Leveraging the capability of technology in the classroom can transform learning experiences and student engagement. From lesson planning to collaboration, IT can spark greater interest in subject content.

HP devices with Intel® can help students access online learning resources and encourage active participation, with 73% of teachers reporting that technology enables them to respond to a variety of learning styles in the classroom1.

At Cyclone, we’ve compiled an A-Z list of classroom technology for 2020, so you can get a better understanding of the disruptive IT that’s changing the way students learn.

A – Augmented Reality (AR)
Digital elements like images and videos integrated into real-world environments, promoting creativity and engagement.

B – Blogging
Encouraging blogging in the classroom can help build writing and communication skills.

C – Connectivity
Fast and robust connectivitywithin schools enables collaboration between both students and teachers.

D – Devices
Laptops, computers, tablets and mobile provide students the tools they need toseamlessly work and meet learning objectives at both home and school.

E – E Learning
Creating a digital learning environment that embraces thinking and sharing beyond paper and talk.

F – File Sharing
Students can easily share files and content through online platforms like email, digital portfolios, Teams and G Suite.

G – Google Classroom
A network-based school classroom management system to boost collaboration and foster better communication between teachers and their students.

H – Hardware
Deploying robust hardware can support learning and teaching outcomes for your school.

I – Interactive Platforms
Using collaborative platforms that provide for the student voice in their interactions with applications and other users.

J – Joy
Foster JOY in the classroom – students often learn and interact differently from their teachers – don’t overlook the joy that comes learning in ways that address their needs too. .

K – Knowledge
Support knowledge and learning growth usingdigital tools to access live current and live information.

L – LCD Projectors
Connecting digital devices to external wall displays enabling clear, high-resolution videos, images and textso all students can simultaneously view subject content.

M – Multimedia
Using more than one medium of communication i.e. video, sound, animations, AR to create an engaging learning experience.

N – Network
Never underestimate the power of your network! Ensuring your school’s wireless network is secure and can perform seamlessly is crucial to supporting the learning environment.

O – Online Class Calendar
Leveraging online calendar applications can help teachers manage busy class schedules, coordinate lesson plans and share activities with parents.

P – Podcasts
A great example of audio media that can educate students on a range of topics, content and stories. Consider students creating and sharing their own learning outcomes.

Q – Query
Student queries can be answered faster with collaborative devices and online messaging platforms.

R – Recording
Students and teachers can use video equipment to record, createand editpresentations to share with others.

S – SAMR
A significant pedagogy underlying the digital technology adoption and illustrating the progressive adoption and use by students and teachers alike (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition)

T – Tablets
Tablets can enrich classroom learning with their portability and easy-to-use nature. Their ability to accept a digital pen/ pencil as an input enhances the way users interact with their device.

U – USBs
Are no longer needed! Leverage the capabilities of the CLOUD!

V – Virtual Reality
VR can elevate student engagement and immerse them in new experiences. With the ability to explore 3D of objects, it brings a whole new level of learning to the classroom.

W – WiFi
Having a solid WiFi solution helps with real-time collaboration and accelerates the sharing of information.

X – XaaS
Schools canutilise an as-a-Service model, like DaaS (Device as a service), for tailored end-user experiences, hardware management and security solutions.

Y – YouTube
An online platform teachers and students can use to watch and publish their videos about different subjects, topics and stories – a way to globally share their learning outcomes.

Z – ZZZ
Don’t sleep on how much technology can transform the learning experience for teachers and students.

At Cyclone, we believe technology can empower all levels of a school’s learning system that’s why we offer comprehensive IT managed services across the education sector.

If you want to know more about classroom technology, don’t hesitate to contact a friendly Cyclone representative today.

While technology enhances learning experiences for both teachers and students, keeping it secure can be challenging. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, schools must be looking at methods to keep their IT and their staff and student data protected.

With 81% of students using desktops, laptops or tablets at least once per week in school 1, schools need robust infrastructure supported by comprehensive security strategies.

From educating students and staff on how to identify a cyber threat to implementing effective DR policies, there are several ways that you can ensure the security of your school’s data.

Endpoint Security

Protecting endpoints like computers, tablets and smartphones are critical to combating threats. Teaching students about security awareness and how to spot ransomware when accessing websites is a way that you can stay ahead. Implementing endpoint management services with remote monitoring and preventative maintenance can also ensure that your school is protected from every angle.

DR 3-2-1 Backup

Data is one of your school’s biggest assets that’s why having an efficient backup and recovery strategy is essential. A 3-2-1 backup rule is recommended by backing up 3 copies of data, 2 types of media and at 1 different location. Following this process using a combination of backup storage solutions can effectively secure your school’s data and provide peace of mind across your IT environment.

Network Security

Your school’s network is the backbone of the learning experience, it always needs to be accessible for students and staff. Looking at your networking holistically allows your school to identify gaps and implement a strategic plan. Configuring your network to ensure that you have visibility across device usage can help keep your data safe. Monitoring outgoing traffic and setting up security alerts can also help combat a potential attack before it occurs.

At Cyclone, we can help schools integrate comprehensive security strategies across their IT environment with HP devices and Intel®. With over 60 specialist staff, our managed services team can provide solutions that facilitate learning outcomes and goals. If you’re interested in learning more about data security, don’t hesitate to get in contact with a friendly Cyclone representative today.

