Panasonic launched their new 3E hybrid tablet at the International Society for Technology in Education Conference, a move that comes just months after they launched another product for classroom use.
Their business in classroom devices is a Panasonic initiative called connected classroom solutions. It also includes whiteboards, displays and projectors.
It was reported that Panasonic's 3E hybrid tablet represents their mantra, "engage students, empower teachers, enable IT." Kindergartners through high school students will be able to use the device. Panasonic said it wants to solve the problem of providing solutions to both students and educators and that the 3E was a step in that direction.
The tablet reportedly runs on Windows software. The tablet is loaded with interesting features such as a lens that turns the device into a microscope. It also has a temperature sensor. Other features include educational apps and lesson plans from Intel. There are also textbooks and digital painting capabilities on the hybrid tablet from Panasonic.
The technical specifications are impressive as well. It boasts a 1,366x768 pixel 10-inch touchscreen and an Intel Z3740D quad-core Atom processor. The 2GB of included RAM should be plenty for any student or teacher using the available software that comes with the machine. Panasonic said battery life is 8 hours on one charge. It has built-in Wi-Fi, a stylus, and two cameras (rear- and front-facing) as well as 32GB or 64GB options for storage.
It runs Windows 8.1 and comes with an optional keyboard, too. The hybrid tablet will probably retail around $500, according to sources.
Rance Poehler is Panasonic's President of System Communications Company of North America. He told attendees of the conference that today's students are "digital natives" and that educators can no longer expect them to thrive on learning in a classroom devoid of today's top technology.
"We hear from students, teachers and administrators that technology is making a difference in student engagement and performance," said Poehler "In fact, technology-based classes have reported an 81 percent increase in high-stakes test scores, according to Project RED."
The device features classroom management software that helps teachers gather useful information from their students. They can then connect with them individually, with groups or all at once. The software also enables teachers to have more insight into each student's progress, making the classroom experience even more personalized than ever.
Discount pricing is reportedly being offered to education institutions that want to give the product a try. Panasonic collaborated with Microsoft and Intel on the hybrid tablet to purpose it specifically for the classroom.
