I am working with a university in Mexico as a technology advisor and they wanted to make changes to the their computer lab equipment. They wanted to replace the old equipment with new PCs with better systems but their thoughts were only concentrated on the fact that the majority of the classmates have one already at home, so the decision was taken to reach the compatibility with the users personal computer interface that they already have. I suggested to them to also buy four MacBook Pros to open a new option and give students the opportunity to explore and learn a new system. Well, the demand of using the MacBook has been so strong and has increased in such a meaningful way that they will have to invest money to buy a quantity of 30 MacBook Pros. They never realized that students already use as personal technology tools iPhones, iPods, and iPads.
Hey Luz!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story! It is interesting how the students gravitate towards one kind of technology - in this case Apple. I often wonder what the prime motivation is for young people and Macs. Is it the perception of being cool, and that technology, especially phones, have become status symbols? Or is it that Apple technologies are superior to everything else that is available? Being an Apple Distinguished Educator, I don't think I can answer these questions without a rather obvious bias! It would be a fun study though.