Chris Neath, Head of New Product Development at LapCabby, talks to Academy Today on the strategic decision making and planning which must be put into place in order to make the digital classroom a success.
Technology is advancing and educational institutions cannot be left behind if they want to, “take advantage of the latest methods of teaching and the technologies that enable this to happen. As such, the push to fully digitise the classroom continues apace.” Chris explains.
In order to portray the key aspects of a long-lasting and future proofed digital strategy in the classroom, with effectively deployed mobile devices Chris devised a list of seven crucial factors to examine.
What are Chris’s top tips?
Set your stall out early
In the planning phase, before any devices have even been purchased, it is important to do the groundwork for what is to be expected. An Acceptable Usage Policy should be drawn up as one of the first tasks. This is a set of clearly defined expectations and goals, ensuring that educators, students and their families manage and use the devices successfully, safely and effectively.
Meet user demand through future-proofed services
Getting the right devices in place is a major step toward an engaging mobile learning environment. However, just as important is device integration.
Provide the scope for change in every detail
A recent survey that we conducted highlighted that 85% of respondents expected the student-to-device-ratio to increase in 2016. This shows a major trend in the uptake of devices – something which must be considered in all aspects of the implementation process, no matter how small.
Get the full survey results report above, or download our detailed 7 Step Guide to Effective Device Deployment.
Ensuring a positive impact
As much as the technology and infrastructure surrounding it is important, the fundamental fact remains: if the technology does not have a positive impact on the education of students, then it is a pointless expenditure and cannot be justified.
Embrace the latest edtech trends
Education technology is not known for standing still. Momentum must be applied to education technology, and the latest changes and breakthroughs should be used as much as possible.
Ensure your security keeps up
If students are using devices in order to access the internet, then it is imperative that you have adequate security measures in place to keep the students safe. Although students and teachers will have to sign the Acceptable Usage Policy, you still have the legal responsibility to ensure appropriate content is delivered to those in your organisation.
Read the full article on Academy Today (you can also find the article on their sister site, IE Today)
