Which devices are most effective in school?
The subject of which devices are the most effective in school. Not just cost effective, they need to provide the best value in terms of the end result and reliability. Again, the most common solutions are always based on those expensive words ‘we’ve always done it that way’. Does anyone stop and take a look at alternative ways of working to simplify work processes, support factors and other associated costs?
I would like to start with the elephant in the room, Interactive Displays, or as we often still see in classrooms, interactive whiteboards. There isn’t a single source of evidence that confirms that the learning outcomes of pupils have improved because there was an interactive whiteboard in their classroom. Good teaching improves learning outcomes. It’s been written about many times over the years that teachers who use technology well will replace those who do not. Let’s focus on breaking down the barriers to changing the decades old practice of standing at a board fastened to the wall and writing on it. Let’s untether the teacher from this practice which hasn’t moved on since the Victorian classroom. The tools have changed but not the approach to delivering the learning. The iPad has become an amazing substitution tool, again I wish to refer to the SAMR model (Ruben R. Puentedura). The fantastic transformation the iPad makes in regard to a teacher being able to walk around the classroom freely and teach, share & feedback has redefined the way teaching is delivered. This one example has simplified the device selection process for displays and teacher devices. The end decision is then based on whatever the strategic budget plan can afford. When I converse with schools about which solutions to go for, unless it’s early years, I will never recommend interactive screens. If wireless mirroring with iPads are the choice then it’s a budget dependent decision between projectors or commercial TV screens. The most recent exercise we conducted allowed the school to initially get started with an iPad for every staff member.
The IT world has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, yes in 1995 Windows opened up the world to the internet and email. In education, Microsoft still holds a dominance. The main reason, everyone is doing what they’ve always done and in many cases it’s not the pupils or families who are the barrier to looking at alternative devices. Many home users do not have access to a computer at all, we live in a world of mobile phones and tablets. Much of the business world and associated services such as Amazon, Asda, Tesco home deliveries who also only use handheld devices. Yes, Windows does have a massive place in the enterprise and business world, however, when the pupils of today reach the age that they will have to look at desktop systems, they will have the skills required to easily use the systems. Schools need to seriously move into the 2020’s and consider Google Chrome Devices & Apple Devices which all work seamlessly with much lower support costs. They also offer a simpler setup process and are much quicker to use in everyday school settings.
I welcome a conversation with any school leaders who would like to consider there is a different way of thinking. Your IT Provider isn’t always looking at what’s best for your school.
Nigel Milligan
IT Director
