Hardware in the Classroom

Over the past 10 years there has been quite a change in the types of ICT hardware found in the classrooms in which I have worked. As the ‘computer lab’ began to lose favour, desktop computers were moved into the classroom. It soon became apparent that accommodating these relatively large machines was problematic in a standard sized classroom- even with the advent of the LCD screen which alleviated some of the space issues. As wireless infrastructure was installed, laptops began to replace the older desktop computers. In some classes, netbooks were an economical way of providing greater access to technology. The small screens were not overly popular with students or teachers (particularly where 2,3 or even 4 students were required to work together on one machine). Following the netbook trend, PC laptops were becoming more affordable and decisions were made to purchase these as they were more suitable for group work as well as being preferred by individuals for their screen real estate. Apple  MacBooks were popular in some schools, particularly due to the creative software available, but these remain quite an expensive device.

Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) also found their way into most classrooms during this time. Whilst some teachers were able to see the potential of these for student use, particularly with the accompanying software, they remained very much a teacher tool in much of my experience. They certainly are a great teacher resource but were, unfortunately, not necessarily used to their full potential.

Over the past 12 months or so, two devices are being introduced into classrooms that are quite different to what has gone before - the iPad and Chromebook.

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iPads have become very popular for many reasons:

• mobile - can easily be used anywhere including outdoors
• access to educational apps without the need for login
• software installation (apps) is very easy
• instant access to wireless network
• minimal technical support required
• instant on
• long battery life
• auto save of work
• easy recording of video and photography
• ubiquitous in community
• many uses as assistive technology

OtherKevin 

Chromebooks have gained much traction in primary classrooms in my jurisdiction over the past year - particularly as schools have rolled out Google Apps for Education. Schools that have trialled the Chromebooks with one class have gone on to purchase many more as they see the benefits of these devices for education:

• light and portable
• free educational apps to supplement Google Apps
• easy access to wireless
• minimal technical support
• fast start up
• long battery life

Both the iPad and, particularly, the Chromebook are being introduced into classrooms as teachers see the benefits to learning as students have greater access to technology and the software that can be used by students for knowledge creation as well as being able to more easily cater for individual student needs, whether they be physical or academic. Students and teachers have quickly come to understand the educational benefits of the iPad as more become available for classroom use. Parents, who initially have regarded the ipad as a device for gaming, have been introduced to the many ways that the iPad can support their children’s learning. The Chromebook has had a slower uptake possibly because they it is a relatively new device that has not been very familiar outside of school settings (although that is changing). The low cost of Chromebooks has enabled schools to purchase many more devices compared to laptop purchase. In BYOD situations, parents have embraced the low cost Chromebook and some have expressed a preference for this laptop style device with keyboard.

The Chromebook is particularly suited to schools using Google Apps for Education. Students simply sign in to gain access to all of their documents, mail and other apps.

Interestingly, just as all schools in my educational jurisdiction have finally installed IWBs in most, if not all, classrooms, many are now questioning whether or not to replace them as they come to the end of their life. Some schools embracing BYOD have already begun replacing IWBs with large TV screens. Apple TV installed enables students to share their iPad screens with the class. Some classrooms are choosing to install two or even three screens to facilitate different learning in different spaces.

Whichever hardware schools choose, often a combination of devices, teachers and students are benefitting from greater access to technology. Without access to the hardware as and when needed, it is very difficult to sustain a program that relies on ICT.