Government Announces $1.6 Billion Investment For Businesses Going Digital

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The federal government has pledged $1.6 billion in tax relief to help boost small businesses, as well as the Australian tech sector. The Technology Investment Boost will reduce costs for small businesses looking to go digital, while the Skills and Training Boost is aimed at helping upskill both new and existing staff. Tech Council of Australia CEO Kate Pounder said these measures would assist their goal of getting 1.2 million Australians into tech jobs by 2030. She also added that, “Achieving this goal will help more Australian workers get high-paid, secure and flexible jobs.”

Technology Investment Boost

In an effort to help Australian small business expand their digital capacity, the Australian Government is offering $1 billion in tax deductions to businesses adopting digital solutions, operations and strategies.

More than 3.6 million Australian small business will be able to claim a bonus 20% deduction for expense costs and depreciating assets, as well as up to $100,00 of expenditure per annum on eligible items. These purchases may include the procurement of portable payment devices, online sales platforms, cyber security networks, website design and subscriptions to cloud-based storage services.

In order to qualify, the annual turnover of the business cannot exceed $50 million. All expenditures must also be made between 7:30pm (AEDT) on 29 March 2022 (Budget night) until 30 June 2023.

Skills and Training Boost

The Skill and Training Boost encourages small business to invest more in their employees future, by offering $550 million of tax relief towards ongoing training and upskilling. Small businesses who enrol their staff in an external training program will be able to claim a bonus 20% of the cost as a tax deduction. Courses may be online, but must be registered through an Australian provider.

Once again, all training expenditures must also be made between 7:30pm (AEDT) on 29 March 2022 (Budget night) until 30 June 2023.

Now is the time for your business to go digital!

It’s time for your business to join the digital revolution! Whether you’re building a digital platform, looking to streamline online services or updating software and hardware, these government initiatives are the perfect opportunity to invest in your business’ digital growth and future.

 

Benefits and Challenges of 1:1 Technology in the Classroom

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There’s no doubt that the use of technology in the classroom has grown exponentially in the last decade. In a 2016 study by Pearson Education, 64% of Australia schools stated they were already working towards using majority online resources. Six years later, and access to computing devices has become essential to facilitate learning in both online and traditional classrooms.

As a result, more and more schools are opting to implement a 1:1 technology program whereby each student is outfitted with a device, such as a Chromebook, iPad, etc.  Rather than relying on a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, schools issue their own devices to students who return them at the end of their tenure. As electronic devices rapidly replace the textbooks and paper notepads of yesteryear, it’s important to consider both the benefits and challenges the 1:1 model presents.

Benefits

Equal Opportunity 

There’s no denying that socioeconomic factors can have a huge impact on students learning and educational development.

In technology-driven classrooms, socioeconomic barriers become an even greater obstacle. BYOD programs can often leave students behind, as their learning opportunities are determined by the quality of the device they have access to. For students without devices, the inability to actively participate in the classroom not only hinders their academic performance, but also their confidence and social development. Furthermore, BYOD policies also cause schools to face greater challenges when structuring their curriculums, as each student’s device will have different capabilities and limitations.

That’s why 1:1 technology programs have become critical to creating equitable learning environments, as it ensures that each student has access to the exact same resources, and schools are able to maintain a standardised curriculum.

It Eases the Strain on Teachers

It’s no secret that teachers often go above and beyond for their students. The Australian Education Union found that, in the 2020 school year alone, teachers spent an average of $874 of their personal income on educational supplies for their classrooms. With teachers feeling the pinch, 1:1 technology makes it easier than ever to acquire free educational tools and materials. Open Educational Resources (OER) are free-to-use digital learning assets that grant teachers access to thousands of educational blogs, applications, websites, games, and media.

Furthermore, 1:1 technology also allows teachers greater flexibility during lesson planning and class time. While many schools may already have computer workstations or laptops available, in most cases they require booking in advance. This can lead to scheduling conflicts, where some students may miss out or the entire class postponed. Students bringing their own devices can also cause logistical issues, as not every device may be compatible to the lesson materials. By using school issued devices, teachers can save time on organisation, configuring devices and modifying lessons.

Greater Student Engagement

Perhaps the biggest advantage of a 1:1 device policy is the positive effect on student engagement. A 2007 report on the presence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in schools by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) determined that “the use of ICT enables richer, more engaging learning environments to be developed.”

Personal devices enable students to better engage with the learning content through interactive activities, while their portability encourages students to document learning experiences through photos, videos and voice recordings. Quieter, shyer students can also be more comfortable sharing their thoughts and insights on digital platforms as well.

School issued devices also have the added advantage of allowing teachers to monitor exactly how long and how thoroughly each student completes assigned work. In this way, teachers can more easily identity which students require further assistance and which students may benefit from more challenging assignments. This insight allows educators to adapt their teaching strategies to each student’s individual needs.

Student Responsibility and Growth

One of the biggest apprehensions schools have with 1:1 technology is the level of responsibility and maturity it requires of their pupils. By providing them with their own devices, schools are trusting that their students will use them safely and sensibility. A 2017 article from the Oxford Review of Education echoes these concerns, outlining how school property could be inappropriately misused to commit acts of cyber bullying, underage sexting and academic cheating.

However, there exists a variety of measures that can be implemented to circumvent these issues. Schools can control what their devices are used for by installing monitoring tools, restricting access to online content, and utilising device-usage analysis. This level of regulation is unattainable when students bring their own devices, as these methods cannot be employed to the same extent and effectiveness.

