Tablet programs finding favor in schools worldwide

The popularity of the tablet computer as an educational tool is rapidly ascending, as schools around the world are turning in their old textbooks for the new portable technology.

Several school districts across the United States have already adopted the mobile devices and are taking advantage of the technology's capabilities -- robust applications and video chat, to name a few -- to expand student resources and make the learning experience more engaging.

The technology is also taking hold in other areas of the world. For example, the Philippine Star reports that schools throughout the Philippines are piloting a new tablet program that is expected to eventually replace traditional books and technology as well as other communication devices. Meanwhile, schools in Thailand are following a similar path, according to the Bangkok Post, with government parties promising to put tablets in the hands of students within the next few years.

Tablets do face some obstacles in school settings, however, with cost being the greatest barrier. Nevertheless, according to a November 2011 report from Gene Munster of analyst firm Piper Jaffray, tablets will continue their ascent, and are expected to outpace the growth of traditional computers in the classroom by 2016.