Across all industries, technology is having a revolutionising effect, and education is no exception. From interactive whiteboards and iPads to technology-orientated teaching strategies, the digital classroom is becoming now a reality.
However, unlike a number of commercial sectors and industries, when it comes to education all changes and progressions have to be carefully considered. While the taxi industry can be uprooted by a disruptive technology such as Uber, in an educational setting, digitisation has to be introduced steadily and prove that it has real and tangible benefits.
With this in mind, I have outlined below six factors to consider in order to integrate education technology successfully.
Education and awareness
Alongside education comes awareness. After all, the digital classroom is a big step and all stakeholders have to be on board. Communication is vital at the early stages, and if everyone involved feels comfortable in the aims, practices, and eventual outcomes, then the implementation of technology will be a much smoother process.
To ensure a smooth transition to deploying devices in the digital classroom, follow our simple to effective mobile device management.
Security
Organisations have a legal responsibility to ensure that students are safe and that the content they have access to is appropriate. Security must be a priority when children are involved.
Alongside cybersecurity, organisations must also remember to secure their devices physically. Storing them in safe locations and password protecting them to prevent those that shouldn’t from gaining access is a good starting point.
Physical risks, temperature control and electronics
Although it sounds simple, the physical risk of technology is often overlooked and schools, colleges and universities have to consider it. Educational establishments will often be storing and charging hundreds of devices. Therefore, they need to be housed away from harm in order to protect the equipment, but most importantly, the students and staff.
Check out our handy Infographic on the types of hazards you may find around the classroom, and some tips on enhancing classroom safety. Or, follow our 6 Top Tips to bolstering classroom safety.
Using equipment that is fit for purpose
When it comes to schools, colleges and universities, storage is important due to the sheer quantity of devices. Therefore, organisations need to make sure that they have equipment that is fit for purpose. Can it store the number of devices you need it to? Can it charge a selection of different devices? Does it have a weight limit? And can it scale as more and more devices are introduced and the student-device ratio decreases?
Schools need to ensure they have a solution that reflects their unique needs
Ultimately, it is undeniable that the majority of classrooms can now be considered digital classrooms. And it is vastly improving education. However, due to the sensitive nature of education, there are a number of factors to consider before taking the plunge. It is a careful process, but by considering the above, educational organisations can stand themselves in good stead to make technology work for them in the most effective way.
Read the full article with IT Pro Portal here.