In addition, furthering student’s familiarisation with technology will prepare them for life beyond their school years. As the world relies more and more on technology, the workforce is becoming increasingly digitised. As a result, candidates who are computer literate and can adapt to the latest advancements will have a competitive edge.

Challenges

Budget

Let’s face it, schools aren’t made of money and a 1:1 technology program can be a costly investment. Not only is there the initial cost of hardware and set up, but schools must also allocate funding for the continual maintenance and eventual replacement of devices. Not to mention the additional expenses of digital infrastructure, security software and ongoing IT support.

While advancements in technology and manufacturing processes have led to more accessible, cost-effective devices, the bottom line is that not every school has the budget to implement and upkeep a 1:1 technology program. However, schools can offset costs by enacting co-contribution models, through which devices are loaned or leased out to students via a ‘take home’ or ‘buy-back’ program. Students would then have the option to acquire the device outright after the loan/lease period ends. This method is a win-win, as it alleviates costs for schools, and also relieves parents of some of the financial burden that comes with purchasing a new device upfront.

Management

Managing a 1:1 device policy can also be a headache, with each school having to oversee and keep track of hundreds of assets. School IT departments must take on a measure of extra responsibilities to keep the program running smoothly. These tasks can range from the creation of asset labels and tracking systems, issuance and collection of devices, conducting regular audits, and resolving any issues brought to them by teachers, parents and students.

However, schools can ease the extra strain a 1:1 program can have on IT departments by supplying extra support systems and tools. This may include hiring extra staff, outsourcing some of their IT needs or implementing more efficient practices.

Privacy Concerns

The biggest concern most parents have in regard to school owned devices is their children’s right to privacy. The prevalence of surveillance software and monitoring applications on school issued devices can weigh heavily on parent’s minds, especially when it comes to data collection and the tracking of their children’s digital footprint.

Although some degree of oversight is necessary for schools to establish safe and disciplined learning environments, honesty is the best course of action in building trust between parents and educators. By having a transparent policy towards the collection, use, storage and accessing of student’s personal information, schools can help quell parental fears and find a balance between maintaining orderly classrooms and respecting student’s privacy.

Thinking about a 1:1 technology program at your school? Contact eStorm today to learn about the products and services we have on offer.
[email protected]

‘Peek Performance’ – Here’s everything you missed from Apple’s March Keynote

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Apple has kicked off 2022 by unveiling an array of exciting new products during their Peek Performance keynote. Some of the highlights include a desktop Mac complete with new M1 Ultra processor and Studio Display, the third generation of iPhone SE and fifth generation iPad Air.

Read on for a quick recap of all the biggest announcements Apple made during the hour-long event.

M1 Ultra

Apple debuted the latest edition to the Apple Silicon line up…the M1 Ultra! The Ultra bridges two M1 Max chips together to appear as one to the operating system, with double the power and speed. Running eight times faster than a standard M1 chip, while also supporting up to 128GB of RAM, the M1 Ultra is Apple’s new standard for performance and efficiency. While this impressive technical feat is only available in the Mac Studio for now, there are rumours we’ll be seeing more of it in upcoming announcements.

 

Mac Studio

Speaking of the Mac Studio…it measures 7.7 inches square, 3.7 inches tall and is the perfect desktop for creative professionals! It has tons of I/O, with 4 x Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, 2 x USB-A ports, 1 x 10-gigabit ethernet port and 1 x HDMI port and 1 x audio jack on the back alone. On the front you’ll find two more USB-C ports and an SD slot.

The M1 Max version starts at $3,099 and includes 32GB of RAM, 512GB SSD and a 24 core GPU. For an extra $300 you can upgrade to the 32 core GPU, which also gives you the option to add extra RAM and SSD.  The Mac Studio is also available with the brand new M1 Ultra. For $6,099 you can grab the basic model that includes 64GB of RAM, 1TB SSD and a 48 core GPU. However, if you’re looking to go all out, the top-of-the-line model will set you back $12,099.

 

Apple Studio Display

Alongside the Mac Studio, Apple has also announced the Apple Studio Display. Encased in aluminium, the Apple Studio Display is a more streamlined version of the 27-inch iMac monitor design. It has all the same capabilities as the iMac, with 5K resolution, the ability to handle up to 600 nits of brightness, P3 Wide Colour and TrueTone compatibility. But that’s not all, the monitor also features an A13 inside, with inbuilt 12-megapixel webcam (including Centre Stage), as well as a six-speaker audio system and three-mic array.

The Apple Studio Display is priced at $2,499 and comes with its own stand. Nano-texture glass and height adjustable stand are also available at extra cost.

 

iPhone SE

Apple also unveiled the third generation of the iPhone SE. Looks wise, this new incarnation resembles its second gen predecessor, with the same body and display as the iPhone 8. However, the inside of the iPhone SE has had a major glow up! The incorporation of the latest A15 processor has improved performance, battery life and added new 5G capability. The A15 has also enhanced image and video quality, without needing to make changes to the existing camera. At $719, there’s only been a slight price increase from the previous generation.

In addition to the iPhone SE news, Apple also showcased the iPhone 13 models in two new green colours. Both the regular and mini iPhone 13 are available in green, with the Pro and Pro Max having an Alpine Green option.

 

iPad Air

The iPad Air has been one of the most popular products amongst Apple’s consumers since the last update in 2020. For it’s fifth generation, Apple has announced a handful of internal improvements to the tablet. The iPad Air’s new 12MP front-facing camera and sensor will now support Apple’s handy Centre Stage feature, which automatically centres your face in the middle of frame during video calls. The iPad Air will also now house the same M1 processor as the iPad Pro.

