School iPads to cost nearly $100 more each, revised budget shows

[happyslug]

12. Books had no "Network" connectivity, but were effective for centuries

Maybe I am old fashion, but people TALKING with the teachers and giving the teachers WRITTEN interface is effective. That is how it was done in the days of books, and there is no real reason NOT to do that in today's classrooms.

As to Wi-Fi, ethernet or the internet, all requires the COMPUTER to have that capacity. If the school opts for laptops without them, the laptops may be no more the books but books is how people learned for centuries. Collecting papers and grading them is still the most secure way to make sure no one changes his or her answers on a test AFTER the test is handed in. No connectivity, also means it is hard for the student to use the computer to Cheat, by connecting with friends for answers.

Accountants have had a problem with computers and calculators for years when it comes to tests, they have NOT been able to find a more secure method then just banning them when it comes to the CPA exams. If the school is handing out the laptops, the same level of security can be achieved.

I am sorry, but reading a book, doing math work, reading and translating another language in your head as you read it, can all be done with a computer without connectivity. With the huge gigabytes modern computers have, no reason to have connectivity except to set up what is one the computer. Once you have the subject matter on the computer, everything else can be done by paper or USB cards. It is more secure and usable even in places with no service of any kind is available,