Just how much is too much?

So, here, we have the Amplify Tablet.  Reading this particular guy's blog makes this thing out to be sunshine and rainbows.  And according to Amplify, this tablet is next best thing since sliced bread!! Just listen to what it can do!!

Soooo.....  what is wrong with the Amplify platform?  Well, it seems like it will force schools to use the Amplify tablet to access this software.  I rooted around and did not see a software only package.  The tablet is reasonably priced, but the memberships are expensive and it kills the BYOD possibility.  

Furthermore, it takes away the student's ownership of good behavior and the learning of digital citizenship.  Some people are so worried about what students will access with a WiFi or LTE enabled device.  Well, folks, life is full of temptations and we won't be there to hold their hands forever.  They need to LEARN how to focus and stay on task.  They need to learn how to make good choices on their own.  Personally, having an "Eyes Up Front!" message flash on the student's screen is a little creepy to me.  And lock-down?  Really?  It's no different and no more innovative than the archaic teacher-leading-the-class philosophy we are trying to leave behind. 

On a positive note, I do love the quick quizzes you can push out and the attendance feature, but I'm willing to bet I can find those elsewhere.  Overall, it is too much of an Orwellian dystopia for my tastes....