While the price for an iPad Air will remain the same at $949, a 5G equipped cellular model will now also be available at $1,159.

 

 

 

 

Apple September 2021 Keynote – What’s New?

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In Apple’s September 2021 Keynote ‘California streaming’, the tech giant’s CEO Tim Cook unveiled Apple’s latest product range. The announcement was headlined by the new iteration of the iPhone, and was followed by an introduction of the latest iPads and Apple watches.

Read on for a quick recap of Apple’s biggest announcements.

iPhone 13

 The beloved iPhone doesn’t get a complete makeover this year, but it has plenty of new features to boast about, including an advanced dual-camera system with a new Wide camera with bigger pixels, and sensor-shift optical image stabilisation (OIS) that offers better low-light image quality. Perhaps the coolest the new feature is ‘Cinematic Mode’, which allows you to ‘effortlessly create cinema-grade videos’ even without filmmaking experience!

The iPhone 13 is powered by an A15 Bionic processor, which has four high performance and two high efficiency cores. You can expect 5G support, a super retina XDR display that is 28% brighter in sunlight, and extended battery life in a day (+2.5 hours, and +1.5 hours for the mini compared to its predecessors).

Similar to the iPhone 12, there are two versions of the iPhone 13 – a 6.1 inch model, along with a mini 5.4 inch model. It will come in the following colours; pink, blue, midnight, starlight and red.

With entry-level storage starting at 128GB, you can expect to pay around $1,349 or $1,199 for the mini version.

The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max features three new rear cameras, with improved telephoto lenses, MotionPro displays, and a new macro mode that allows you to capture subjects as close as 2cm. The Pro & Pro Max will come in gold, graphite, silver and sierra blue, with prices starting at $1,699 for the Pro (6.1 inch display) and $1,849 for the Max (6.7 inch display).

 

Apple Watch Series 7

A tad bit larger than its predecessor, the Series 7 Apple Watch will come in 45mm and 31mm sizes, with a slimmer 1.7mm bezel around the display. Apple claims that the increased size of the screen will fit 50% more text and a full keyboard.

The Series 7 focuses highly on durability, with a redesigned crack-resistant front crystal that is 50% thicker than the Series 6.  The Series 7 can still be worn underwater, and the certified IP6X rating means it can withstand dust, beaches, and the desert.

On a single charge with the Magnetic Fast Charger USB-C Cable, the Series 7 can last 18-hours and boasts 33% faster charging compared to Series 6 .

The Series 7 comes in black, blue, red, gold and green, and it is rumoured that prices will start at about $550.

 

iPad mini 

The new iPad mini gets a performance boost with the A15 bionic chip, with a 5-core GPU that is 80% faster and a 6-core CPU that is 40% faster than the previous generation, allowing users to play graphically rich games or use demanding professional apps.

The larger 8.3 inch Liquid Retina display has advanced technologies like a P3 wide colour gamut, anti-reflecting screen coating, and True Tone, which come together to bring images and videos to life. Plus, the new screen combined with the landscape stereo speakers makes watching movies on the mini a great experience.

Previously only available on iPad Pro, Centre Stage is now also available on iPad mini, so users can enjoy more engaging video calls with the updated Ultra Wide front camera and new 12MP sensor for a larger field of view.

The iPad mini now features a USB-C port for up the 5Gbps data transfer (10x faster than the previous generation) and connects to a vast number of USB-C accessories such as cameras, external storage, and displays up to 4K.

5G is now available on the cellular version of the mini, and the iPad supports Apple Pencil (2nd gen), which attaches magnetically for wireless charging and pairing.

The cheapest model starts at $749 (or $979 for the cellular model), and comes in the following colours: black, white, dark cherry, English lavender, and electric orange.

 

iPad 9

The iPad 9 comes equipped with an A13 Bionic processor that delivers a 20% performance boost over its predecessor. Apple claims that the iPad 9 is 3x faster than the best-selling Chromebook and 6x faster than the best-selling Android tablet, making it a solid device for students and professionals alike.

Like the iPad mini, Centre Stage is now available on iPad, and is enabled by the new 12MP Ultra Wide front camera and Neural Engine. True Tone has also been introduced to the iPad’s 10.2-inch Retina display, which adjusts screen content to the colour temperature of a room for a more comfortable viewing experience.

The new iPad starts with 64GB (double the storage of the previous gen) and goes up to 256GB for users who require more storage. Entry-level models will start at $499 for the wi-fi only version or $699 for cellular.

And that’s all Apple has announced for now! If you’re missing an upgrade of your favourite Apple product (such as AirPods or new MacBooks) don’t fret – it’s safe to assume that Apple will release another Keynote by the end of this year that introduces more awesome new products.

iPad OS 15 – What’s New?

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Apple recently announced the latest version of operating systems for both iOS and iPadOS, so what new features can we expect?

The new features are set to help user productivity, improve FaceTime experiences, bring more intelligence to photos and searches, apply new privacy controls to protect user information, and much more!

Continue reading for a closer look into iPadOS 15.

 

iPadOS 15: Best New Features

 

Multitasking and Keyboard Shortcuts

Multitasking gets a whole lot easier with iPadOS 15. The latest update provides a new multitasking menu that appears at the top of apps, enabling users to easily switch to Split View or Slide Over. The Home Screen can quickly be accessed in Split View, and the new shelf lets users multitask with multiple-windowed apps like Safari and Pages, and quickly preview emails.

