]

So I'll be enrolling in TESC within the next few months to finish up my bachelors and Masters degrees, but I was wondering if tablets (i.e., iPads, other companies tablets) work well/okay with the blackboard platform that TESC uses?

Thanks.

It all depends on how you organize your work. In my case, these mobile devices are very useful.

Having lists of tasks that are tagged by location or context can help you in that regard. If you know you need to do something and it can be done using your tablet, you can tag that task accordingly. That way, when you're waiting in line at the bank, you can pull out your tablet and go through your tasks tagged "tablet" and check them out one by one.

Another positive aspect is the fact that using services such as Dropbox or Evernote, you can take all your documents and memories with you in your tablet. Knowing that all you need is just a few taps away helps your productivity and eases your mind, which in turn helps your creativity and critical thinking.

[Ubuntu_user]

Wow, thanks guys for the responses! I may seriously consider a tablet for my school work!

[ryoder]

My iPad was a source of aggravation when using blackboard as it doesn't do flash and is non-intuitive when working with framed content. The iPad doesn't show scrollbars when you expect it to, so you have to use a two finger swipe to scroll textareas and framesets. Its annoying.

So I use the iPad for reading while on the treadmill and while laying outside, on the floor or wherever I happen to be studying. The MacBook Pro is great for its durability and low power consumption. I picked one up for $950 on sale, which is cheap for a Mac.

[valsacar]

My iPad was a source of aggravation when using blackboard as it doesn't do flash and is non-intuitive when working with framed content. The iPad doesn't show scrollbars when you expect it to, so you have to use a two finger swipe to scroll textareas and framesets. Its annoying.

Thankfully Android tablets have flash, in fact when I first turned mine on it popped up and said "No flash installed, click here to install." I didn't even have to go looking for it.

I really like the Asus Eee Pad (also called Transformer), combined with the dock (which has a second battery in it) it's about 16 hours battery life (tested, their claims do appear to be accurate) with a netbook style keyboard. I use it in my physical class for taking notes, and for doing simple stuff in blackboard (EC) for online classes.