As one would say colloquially, the alliance sealed in 2014 between the companies Apple and IBM (in other times faithful enemies) aimed at strengthening and increasing the presence of both in the business field, is going "from strength to strength and under full sail" . In addition, both partners decided to also look towards the education sector, a projection that has already become a reality.
The "MobileFirst for iOS" program developed in collaboration by Apple and IBM has already launched more than thirty business applications for different sectors but It is now when both have brought their approach to the education sector to reality with the launch of the first application for this area: "IBM Watson Element".
What is IBM Watson Element?
"IBM Watson Element" is a new application aimed at teaching staff that, although it is integrated within the “MobileFirst for iOS” brand, it has little to do with business management. It is the first application launched jointly by Apple and IBM after having confirmed their alliance about two and a half years ago.
IBM Watson Element it's the new app designed for teachers' iPads. Through her, teachers will have quick access to a great deal of information about their students beyond personal data more basic including "data on interests, achievements, academic performance, attendance, behaviors and learning activities."
IBM and Apple are launching Watson Element to help teachers better understand each student's abilities, preferences and interests to transform personalized learning experiences that are unique to all[...]
IBM Watson Element provides teachers with a holistic view of each student through a fun and easy-to-use intuitive mobile experience that is a natural extension of their work. Teachers can get to know their students beyond their academic performance, including information on personal interests and important milestones that students choose to share. For example, teachers can enter notes when a student's highly anticipated soccer game is scheduled [...]
A fruitful alliance
The alliance sealed between Apple and IBM in 2014 marked their first corporate partnership. The primary objective of the agreement was to expand the presence of both corporations in the business space. For this, Apple would contribute its software as well as its devices (mainly iPhone and iPad) while IBM would contribute its great experience in data analysis.
Both companies created "MobileFirst for iOS", a brand for the joint development of applications focused on different economic sectors (finance, economy, sales, travel, medicine ...). The plan was develop 100 cloud services and business applications. Later, the association expanded to the distribution and support of Apple Macs by IBM to other companies. In fact, IBM itself has become the company in the world with the most Macs after officially offering them to its employees late last year.
IBM has stated that Apple to promote the new app Watson Element as part of its educational offer for schools.
Apple's educational efforts
Apple's interest in the field of education is already known to all. Last August he reported that his participation in the ConnectED program (personally promoted by Barack Obama) had already connected to the network to more than 32.000 students across the United Statesyou. For it, Apple has participated by providing iPad devices, Mac computers and support to 114 educational centers of the country located in economically insufficient areas.
Also in the stores themselves Apple has started a program called "Teachers Tuesdays" through which free assistance is offered to teachers.
In addition, last March Apple launched the app Classroom, a kind of assistant that connects teachers and students in assigning homework, organizing classrooms, delivering educational materials ...
Undoubtedly, from Spain we are very envious of these advances, but who knows! Maybe one day we will also see something similar in our classrooms.