 

Widgets and App Library

With the update, users will be able to place widgets on Home Screen pages for a personalised experience that provides more information at a glance. iPadOS 15 also introduces new widgets for the App Store, Game Centre, Mail and Contacts. Additionally, the App Library will be coming to iPads. The App Library will automatically organise apps into accessible and helpful categories such as ‘Productivity’, ‘Games’ and ‘Recently Added’.

 

Quick Note and Tags

New features for note taking on the iPad make it easy to capture thoughts and organise notes. Quick Note provides a fast and simple way to jot down notes or add links anywhere within the iPad’s system, including when using Safari or other apps.

New features for collaboration and organisation have also been added to Notes. Using Tags, users can categorise notes and quickly locate them using Tag Browser and Smart Folders that are tag-based. For team collaboration, Mentions can notify other team members and link them back to the Note, and Activity view shows recent updates to notes.

 

Translate for iPad

The latest iPadOS update introduces Translate for iPad. Translate can now automatically detect when and what language someone is speaking for more natural conversations, thus eliminating the need to press the microphone button. The face-to-face view option allows users to sit across from each other (with the iPad between them) and view translations from the side they are seated on. Plus, with Live Text, you can now translate text found in photos.

 

App Building with Swift Playgrounds

With Swift Playgrounds 4, users can build apps on their iPad and submit them directly to the App Store. In Live Preview, code is reflected immediately while building apps, and users can run apps in full screen for testing. A new open project format allows for versatile and seamless app development across Xcode for Mac and Swift Playground for iPad.

 

Universal Control

Use a single mouse and keyboard to seamlessly move between iPad and Mac, and drag and drop content between devices with no setup. Perfect for sketching, drawing and note taking with the Apple Pencil on iPad and placing it into Keynote slides on Mac.

 

FaceTime and SharePlay

With the addition of SharePlay to FaceTime, users can now share experiences with friends and family, like listening to songs together with Apple Music, watching shows or movies from Apple TV+ or other streaming services, or sharing screens to view apps, browse the web, and play games together. The playback controls allow anyone in the FaceTime call to pause, play, or rewind.

iPadOS 15 also brings voice isolation and Spatial Audio to FaceTime calls, so voices will sound like they are coming from the location of the person on the screen. It will also support portrait mode and a new grid view to see more faces on the screen at once.

 

New Safari Experience

The redesigned Safari browsing experience will allow users to see more of the page as they browse websites. The tab bar will replicate the colour of the webpage and will combine tabs, the toolbar and the search field into one compact design. Also being introduced is Tab Groups, which offer a way to easily manage tabs when planning trips, researching for essays, or comparing new purchases. Your Tab Groups can sync across Mac and iPhone, so you can pick up from anywhere and share with friends. It will also now support web extensions that are available in the App Store.

 

Productivity with Focus

iPadOS 15 will deliver tools that help users focus and eliminate distractions. Focus filters notifications based on the task the user is undertaking, such as coding, studying, or winding down for bed. You can create a custom Focus or select one that best suits the task at hand. Users can also create Home Screen pages that only display necessary and relevant apps and widgets to reduce temptation in moments of focus.

A new notification summary can provide an organised collection of notifications delivered at a time the user chooses, such as first thing in the morning or after work in the evening, making it easy to catch up on notifications and activity at your convenience.

 

New Photo Features

Live Text can recognise text in photos and allow users to take actions such as; taking a photo of a storefront with a phone number and placing a call, or getting directions from a photo of a business card with an address.

Visual Look Up allows users to identify objects in a photo, such as a type of flower, animal breeds, or monuments.

 

Additional Features:

iPadOS 15 has a host of new features! Some additional features include:

Maps: Enhanced details for cities and neighbourhoods, new road colours and labels, and a nighttime mode with moonlit glow.

Privacy: New protections, app transparency features, and controls.

Accessibility: On-device intelligence enhances the customisation of iPads so devices can work the way users do.

 

To find out more about iPadOS 15, visit the Apple iPadOS 15 Preview page.

 

 

The Best STEAM Products for Teachers

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STEAM (meaning Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) education is an essential and fundamental part of a student’s journey through their schooling years. Thus, it is vitally important that teachers nurture and develop their interest in STEAM in ways that are engaging, fun, and creative.

The following products are designed and dedicated to promoting learning and discovery in the classroom – making STEAM engaging, entertaining, and educational!

Osmo:

Adopted in over 30,000 classrooms in 42 countries around the world, Osmo merges tactile exploration with innovative technology that actively engages children in the learning process. There are 12+ games suitable for ages 3 – 12, each one focussing on different academic subjects such as; coding, math, drawing, spelling, physics, geography and spatial relational skills.

The Osmo classroom Kit (Genius Edition) includes an expansive collection of Osmo games that allow children to explore science, maths and art.

Kit inclusions:

  • 4 Osmo base and mirrors (reflectors)
  • 4 learning systems
  • 4 sets of Words tiles (upper and lowercase)
  • 4 Tangram sets
  • 4 Number piece sets (dot and number tiles)
  • Plastic storage system
  • 2 Teacher’s guides classroom posters
  • Full STEAM compatibly, with five games included (Tangram, Words, Numbers, Masterpiece and Newton)
  • Teaches maths, art, critical thinking, spelling and problem solving

Learn more: https://www.playosmo.com/en/ 

 

Sphero BOLT:

Sphero BOLT is a programmable robot ball that you can drive and code, providing endless opportunities for students to be creative and have fun while developing fundamental STEM skills. When used in a STEM curriculum, this educational robotics kit lets students learn programming skills, complete hands-on activities, and share their creations with the classroom.

