The impact of the iPad on nearly every sector of business has been remarkable to watch. The tablet is transforming how a number of operations are handled and shows no signs of slowing down. This week, it was announced that Apple has won a $30-million contract with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) which will put a tablet into the hands of every student.
According to a report from the LA Times, the deal was approved by the district school board by a 6-0 vote. It will see Apple supplying roughly 35,000 tablets to 47 LAUSD schools with a price tag of about $678 per device. While that number is above retail, the article suggests each iPad will come preloaded with a package of education software as well as a three-year warranty.
Officials, teachers and students from the school district tested multiple tablet devices and the iPad received the highest scores. Board member Steve Zimmer said this was the one of the "most high-profile contracts this board will ever approve."
Philip Schiller, Apple's senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing, was quoted in a press release from the company about what role the education system might play in the future plans.
"Education is in Apple's DNA and we're thrilled to work with Los Angeles Unified public schools on this major initiative as they plan to roll out iPads to every student across 47 campuses this fall," Schiller said. "Schools around the world have embraced the engaging and interactive quality of iPad with nearly 10 million iPads already in schools today."
This shows how powerful of a tool the iPad has become. Any company can follow the LAUSD's example and roll out an iPad deployment with the help of an experienced It consulting firm.
