Mobile computing devices within K-12 education to rise in 2017

LONDON, UK: Global penetration of mobile computing devices within K-12 education is forecast to reach almost ten percent by the end of 2017, growing from just over three percent in 2012, according to Futuresource Consulting's quarterly tracking service 'Mobile Computing in Education'.

Heavy investment by governments, and by individual schools and districts, is driving adoption upwards as schools aim to improve teaching standards and create an IT literate workforce.

One of the biggest challenges educators face when rolling out 1:1 computing initiatives is how the devices are to be used by teachers to improve teaching standards, and what devices are going to be the most suitable.

Notebooks, netbooks, and tablets are the three main device types deployed. Until the end of 2012, notebooks and netbooks were the devices of choice within K-12 education. However, uptake of tablets towards the end of 2012 and throughout 2013 has been enormous, with Apple the largest provider. While Apple has been successful with their tablets, other companies are now becoming more aware of the opportunities in the education market.

Phil Maddocks, market analyst at Futuresource Consulting, said: "Apple's iPad has been highly successful in K-12 education, particularly in the United States where Apple holds a commanding lead. However, other options are coming to market, such as Android tablets and Google Chromebooks, which are both offering lower cost alternatives to the iPad."

To date, the Americas region has led the way in 1:1 computing deployments. Several countries, such as Uruguay and Argentina, are rolling out dedicated programs to provide individual devices for students, with Uruguay boasting the highest penetration rate globally: above 80 percent in 2012.

By 2016, however, Futuresource forecasts show the Asia-Pacific region will overtake the Americas region by supplying more mobile computing devices for K-12 education.

According to Kate Russell, research analyst at Futuresource Consulting, said: "In 2013 and 2014, we are seeing significant tender activity in the Asia-Pacific region, with several large volume roll outs such as Uttar Pradesh in India, Chromebook roll outs in Malaysia, as well as a large uptake of tablets in Thailand. In addition, there are several other government funded programs still being discussed, which are yet to deploy. This could further increase the uptake of devices within the Asia-Pacific region."

The opportunities for mobile computing devices in the education market are huge, and the market will gain considerable pace over the next five years as governments and educators continue to invest in the next generation.