The Sphero BOLT Power Pack compiles the best of Sphero’s STEM products.

The kit includes:

  • Power pack carrying case
  • 15 Sphero BOLT robots
  • 15 inductive charging cradles with USB cables
  • 15 protractors with heading, directions, and clocks
  • 15 turbo covers
  • Maze tape and 124 stickers
  • Airline compliant case
  • Compatibility with the Sphero Edu app for iOS, Android, macOs, Windows and Chrome OS
  • Compatibility with Swift Playgrounds for iOS

Learn more: https://sphero.com

 

3Doodler:

With over 2.5 million 3Doodlers shipped and making an impact in over 8,000 classrooms worldwide, it’s no surprise that 3Doodler is one of the most popular STEAM products across the globe.

The 3D pen allows students to create 3D products straight from their imagination or textbooks. The 3Doodler Start Learning Pack is a great place to start for any teacher wanting to introduce 3D printing to every child in the classroom for less than the cost of a regular 3D printer.

The kit includes:

  • 12 x 3Doodler pens
  • 1 cheat sheet
  • 3Doodler poster
  • 1 Activity poster

Learn more: https://intl.the3doodler.com

 

Circuit Scribe:

Circuit Scribe is an innovative way of teaching how electricity and electronics work, giving students an immersive hands-on STEAM experience. Removing the need for wires and soldering, their conductive ink pens create endless possibilities for fun, creativity, and learning.

Using the silver ink (and non-toxic) pen, students can draw connections between electronic modules, switch on the power, and watch as their creations activate buzzers, motors, lights, and more.

Geared toward younger students of 8+, the Circuit Scribe Intro Classroom Kit is the perfect way to introduce electronics to your classroom.

This kit includes:

  • 25 9V battery adapters
  • 50 LEDs
  • 25 switches
  • 5 multi-coloured LEDs
  • 5 blinkers
  • 30 Circuit Scribe Conductive Ink Pens
  • 25 Steel Canvases
  • 25 Stencils
  • 1 Inventors notebook
  • 1 jumper sticker sheet

Learn more: https://circuitscribe.com

The Best Learning Apps for Teachers 2021

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If you can dream it, there’s probably an app for it. In fact, there are thousands of apps specifically focussed on the education sector, so how do you decide which ones to introduce to your classroom?

As tablets and iPads become an increasingly popular medium for learning in schools, it’s important to stay up to speed with the many amazing (and some not so amazing) learning applications that are available. With planning lessons, marking papers, and scheduling parent/teacher meetings, it can be difficult to do the extensive research required when choosing a new app to bring into your learning environment. That’s why we’ve done all the hard work for you!

We understand it can be overwhelming when there are countless apps offering the same or similar services, so we’ve compiled a list of the most popular and highly rated apps designed to make teaching seamless and learning fun.

You probably already have the basics down, like a solid calendar app and a way to communicate with parents and students outside of the classroom, so we’ve chosen apps that offer something a little different. All apps are recommended by teachers, suggested by

Scholastic and TED-Ed Innovative Educators.

 

To make teaching organised and seamless

Remind

Remind is a popular app that – you guessed it – sends out timely reminders for students and parents. But it’s also much more than that!

As you’re probably well aware, students and parents often don’t have the best track record when it comes to opening emails or answering phone calls. At its core, Remind provides an avenue for teachers to send out classroom announcements (think end of semester parties, school excursions, birthdays), due date reminders for homework or projects, or words of encouragement before a big test.

These messages can be sent via SMS or can be viewed in a web-based interface similar to a Twitter feed. It and opens a safe avenue for communication with parents and teachers (either via direct messaging or replies to announcements). Now before you start worrying about the implications of a direct line of communication with overbearing parents, you can disable this feature in the app. You can also set up ‘office hours’ so you cannot be contacted outside of school hours.

Remind can also be integrated with Google Classroom, Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, so you can easily share materials and attach content to your notifications and reminders.

The best part? Remind is FREE. There are optional paid features, like voice calling and ‘urgent messaging’, but these are not at all necessary.

Check out the Remind website for more info: https://www.remind.com

 

Haiku Deck

Microsoft PowerPoint is so mid-2000s. While it is a powerful and popular tool, creating a slide show can quickly become messy, unorganised, and boring.

Haiku Deck makes creating presentations fast and easy, while producing stunning and engaging slideshows. With thousands of layouts, themes, and royalty free images, you no longer need to waste time sourcing them yourself. Plus, Haiku Deck Classroom gives students access to best presentation practices and slide shows that present their data and information clearly and precisely.

There are no free options for Haiku Deck, but the costs outweigh the benefits. Teachers can expect to pay about $11 AUD a month and has all the benefits of a Pro plan (unlimited deck creation, privacy control, YouTube embedding, custom branding, and access to thousands of professional layouts and royalty free images), plus you’ll get 150 student licences, with a classroom management dashboard and gallery, Google Classroom integration, and live web playback.

You can try a trial for free to experience the magic of quick, simple and easy slideshow creation: https://www.haikudeck.com/education

 

The TED-Ed App

The vast library of TED Talks and TED animations gives teachers the opportunity to incorporate videos that will enhance their lesson plans, and students the opportunity to discover and study the ideas of the world’s most influential and inspiring people.

TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is devoted to spreading ideas in the form of short, powerful talks (usually less than 18 minutes). There are hundreds of incredible TED talks covering pretty much any topic under the sun. The TED-Ed initiative promotes discovery and learning through their growing library of animated lessons collaborated with experts in Science, Literature, History, and more.

View the Ted-Ed website here: https://ed.ted.com 

 

 

Animoto

Getting sick of slideshows that students have zero interest in? That’s where Animoto comes in handy. Animoto is a completely free tool for educators and students that allows you to create and share engaging videos with little-to-no effort.

With Animoto, you can quickly create video introductions to knew topics, recaps, educational videos and more. Start a project by choosing one of many templates, add the images and video clips that you’ll need, and drag and drop them right into your project. Within the app, you can adjust colours and fonts, use stock music provided by Animoto, and completely customise the design and layout of your video.

See an example of an educational video here: https://animoto.com/builder/templates/explainer/educational-presentation

https://animoto.com/builder/templates/explainer/vocabulary-lesson

This is a fun way to add some diverse media to your lesson plans that aren’t the usual slideshows or PDF documents. The best part is that Animoto is completely FREE to use. However, if you’re wanting to remove the Animoto branding in your videos or access their extensive library of stock images, you’ll have to pay about $25 AUD a month.

To make class fun

 

Kahoot!

Let your students’ competitive streak shine with Kahoot! Kahoot is a free application that makes quizzes fun and interactive. Create your on kahoot in minutes, or use one of millions of premade quizzes. Students can compete against each other or against their own previous scores, and the quizzes can be completed live in the classroom or during their own time.

Teachers can base entire lessons around Kahoot! by incorporating YouTube videos and slideshows, or use Kahoots to introduce new topics, assess prior knowledge, or as a fun way to recap a lesson. Download Kahoot reports so you can assess learning progress and topics that may need following up, plus find which individual students may need help. 

The best part about Kahoot! is that it’s completely free to either create your own quizzes, or access the library of over 40 million premade quizzes and questions.

Get started on fun, free quizzes here: https://kahoot.com

 

Wacki

Australian-made Wacki is an app boasting a plethora of fun indoor and outdoor games to engage with children, build bonds, cultivate confidence and instil important values. It’s perfect for team building exercises, and can be a fun way to the end the day or reenergise the class after lengthy sessions.

The app allows you to filter your search (filters include games for large/small groups, goofy games, icebreakers, and trust games) and provides a quick (2 minute) explanatory video that is engaging and simple to follow.

While this app probably won’t be a huge part of your daily teaching life, it’s a great way to get kids excited and ready to learn. Plus, it’s FREE to use.

https://funyouthgroupgames.com

Spellwizards

Spelling can be a real drag for kids and encouraging kids to practise spelling lists can be a hard task for both parents and teachers. Spell Wizards is an engaging, kid friendly online programme for primary aged kids (4-11) to help them improve their spelling in a fun and engaging way.

Essentially, children listen to a sentence being read to them while it appears on a screen. The key word is removed, and children must type it into the box on the screen and press enter. If it is correct, they move onto the next spelling, if not it praises them for good effort and encourages them to try and again with a hint. The game boasts fun cartoon character Avatars, colourful screens, star prizes, sound effects and positive reinforcement.

Teachers can create custom spelling lists that improve spelling, typing and listening skills, and get reports on individual child and class performance.

For parents, the app costs about $5, but teachers and schools gain access to exclusive deals for the education sector.

https://spellwizards.co.uk/about

 

 

 

 

9 Essential Smartphone Security Tips

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We live in world where our entire lives can be accessed through our phones. Think of all the personal information that is stored on your device; photos, banking details, names and addresses, work/personal emails, social media profiles, and geolocation that tracks your every movement. It’s no conspiracy that apps are stealing and selling your data, so how do you retain your privacy and security when it’s so readily available?

The only way to guarantee no application or website will ever steal your personal information again is to throw your phone in the ocean, delete all social media, email and subscription accounts, withdraw every dollar from your savings, and spend a life ‘off-the-grid’. However, unless you’re a hermit living off the land in a wooden cabin situated in a remote area, this isn’t exactly feasible. That’s why we’ve put together 9 tips to keep your phone safe from hackers and your data hidden from prying eyes.

1. Use a Password Manager

I have been 100% guilty of using the same passwords across my internet banking, emails and social media accounts. Is this easy and practical? Yes. Is it safe? Not in the slightest!

In the case of a data breach, hackers can gain access to your login details. Using the same email and password combination for all of your logins means a cybercriminal can potentially own the master key to accessing every one of your accounts that use the same email and password combo.

The strongest passwords are comprised of letters, numbers and symbols in a string of no particular order or sense. These passwords should look like a cat just walked across your keyboard (for example: jR7z5$R?68<*G>M). However, while randomly generated passwords are difficult for computers to crack, they veer on being impossible to remember; especially if you are using a different password for each of your accounts (which you indeed should).

Fortunately, with a Password Manager you won’t need to frantically search for the scrap of paper you wrote your Netflix password on and then ‘hid in a safe place’, or compile a Word document listing all of your logins. Password Managers keep all of your passwords in one encrypted and password-protected app. They can also generate strong unique passwords and save your credit card and shipping information to readily autofill forms.

Check out LastPass for a free and secure Password Manager, accessible on both your phone and your computer.

