Consider your options

What would you say are the three biggest benefits of implementing 1:1 tablets schemes in schools?

Implementing a 1:1 tablet program allows students to access information more conveniently, provides a strong catalyst for motivation and interaction in the classroom, and empowers students with the technologies that they are familiar with and enjoy using. We’ve found that mobile technology is a powerful engagement platform for the classroom, allowing students to use educational applications and content to enrich their learning experience and keep the learning experience engaging and interesting.

And what are the three main drawbacks?

IT administrators continue to be challenged with ensuring that students are using the technology appropriately in the context of a classroom. This means protecting students from objectionable content and restricting access to applications that may pose a distraction. Educators are faced with ensuring that students understand how to use the technology and select the appropriate applications and content necessary to enrich the student’s learning experience.

When choosing the tablet model, are schools considering all the options available to them, or are they simply opting for the most popular? Do you think there is enough variety?

Much like what we’ve seen in enterprise deployments, there is no one-size-fits-all model when it comes to form factors, device manufacturers, or operating systems. Mobile technologies are constantly changing, and educators are acutely aware that what may be current and popular today will very soon be outdated in the near future. IT administrators want to keep their options open and are afraid of locking into one vendor and one operating system, much like their peers in the enterprise.

Security/e-safety has been a cause for concern in the past, what steps have we taken to reduce risk? 

Educators and IT administrators have learned from high profile incidents in the past year where students had figured out how to circumvent security policies. Device manufacturers and enterprise mobility management vendors continue to work closely to enhance the security of 1:1 e-learning solutions. Schools are employing enterprise security advancements like geo-fencing policies and “kiosk” mode to protect both students and technology investments.

Can every school realistically implement 1:1 tablet schemes, and do you think they will become a permanent fixture in our schools?

Mobile technology will be a part of the learning experience in schools regardless of whether it originates from the district side or by virtue of students bringing their own devices to school. The challenge becomes one of equality – how do we ensure all students have access to these empowering technologies? It’s up to educators and the technology industry as a whole to rally around innovative programs focused on ensuring equal access for all students.

Nassar Hussain, is Regional Director for EMEA, at SOTI
W: https://www.soti.net