¹ Why schools need to ramp up their cybersecurity measures, Jon McGettigan, Future Five New Zealand 2017.

Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

65% of students in today’s classrooms will work in jobs that don’t exist yet. With that in mind, forward-thinking educators are recognising the value in using emerging technology like virtual reality to provide an immersive learning experience and prepare students for the future.

When used in a classroom setting as an instructional tool supplementary to conventional education, VR supports more holistic learning and enables children to immerse themselves in the learning process.

Although it has yet to reach its full potential, there are already a number of real-world use cases for virtual reality – and education is one of the most promising. Here are some of the way’s VR is being used in the classroom to improve the learning experience and learning outcomes.

1. To learn about science and the world

When it comes to learning about the universe, the body and scientific phenomena, virtual reality can offer students the chance to explore new and often complicated concepts in an immersive setting.

2. To go on a virtual excursion

Simulations, interactive games and visual representations of data are great tools to help students understand everything from the fundamentals of science to the building blocks of the body and the structure of the solar system.

Whether it’s to explore lost civilisations, other cultures or famous geographical landmarks, virtual reality allows students to “travel” to places from past and present. In the same vein, VR can be used to take “tours” of museums all over the globe. The possibilities for VR school excursions are virtually endless and, when supplemented with educational resources, offer an excellent learning opportunity while keeping students engaged.

3. To learn about history

Imagine stepping onto the moon with Neil Armstrong or watching as the Berlin Wall crumbles before your eyes. Virtual reality is an ideal medium for giving students a taste of history in a way that’s infinitely more memorable than reading about it on paper.

4. To experience different careers

For older students, virtual reality can be used to spend a day in the life of a surgeon, engineer, firefighter, musician or any other professional field to get a first-hand insight into what a career in that industry would look like.

5. To explore literature

VR technology gives teachers new ways to teach students about important works of literature in a way that’s compelling and easy to digest. For example, virtual environments can be crafted to recreate key scenes from a famous novel, and entire works of fiction can be recreated as an interactive gaming experience using technologies like the HP Mixed Reality Headset.

6. To enhance distance learning

VR has huge potential for remote students by enabling real-time collaboration and feedback between student and teachers. Conferencing applications can be used to deliver lectures, while students can interact and share ideas in a virtual environment.

7. To assist students with special needs

Virtual reality can be utilised as an assistive technology for students with learning disabilities by providing a virtual environment in which students can safely practise real-world skills. For example, students can do activities and take trips to places that they may not ordinarily be able to take part in due to accessibility concerns or other issues.

Interested to learn more about the potential for virtual reality in the classroom with HP devices and Intel®? Get in touch with a Cyclone expert.

Intel and the Intel logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Mobile devices are great tools for the classroom, providing students with new ways to learn. Although effective in many aspects, making sure they are used productively can be a challenge, with students being able to access websites unrelated to what’s being taught.

Deploying a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution is one way your school can ensure devices are being used efficiently and safely.

At Cyclone, we’ve put together a Q&A so you can get a better understanding of MDM and the benefits it can provide to your school.

What is MDM?

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is deployable software that allows IT administrators to monitor, control and enforce policies across devices such as smartphones, tablets and other devices. As a core component of mobility management, it provides security assurance, flexibility and lower equipment costs for schools.

Is it just for school owned devices or also for BYOD devices?

MDM can be deployed across both school-owned and BYOD devices. Depending on a school’s needs/device fleet, an MDM solution can be customised to meet specific educational outcomes. Simplicity is key when approaching MDM platforms which is why it’s important to align your selection to your school’s overall IT strategy.

Why do schools want it?

There are many reasons a school may want to leverage MDM. From the capability to manage devices remotely to delivering the right applications/digital content to the student’s device. With ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) an emerging trend, MDM also provides greater security and protection of data and IT infrastructure.

Why should schools deploy it?

While mobile devices allow schools to expand the classroom/ learning context, they also give students more opportunities to access inappropriate online content and expand the number of potential network vulnerabilities 1. Deploying MDM gives security assurance across a school’s device fleet while supporting mobility in student learning. Alongside this, IT leaders and teachers get autonomy over what kinds of applications get used within classrooms.

What are the potential advantages of MDM?

• Greater autonomy with a full suite of management tools and applications
• The ability for a school to “push out” content and applications to student devices
• Significantly reduced device deployment and updates time for school administrators
• Ability to focus student attention to single application
• Ability to lock the device in a classroom environment
• Ability to share work between groups of student screens
• Monitoring and reporting functions across a device fleet
• Remote management capabilities with power to disable or remove unauthorised applications and users.

Can teachers leverage MDM tools or is it solely an IT admin function?

MDM systems can be tailored for teachers to use as a tool in the classroom. Educators can utilise MDM attributes to limit access to specific applications, secure testing environments and smoothly transition from one activity to another.

Navigating what device management solution is right for you can be challenging. At Cyclone, we’re proud to partner with HP Intel® to deliver comprehensive IT managed services and solutions. If you’re interested in MDM and want to learn more, don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly staff today.

1 K–12 Schools Need Strong Mobile Device Management Services, 2019, Eli Zimmerman, EdTech, https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2019/10/k-12-schools-need-strong-mobile-device-management-services-perfcon

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