2. Watch What You Download/Install

We all love checking out and installing new apps on the Google Play or Apple store, but how many of these apps are actually safe? When you install a new app, you may be asked to grant permissions including the ability to read files or access your camera/microphone and your location. Most of the time there are legitimate reasons for granting these permissions, but if an app won’t allow you to use it without permissions then think twice about downloading it. This is especially true for Android users, as the Google Play store’s vetting processes aren’t as strict as Apple’s.

Additionally, a quick Google search can generally tell you if the app is legitimate. These searches can reveal if data or privacy breaches are a common occurrence, and whether or not the app is a scam. Avoid apps that have been breached multiple times as this suggests they are aware of the breaches and are doing nothing to solve them.

Another sign that you may have downloaded an app with malicious intent is if you notice changes in your phone. If it is heating up or has slowed significantly, this suggests the app may be running in the background.

3. Review Apps and Permissions

If you’ve owned your phone for a while, you probably have apps installed that you haven’t looked twice at in quite some time. You should regularly review apps and delete ones you no longer have a use for. Not only do these apps take up unnecessary space, but they could also no longer be supported, creating avenues for potential cyber criminals to crack and gain access to your device.

On top of this, review the permissions on apps you already have on your phone. We suggest frequently going through each app and inspecting which permissions have been set. You should ask yourself whether it makes sense for the app to access certain permissions. For example, most games do not need to access to your location or your camera and microphone, and a calculator app certainly does not need to view your contact list.

4. Safeguard Your Social Media Accounts

Social media often plays a vital role in our daily lives, regardless of whether you use it to connect with loved ones on your personal profile or to share information with your clients and consumers. Apps such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are goldmines of personal information so it’s important that you follow these essential tips to keep your data and info safe.

Use a strong password

If you have a weak password, the chances of your account’s security becoming compromised grow exponentially. Use a unique and strong password (refer back to the Use a Password Manager section of this blog) and enable two-factor authentication. This can be enabled in the settings of your social media app.

Update your privacy and security settings

Security Settings: If you’re like me, you rarely ever check the privacy and security settings on your social media accounts unless you notice something fishy or strange going on. It’s important that you regularly revisit your settings and check the devices you are logged into. If you notice any devices or places that you don’t recognise, you can log out of any chosen (or all) devices and reset your password. In the security section of your account, you can also enable two factor authentication, change your password, and authorise logins and accounts.

Privacy Settings: In a world where anyone can search your name and find your social media account, it’s important that you set strict privacy settings to protect your personal information and the things you share on your social media. It’s recommended that you hide all of your posts and personal info (such as where you work, what town you live in, where you go to school) and display this info only to people who are on your friends list. That way if anyone tries to look you up, they will get the bare minimum of info (such as your profile photo and name) and will need to send a friend or follow request in order to get more information.

5. Update Software and Apps

Everyone dreads the ‘Update OS’ notifications, and it’s likely that you often forget to do so. However, failing to update your software can cause critical issues in the integrity of the security of your device, as these updates keep your phone one step ahead of hackers and the latest methods of exploitation. Set your phone’s setting to update automatically during the night so you don’t forget to install critical OS updates. Also set all of your apps (particularly your internet banking) to auto-update.

6. Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi offers the opportunity to get work done in cafes/restaurants and provides access to the internet when you are low on data or overseas, but it can also leave your phone open and vulnerable to other people lurking on the same public network. As such, we recommend downloading a VPN app to keep your data safe. A VPN not only shields you from potential hackers or snoopers but can also mask your data transmissions. There are dozens of VPN apps available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for free, but some may have questionable practices so conduct thorough research before installing one. The most popular VPN apps are:

Android: NordVPN, TunnelBear, Kaspersky

Apple: ProtonVPN, Hide.me, TunnelBear

7. Install a Security/Antivirus App

Similar to any antivirus apps you may have installed on your PC, it’s also recommended you install one on your phone. There are offshoots to desktop apps such as Avast, McAfee, and Panda, along with many others. These apps provide enhanced security by ensuring any apps, PDFs, images and other files you download are free from malicious malware or ransomware before you open them.

8. Use Built-In Smartphone Protections

Take advantage of your phone’s built-in security to safeguard your device if it is lost or stolen. By enabling Find My iPhone or Find My Device, you can locate your missing device on a map and automatically erase the information. You can also set the phone to delete all information after a set number of incorrect password attempts.

9. Prevent iPhone Apps from Tracking You (iOS 14.5)

iPhone recently added a new feature in iOS 14.5 that allows you to keep your online information more private by enabling the option to turn off ad tracking within your apps. This means that unless you give specific permission to an app, it can’t use your data for targeted ads, share your location data or use your advertising ID with advertisers or third parties. You can enable the App Tracking Transparency feature in Settings > Privacy > Tracking.

Conclusion

While we can’t guarantee that your device will lever be 100% safe from cybercriminals and hackers, following these 9 essential steps will ensure you have basic protections in place for the safety of your personal information and data.

Apple Authorised vs. Independent Repair Centres: What’s the difference?

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At eStorm, we understand how much you rely on your device everyday – whether it’s to check your emails, converse with friends, take important business calls, or binge that new show you’re obsessed with. Understandably, when your device faces an accident that renders it unusable, it’s imperative that you get it fixed as quickly and affordably as possible.

Oftentimes, people resort to shopping centre kiosks that promise cheap and fast service. While this sounds great in theory, what most people don’t realise is that these independent repairers (who are not affiliated or authorised by Apple) are able to provide services that are heavily discounted because of the low-quality materials they use to repair your device.

 

What is an independent repair centre?

