Panasonic 3E ISTE

Sunday th first big day at the International Society for Technology in Education kicked off with a big bang from Panasonic with the help of their partners Intel and Microsoft. In a standing room only press event, Panasonic took the cover off of the brand new 3E 2-in-1.

Rance Poehler, President of Panasonic System Communications Company of North America spoke of Panasonic’s vision for a totally connected classroom, all with one synergistic system at the core.

Today’s classroom is typically made up of varying degrees of technology, often from different vendors. Many school systems are employing consumer devices in the classroom which don’t meet up to the rigorous standards found in today’s classroom. Not only that it’s hard to have fluidity between software, and hardware when going the consumer route.

“What was missing was a teacher student device to keep everything connected” Poehler told the press in attendance. He also said that “the whole goal is the solution and not just the device”

With that the new 3E-2-in-1 was announced, as that complete solution.  The new laptop/tablet hybrid device was a collaborative effort between Microsof

t, Intel and Panasonic. “to have Microsoft, Intel and Pansonic, collectively collaborating on one solution… I’ve never seen it happen” Poehler said.

The 2-in-1 convertible device, which features a detachable keyboard and aims to engage students, empower teachers, and enable IT with a flexible device that allows students to connect to lessons anytime, anywhere. The 3E devices are compatible with classroom management software that permits teachers to gather information from students and connect with them individually, in groups and as a whole. The classroom management software allows teachers to better connect with students by having more insight into where students are in the learning process, and therefore deliver personalized education.

The device combines great hardware with things like lenses that  can be added to the onboard camera and than used with LabCam software for students to use in science class. It also is optimized for Microsoft One Note and the One Note ecosystem that allows for students to create and do their work and assignments, utilizing just about any media that works on a computer.

Developed to foster active learning and effective classroom management, the 10” touch-screen 3E 2-in-1 features education-specific software, such as KNO, from Intel and Microsoft. The 3E also includes a detachable keyboard for maximum flexibility, in addition to:

·         Interactive STEM-centric Features: The 3E includes a stylus for easier note-taking, an attachable magnifying lens that turns the camera into a microscope, and a temperature probe for lab experiments. These interactive features promote inquiry-based learning and facilitate training in STEM subjects.

·         Durability: As a manufacturer of mobile devices that can survive the world’s most extreme environments, Panasonic has infused the student devices with similarly rugged technology: the 3E is able to withstand three-foot drops in addition to being spill and dust resistant, meeting IP51 standard. Such a level of ruggedness increases where and how lessons can be taught, and reduces the risk of device replacement costs.

·         Classroom Management: The 3E promotes student collaboration with reversible docking, and allows teachers to control what the students are doing by viewing or unlocking their devices to ensure everyone is on the same page and tracking with the lesson.

“As educators, it is our imperative to support extended learning and expose students to the tools and environment that await them in the work world,” said Jason Messer, Superintendent of the Manteca Unified School District and 3E customer. “Devices that are purpose-built for K-12 education, like the 3E, are ideal to meet the needs of this market and help the students leap into the digital age.”

“At Intel, we’re inspired by the potential of technology to bring learning to life and equip students with the skills they need for future success,” said John Galvin, vice president of the Sales and Marketing Group at Intel and general manager of Intel Education. “Devices such as the 3E are powerful learning tools that transform how students learn and teachers teach. We’re doing more than simply giving students devices to take notes – we’re empowering teachers to have more control over their lessons and incorporate interactive features that inspire student curiosity and promote inquiry.”

“Digital inking makes a significant difference in student outcomes in the areas of math and science,” said Margo Day, vice president, U.S. Education, Microsoft. “We are deeply committed to improving student success through innovative technology. Our collaboration with Panasonic to create a STEM-centered Windows 8.1 student device at an affordable price is an important pillar in that effort.”

Additional features include:

·         Range of I/O ports: The 3E offers wide compatibility, with Micro HDMI, Micro SD, micro-SIM card, audio/microphone combo jack, USB 3.0 and power ports.

·         Leading processor and operating system: The 3E is built on an Intel® Atom™ quad-core processor and runs Windows 8.1 PRO right out of the box.

·         Long battery life: The 3E can last a full school day with a tablet battery life of eight hours, plus an optional keyboard with carrying handle that can extend the battery an additional three hours.

The Panasonic 3E will be available for schools this fall.