I’m not clear on how many schools, exactly, are springing for iPads instead of cheaper options, but for those that are, Logitech has made a new keyboard built with students in mind.
Actually, it might be more appropriate to say it was built with teachers in mind. The keyboard runs on a wired connection, instead of Bluetooth, because making sure something is plugged in for 30+ students is a lot easier than making sure everyone’s Bluetooth connection is up and running. The keyboard is also made to be durable and spill-resistant, but I don’t know about that last one, because you kids aren’t supposed to be having drinks out in class anyway.
The keyboard is available with either a 30-pin connector or a Lightning connector. Hopefully down the road we’ll see similar products for some of the cheaper Android tablets hitting schools around the world, but for now, Apple-equipped classrooms can get Logitech Wired Keyboards for about $60. You can pre-order now, but the keyboard won’t be shipping until October of this year.