I recently read this very interesting article on CNN Money, on the introduction of iPads as well as the “one computer per child” concept into today’s schools.

The article cited research that was quite eye-opening in regards to the digitization of modern schools.

A recent survey of 25 educational technology directors at a conference on integrating technology in the classroom found some interesting results regarding digital computing in the classroom.

The findings included:

  • 100% of schools were testing or deploying iPads in their schools. 0% were testing or deploying Android tablets
  • Their schools currently have an average of one computer for every 10 students
  • Nearly half (12) expect to eventually deploy one computer per child; two of their schools already do
  • More than a third (9) expect to deploy one tablet per child; 16% within the next 5 years; one school already does

Given the huge problems facing America’s schools, this is a slender thread on which to base a vision of broad educational reform. But these trends represent a profound shift in how students will be educated in the years and decades ahead. It also highlights the absolute need for the strongest web presence possible for businesses that wish to succeed with these students as they grow into adulthood.

Piper Jaffray’s Gene Munster, who conducted the survey, quotes outgoing Apple retail chief Ron Johnson, who has suggested that the current crop of students might be “the last generation with backpacks.”

It’s common wisdom to assume that digital technology and the Web will become ubiquitous sometime in the future, but these latest findings clearly show that the complete replacement of all print copy can already be seen on the horizon.

In addition to the classroom, the plummeting rate of magazine and newsprint subscriptions, and the steady decreases in the purchase of physical books thanks to various e-readers and smart phones, point directly to a time in the near future when print becomes completely obsolete. As these students mature they will have very little exposure to printed materials in general, making this communication and advertising medium a relic of a not-so-distant past.

The takeaway is:

There has never been a more critical time to focus time and resources towards your overall web presence, the SEO rankings of your website, and the creation of social media campaigns for your company.

The very survival of your business may depend on these factors far more quickly than you have recognized, or addressed.

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