Mobile Computing | News
Brainchild Debuts Android Tablet for Schools
The Kineo tablet limits student access to the Internet and disables texting. |
Ed tech developer Brainchild this week debuted a tablet designed specifically for K-12 schools. The new device, called Kineo, is based around Google's Android 2.1 operating system, like a number of popular tablets, but provides security features for schools that want to limit what students can do. The device was introduced this week at the FETC 2011 conference in Orlando, FL.
Although it's a full-featured tablet, Kineo is being positioned more as an e-book reader because it's focused squarely on instruction and assessment. It includes security features designed to prevent activities that some schools might consider disruptive, and it integrates with Brainchild's Achiever! assessment suite (through GlobalSYNC, which "synchronizes Achiever! data from every Kineo and computer and makes it easy for teachers to manage from a convenient Web-based interface," according to Brainchild).
For security, the tablet includes a feature that prevents students from accessing Web sites except those whitelisted by the school. It also has messaging disabled by default.
The tablet itself features a 7-inch, 800 x 480 touchscreen display; an 800 MHz, dual-core processor; 2 GB internal storage; and 256 MB RAM. It also includes an SD Card slot for storage expansion.
Other features of the Kineo include:
- 802.11 b/g WiFi;
- Ruggedized construction for school use;
- HDMI output;
- Stereo audio and headphone jack;
- USB port; and
- 10-hour battery life.
Kineo is expected to start shipping in March. It will run $299.99. Preorders are open now. Further information is available here.