Some of the older ones amongst us can actually remember a time
when there were no computers in schools. Incredible but true. How did we learn?
survive, even?
Technology is now ubiquitous; and pupils entering education
today, who grow up with limited access to it, are likely to be disadvantaged
throughout their time at school and beyond. There is a real danger of
alienation (from classmates, and from technology) that a shortage of available
ICT can engender.
Primary Schools meanwhile, are all too often forced to do the best
they can with limited resources, due to budget and staffing constraints.
In today's Primary Schools, ICT resources tend to be scarce, out
of date, and with limited interoperability; and there is a continued reliance
on printed materials. Such an environment presents challenges to teachers
wishing to personalise lesson plans or provide one-to-one guidance; and can
lead to limited opportunities for pupils to explore and learn.
Furthermore, very few IT manufacturers offer solutions
specifically for young hands - especially not for very young hands. The 'wish
list' for ideal features might look something like this:
- Robust - bordering on indestructible might be more concise
- Engaging - a UI that is simple and instinctive, and adaptable for personalised lesson plans
- Small and light, yet with a long battery life, and a long service life.
With the right tools, enquiring minds can explore literacy and
numeracy, music and creativity; while learning to collaborate, and to
socialise. Small but vital steps on a larger journey.
Levelling the playing field - HP Innovation in Primary Schools.
HP has developed a large range of best-in-class technology -
specifically designed for demanding Primary Educational environments - with
price points, programmes and discounts that can make a real positive
difference; helping to ensure better ICT coverage in primary schools, for
pupils and students of Key stage 3.
Recommendations for the
near term include small, ruggedised tablets such as the HP Pro Slate 10, and
Pro Tablet 10 Education Edition; which both feature an extra tough chassis and
screen, a solidly attached stylus, excellent battery performance augmented by
charging carts, robust security features, and a suite of pre-installed
educational tools.
These small and portable
wireless tablets enable easy connectivity with projectors, whiteboards and
other devices - easing the burden on teaching staff; while ensuring that
pupils' needs are fully served in the following key areas:
- Literacy and numeracy - via number recognition, spelling utilities, and e-readers
- Creativity: painting, animated short stories, basic music keyboard skills
- Collaboration and socialisation
- Practice and remediation of basic skills.
Westcoast's HP in Education portal highlights the key HP
products best suited to education to make it easy for schools and their
suppliers to make an informed decision on the solutions available as
conveniently as possible.
Are you interested in learning more about HP Innovation for
Schools and how we can help?
No comments:
Post a Comment