More and more schools are offering their teaching materials digitally. That’s why it’s important for students to have the right device to access these materials. But what should one pay attention to when purchasing devices for education?
The use of ICT resources in education is booming. More and more schools are offering part of their teaching materials digitally, and publishers also sell digital teaching materials in addition to books.
Customized education
From research of Knowledge, a public organization for ICT use in education, shows that providing education tailored for laptops and tablets makes education more attractive. Teaching materials shared with students has become easier and accessible at any time. Learning has become better and less stressful.
Choose from a huge range
In the enormous supply of laptops and tablets, the question is of course what a laptop should meet in education. Many schools purchase a device for their teachers. At the same time, schools offer special promotions for their students or provide a specification overview that the device must meet as a minimum. To help you on your way, a number of specific laptop functions are important for devices used in education.
Software System Requirements
Laptops and tablets used in education must meet certain system requirements. It is important that you first consider which software and online teaching methods you will use in your school. For example, in 2017, publishing house Noordhoff applied the following system requirements for the use of its digital learning resources: Equipment must have at least the operating systems Windows 7 in combination with the Internet Explorer 10 or Chrome 39+ browser. For Apple equipment, Os Yosemite with Chrome 39+ or Safari 8 applies and for Chromebooks, Chrome OS with browser Chrome 39+. Also, note that many tablets and iPads do not have Java and Flash plugins. While that is often a requirement because many programs still run on it.
Sturdy housing
Certainly, the device for the students must be able to take a beating. A bag that falls off the table, a laptop that falls to the floor when the student turns awkwardly or is knocked over while walking with the tablet in hand. Especially at school, there is an accident in a small corner. A robust laptop or tablet is then no superfluous luxury. And many a teacher – especially from secondary education – lugs his device through the school on a daily basis. So a sturdy device is also a godsend for him.
Sufficient battery
The battery should be able to last a school day. Suppliers of best laptop under 800 and tablets usually promise a lifespan of about 9 hours before the device needs to be charged.
Screen Size
The desired screen size is very dependent on what is to be done with it. A large screen is desirable for graphic projects. But another point to keep in mind – especially for students – is that the device fits in a school bag.
Gratis Office 365
Microsoft provides a free educational version of its office software for school and college students. Office 365 Education includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote. In addition, students get 1TB OneDrive storage space to share documents over the Internet. A valid school email address is required to use the package.
