It looks like Apple has something new to worry about other than their unfortunate stock slide. New reports show that Apple is also falling behind in the education market to none other than Google and its Chromebook army.

“For the first time, Chromebook sales surpassed 51% in the K-12 market nationwide in the third quarter, according to a recent report by market researcher Futuresource Consulting,” according to USA Today.

“The surge reflects a fundamental shift in how American schools are buying tech in bulk and assessing students online, placing an emphasis on low-cost, easy-to-manage machines.”

For schools with tight budgets the Chromebooks have been viable options when it comes to bringing blended learning to areas that without less expensive options, may not have had the ability to do so. For schools who want to cut cost and expand their network Chromebooks also prove to be a pretty easy option again due to how low the prices are.

“It's a tidal wave: Chrome is the clear U.S. market leader now,” says Mike Fisher, associate director of education technology at Futuresource, according to the report.

“He says districts are drawn to the Chromebook’s Web-based operating system, ease of use, IT manageability and $200 to $300 price range.”

Getting teachers and students to adopt to new devices in the classroom isn’t always easy. This is where the Chromebook shines. Simplicity always makes for easier transitions into blended learning and these devices are tailored towards doing so. 

“Chromebooks — laptops running Google's Chrome OS as their operating systems — made significant strides, year over year,” according to USA Today.

“Chromebooks' market share jumped to 51% from 40%. Apple products, mostly iPads but also laptops and Mac desktops, declined to 24% from 32%. Windows-based machines remained steady at 23%.”

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Article by Navindra Persaud, Education World Contributor