An independent repair centre is a business that is in no way affiliated with Apple. They are not authorised to purchase genuine Apple parts and therefore cannot access high-quality materials and genuine parts from Apple’s own manufacturers.

Instead, they purchase very cheap bulk parts from China, most of which do not stick to strict quality control guidelines and certainly do not meet the requirements of Apple’s manufacturers. If you believe you are getting a bargain on your iPhone or iPad screen replacement, it’s more than likely because they are us using cheap imitation parts or second-hand materials.

On top of using counterfeit parts, most phone technicians are not trained by Apple to follow the best practices in repairing your device. Untrained technicians coupled with inferior parts can result in further issues with your device in the future and may even result in losing your Apple Warranty if considerable damage has occurred.

 

Apple Authorised Service Providers

An Apple Authorised Service Provider such as eStorm is a repair centre that has been approved by Apple. AASPs have access to genuine Apple materials and high-quality Apple diagnostic tools. Technicians at AASPs are also trained and certified by Apple to deliver outstanding repairs that will last and will not void your Apple Warranty.

Apple Authorised Service Providers Independent Repair Centres
  ✓ Trained and certified by Apple ✕ Inferior imitation parts
 ✓ Genuine Apple parts ✕ Untrained and unqualified technicians

 ✓ Apple diagnostic tools

 ✕ Possible loss of Apple Warranty

 

Why Choose eStorm over an Apple Repair Centre?

 

Retail Apple Repair Centres, run by Apple employees, are a much better alternative than independent repair centres. However, the benefits of having your phone repaired by an Apple-affiliated Service Centre like eStorm means you are able to have personalised service with technicians that are passionate about what they do!

Apple’s repair centres sometimes have inexperienced technicians, leading to repeat services, further time without your device, and dissatisfaction with the repairs. At the eStorm Service Centre, we have tenured technicians who have been repairing Apple products for nearly two decades. That vast experiences leads to first time fixes and quick turnaround times.

Furthermore, choosing eStorm for your repairs means you can avoid queues and shopping centres with no obligation to book in advance. We also have a stronger knowledge of older products and are certified Apple Solution Experts (meaning we have multiple suppliers with access to the best prices for new products).

Lastly, in most Apple retail stores they will not take into account intermittent issues. If you have issues with your phone happening  at random, we promise to look into it and will replace components if we feel it’s necessary.

authorised_apple_service_provider_estorm_service_centre

Got any questions? The friendly professionals at the eStorm Service Centre are always happy to help! Call us on (07) 3180 4228 or email [email protected]

Best Practices for Backing Up Your Data

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Cyber-crime and data loss are ever increasing in today’s technology-reliant society. The loss of important company data and client records can be damaging for businesses. If you are yet to experience some level of data loss, you may be considered one of the lucky ones.

There is always the risk of an accident or malicious behaviour impacting your business’ data. To avoid this happening to your business, we explain how you can protect your data through backup methods, and set yourself up for a secure future.

Identify the important files you need to backup

Firstly, you will need to identify which data or files are most important to your business. Most commonly, this is customer billing history, client details and work history, contracts and so forth. For these essential documents, it is often best to consider multiple backup solutions. Depending on the documents sizes and importance, you may wish to store copies on at least two of the following methods.

USBs, Flash Drives or External Hard Drives  

Every business has a random drawer filled with these small, portable storage devices. USBs are useful for storing and transferring files from one device to another. However, the amount of storage is restrictive, and they are often easily misplaced or damaged due to their size.

External hard drives are probably the most popular backup method used by small businesses. Unfortunately, similar to a USB, hard drives have a reputation for failing at any time without notice or warning.

Using Remote Storage

To ensure your backup efforts are not in vain, you should store your backup data off-site or at least off-sever. This means that your backups will remain viable and recoverable even if your central server is compromised. Remote storage can be done using a physical dedicated server or a cloud-based server.

Cloud Backup 

Investing in and implementing a cloud backup truly is the most viable and trusted solution. To transfer and store your data on the cloud, you can individually select the files or sync your entire device. Cloud data is stored in a secure location with a form of encryption, ensuring your data is always protected.

How often should you be backing up your data?

To effectively backup your data, you will need to ensure you are backing up your data frequently and regularly. The frequency of how often you backup your data will depend on how often your data is updated. For example, if critical data is continuously updated your business will need a more frequent backup schedule.

How long do you need to store your old backups?

Once you have determined the frequency of your backups, you will need to consider how long each backup should be retained. Storing every backup simply is not feasible and it can limit the amount of storage space available to your business.

Depending on industry standards, there may also be legal requirements imposed upon your business to retain certain data for a set period. Most commonly, businesses will retain their monthly or bi-annual data backups for as long as possibly allowed by their servers.

Encrypting and Protecting Your Backups 

Depending on the data contained in your backups, you may need to secure the data in an off-site location. Physical data centres provide several security features to physically protect your data. However, it is always best to encrypt your files to ensure your data is protected if a breach was to occur.

It is best to stay updated on your security hardware and software. Doing this will ensure that it is working at its highest performance capability. Staying up-to-date with new updates will keep your system working with the most current anti-malware and antivirus protection.

Website and Database backup 

No business is ever exempt or safe from hackers. Many say small businesses are ‘too small to be hacked’; however, this makes them a perfect target. Here are a two methods to implement a secure backup for your site:

  • Request a copy of your website and database files from your developers and secure these in a nearby location.
  • Often the best and most secure solution is to implement a cloud backup of your entire site. Doing this, allows you to restore the previous version of your site before it was hacked.