Mobile Computing | ISTE 2014 Coverage

Panasonic Debuts 2-in-1 Mobile Device for K-12, Connected Classroom PD Resources

• By Leila Meyer
• 07/02/14

Panasonic has developed a mobile computing device designed specifically for K-12 education. The company unveiled the 3E (Engage, Empower, Enable), a tablet with an optional detachable keyboard, at the ISTE 2014 conference in Atlanta, GA.

According to the company, the 3E is designed to encourage inquiry-based learning, boost student engagement and nurture analytical skills. The 3E features a 10-inch touch screen and detachable keyboard, as well as education-specific software, such as OneNote, KNO, SPARKvue and ArtRage. It includes a stylus for note taking, an attachable magnifying lens that converts the camera to a microscope and a temperature probe for lab experiments. The 3E also meets IP51 standards. It can withstand a three-foot drop and is spill and dust resistant.

Key features of the 3E include:

• Intel Atom quad-core processor;
• Windows 8.1 Pro for Education (32-bit) operating system;
• Intel Education Software;
• 10-inch, 1,366 x 768 display, IPS, 350 nits, five-point touch
• Optional keyboard;
• Eight-hour battery life for the tablet, which can be extended three hours with the addition of the keyboard;
• Bluetooth 4.0, plus optional NFC (near-field communication) and LTE connectivity;
• One USB 3.0 port on the tablet, one USB 2.0 port on the dock, one micro-SD card slot, audio-mic combo jack, and micro HDMI port;
• 2 GB DDR3L-RS 1333 RAM;
• 32 GB or 64 GB eMMC; and
• Integrated Intel high-definition graphics.

The 3E has a starting price of $499, and Panasonic also offers grant-writing assistance for schools with limited resources.

In related news, Panasonic has also announced its Connected Classroom solution, which brings together the company's collaborative school technology with education software and a suite of professional development programs designed to make it easier for teachers and IT staff to implement and use technology in the classroom.

Connected Classroom technology includes the new 3E tablet, as well as wireless projectors, interactive displays, classroom audio, cameras and software. As part of the Connected Classroom, Panasonic is offering professional development and IT services to complement the implementation hardware and software in the classroom.

"Program topics range from hardware training, such as how to integrate interactive whiteboards into lesson plans, to tips for useful apps in the classroom," according to information from the company. "The in-depth courses can be customized for the school or district and conducted on location by a trained Panasonic edtech professional with classroom teaching experience."

The company has also launched the Panasonic Education Pricing (PEP), which offers discount pricing for K-12 schools.

Further information about the 3E and Connected Classroom can be found on Panasonic's site.