Solutions such as AirWatch's
Teacher Tools and Google's
Chromebook Management Console are fueling the adoption of Chromebooks and iPads, leaving Microsoft behind.
Recently I had the opportunity to attend the Microsoft TechEd Europe event, where the software giant was introducing key features of the upcoming Windows 10 operating system.
One of the breakout sessions of the conference was focused on the education sector. Craig Ashley, senior product marketing manager at Microsoft, explained the advantages of the upcoming Windows 10 OS in this area.
One key feature Microsoft points out is the Unified App Store for Windows 10, and having a specific education section where schools, teachers, and students can easily find and download the apps they need, regardless of the device they use.
Another key advantage is the reimaging process of devices. Sometimes schools need to load the basic apps, security preferences, account management, and other specific configurations into devices. Windows 10 will simplify the process, so schools with limited IT staff can delegate some of these tasks to teachers.
(Image: Kevin Jarrett)
But Microsoft has not solved the issue of having to purchase a license for each user. When I asked Craig Ashley about that, he answered, "Each user that logs into a device will use a license, so that license will be taken down and it wouldn't go back dynamically." That could ramp up a heavy bill of license fees for schools with limited number of computers and hundreds of students using them.
Meanwhile Google is making a dent on this lucrative market with Chromebooks. The internet giant has been promoting the use of Chrome OS with specific tools for schools to manage the devices, their apps and users. Its Chromebooks for Education program is helping schools deploy large numbers of devices with an easy management system.
While it is possible to purchase a small Windows laptop for about the same price of a basic Chromebook, the associated management and support costs are enormous in comparison. Also Chromebooks are pre-loaded with apps such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, with similar functionality to Microsoft's Office.
Schools can easily provision each Chromebook with specific educational apps, remotely wipe the entire device in seconds, and reuse the laptop for a new class without purchasing any more licenses. There is no manual setup for different users and the machines are administered throughout the school, no matter how many Chrome devices they have, or where they're being used. Google claims that there is no manual maintenance, security patching, or time-consuming support.
Since Chromebooks are specifically designed to work online with cloud storage there is no risk that students could lose their work and applications. Each student receives an unique Google account and cloud drive where all documents, preferences, and apps are installed, allowing them to work on the school provided Chrome device or any other computer, tablet or smartphone able to run Google Drive. If a Chromebook is lost or compromised it can be wiped out remotely with the "powerwash" feature.
"Chromebooks and Google Apps are having a hugely beneficial impact on our students' learning and preparing them for the collaborative, online environment that is becoming increasingly relevant for their future in higher education and the workplace," said Bruno Reddy, lead maths teacher at King Solomon Academy in London. Reddy added:
Boot-up speed, battery life, and reliability make Chromebooks the best option for schools. Compared to other technology and other operating systems, the Chromebooks work every time. I've had flawless reliability from these machines and haven't heard the dreaded 'Sir, my computer has frozen' since I made the switch. I think Google Apps and cloud computing is preparing my students for the collaborative, online environments which are becoming increasingly relevant for those in higher education and the workplace of today. The Chromebooks and Google Apps have already had a hugely beneficial impact on their learning.
While Google is successful with Chromebooks as school laptops the clear winner on tablets is Apple. iPads are a the preferred platform for schools deploying tablets as digital learning devices.
Apple has always been a strong player in the education market. While other PC vendors were mostly focused on the corporate and government sectors Apple was cultivating niche markets such as education, press and design. The effort is paying off and Apple can claim leadership in the education market.
Also iPads have the biggest collection of education apps available today, plus some unique management tools, some by Apple and some by MDM providers such as AirWatch.
iBooks author, the free iPad ebook development platform, allows education publishers and teachers easily make Multi‑Touch books for iPad. It's ideal to create materials tailored to specific lessons and class levels. For example, in "Lighting Essentials," Simon McIntyre created simple HTML widgets that allow students to interact and experiment with temperature techniques and color effects right from their iPads.
AirWatch's teacher tools is a comprehensive set of applications and tools that enables teachers to guide mobile learning by managing student devices, apps and content using a simple interface. The teacher and student modules give teachers control of classroom devices. Using the tools new models for classes can be developed and teachers can interact easily with students both during classes and when students are at home.
Several schools are providing iPads to all their students, through school budgets, loan programs, and government grants. I had the opportunity to talk to some school officials during the recent AirWatch Connect conference in London. Representatives of several UK school districts shared their experience in a roundtable.
David Burns, network services manager at Harrogate Grammar School, said:
In 2010, Harrogate Grammar School started a one to one mobile device scheme, whereby every student aged 11 to 18 received a mobile device. The school settled on the iPad due to the benefits that it offered in terms of long battery life and a good education based ecosystem that's already built in.The school spent just under two years engaging parents, trialling the devices with teachers and students and looking to explore ways to use the devices in the classroom.
We took a-hands-off approach with the iPads. When we gave them to teachers, we encouraged them to install games on them and play with the devices just to get used to the technology and become familiar with how the devices work, and how they can be used in education and recreation. We took the same approach with the students by giving a device without constraints on it.
Catherine Scutt, head of creative teaching and learning at Girls' Day School Trust, said:
There is a huge difference between having an instant device like an iPad at a student's fingertips as opposed to trying to book a computer three weeks in advance from the school's library. It gives students and teachers the flexibility to try websites and applications that student may come across or find interesting from a learning perspective.
Microsoft needs to simplify their offering for education empowering schools and teachers to manage devices, licenses, and content easily. They also need to provide free development tools for educators so they can create unique content. Otherwise the current trend of schools moving to iPads and Chromebooks will continue and the professionals of tomorrow won't be used to Windows anymore.
Please join us on Thursday, November 13, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT) for a UBM Future Cities webinar: "How to Deliver on the Promise of Improved Learning Outcomes Through Technology." Register here.
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