Why Tablet Publishing Is Poised to Revolutionize Higher Education

Trevor Bailey, Mashable.com

Trevor Bailey is director of worldwide education at Adobe Systems, and leads the programs and strategies that make Adobe products easily available to education institutions.

Today, only 57% of students who attend college in the U.S. actually graduate. The country ranks 12th among 36 developed countries. President Obama’s administration has a stated goal for the U.S.: Take the lead in higher education completion rates by 2020. To accomplish this aim, Obama notes the need to foster critical thinking, champion problem solving and employ innovative knowledge to prepare students for college and careers.

Technical literacy and strong learning engagement are two important paths toward boosting college graduation rates and better preparing students for lifelong career success. However, technology is just one vital factor in a cumulative equation. Educators can benefit by rapidly adopting tablet devices and interactive digital publications.

Better Study Habits and Performance With Tablets

Market intelligence firm IDC projects worldwide shipments of more than 70 million tablets in 2012, up from 17 million in 2010. We are witnessing a major transformation in how digital content is distributed and consumed. According to a 2011 Pearson Foundation survey, 86% of college students who own a tablet say the device helps them study more efficiently, and 76% report that tablets help them perform better in their classes. Seventy percent of college students and college-bound high school seniors are interested in owning a tablet device, and 20% expect to purchase a tablet within the next six months. More…

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