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Benefits and Challenges of 1:1 Technology in the Classroom

March 23, 2022 by eStormAus

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.
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Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: apple classroom, apple education, apple educator, apple learning, apple school, apple teacher, benefits and challenges of classroom devices, benefits of 1:1 device, benefits of 1:1 technology, benefits of apple, benefits of iPads, challenges of 1:1 device, device programs, digital learning, digital literacy, digital skills, edu tech, education, education technology, iPads, learning, teacher, tech in the classroom

How A 17 Year Old & Tech Can Alter The Education System

March 16, 2018 by eStormAus

What were you doing when you were 17? Perhaps, like me, you and your friends were wading through the eerie Dustwallow Marsh in search of Onyxia’s Lair, or perhaps competing in the Bigpond Game Arena Counter Strike ladder… no, just me? Okay, that’s fine. I’m old.

Now while all of that was pretty cool… it really doesn’t hold a bar to what 17 year old Illawarra Grammar School student Macinley Butson is doing. Macinley is the type of person you read about and then go into a deep reflection trying to figure out what exactly you’ve spent your time doing – because this total badass has not only been named NSW Young Australian of the Year, she is literally creating life altering technology!

Among her many creations is a shield that significantly improves protection for women from radiation during breast cancer treatment and a system that dramatically improves the effectiveness of solar panel technology.

Labelled “a rising star in the male-dominated world of science” and unaided by the schooling system, Macinley has only been able to develop her projects in her free time.

At a TEDxSydney and Acer panel, Macinley took a swing at the current education system saying “We need an education system that has been revamped. Allow us to be critical thinkers and use inquiry-based learning because the schools are currently not fostering curiosity.”

“Year 11 and 12 is far too outcome-based and I Can say that from perspective” she continued.

Macinley believes the current schooling system judges students based on how well they can memorise a definition or formula and apply that specific example repeatedly.

“One example is chemistry class. We have to memorise liquids, solids, gases and the changing of state. But I have to memorise that in relation to refrigeration and if I don’t mention refrigeration in my exam, I won’t get the marks,” she said.

“There’s something seriously wrong. I know that’s a broad example, but I can’t take that knowledge and apply it to different situations.”

“Someone who is an IT person doesn’t stand next to a plumber and tell them how to do their job, so why is the government telling teachers how to teach?”, she asked.

will smith wow GIF over education system

Macinley says the evidence for success in allowing students to think freely and think outside the box could be in her “Smart Armour”shield. A shield made of copper that can be used to protect breast cancer patients’ non-treated breast while undergoing radiotherapy.

When taking her findings that copper provided 20 per cent more protection from radiation reaching the non-treated breast than the traditional lead aprons, her supervisor was suspicious and told her to continue running tests.

“It was a perfectly reasonable response when you get findings that contradict expectations of society and what’s been put out there before,” she said.

However, upon proving her findings were accurate, the technology has since been implemented for use by not-for-profit integrated cancer treatment centre Chris O’Briend Lifehouse at RPA Hospital Sydney and could see a roll out to other hospitals across the country as soon as this year.

Macinley said this is an example of why we need to be thinking outside the box and go against what is currently established. She added that schools are incredibly slow at implementing emerging technologies such as augmented, virtual and mixed reality.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t seen this in school at all – it’s something people my age at the end of high school will miss out on. Obviously it starts back at primary school and starts with getting people curious and interested at a young age in the technology we have emerging.”

Head of professional development and learning, Steve Iuliano demonstrates to schools exactly how technology can be integrated into the classroom while achieving curriculum-based outcomes.

Steve works to demonstrate to teachers the benefits of technology in the classroom, however says the real difficulty lies is convincing government officials and captains of industry.

“We need to start thinking outside the box and looking toward the future, while making sure we are not neglecting traditional methodologies of the classroom,” he said.

“You still have to write, you still have to type, but the focus needs to move to a new level of augmentation.

“We need to modify the learning environment and completely redefine how the classroom might look when we do things previously impossible before we had technology.”

 

Source: http://www.news.com.au/technology/innovation/inventions/17yearold-whizkid-slams-schooling-system-for-being-too-outdated-and-closedminded/news-story/b5bf14740845eaf23df1abf0143bd671

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: education australia, education system, macinley butson, mixed reality in the classroom, steve iuliano, tech, tech based curriculum, tech in the classroom, technology, virtual reality in the classroom

eStorm Service Centre Google Reviews

eStorm Service Centre
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Based on 82 reviews
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Beatrice Ndebele
Beatrice Ndebele
07:36 22 Sep 22
Fantastic service, was referred by Apple after MacBook developed a dark screen and wouldn’t turn off. I was informed of possibility to pay for diagnostic fee and expect to leave it for a fee days. I found the gentlemen friendly and accommodating. The service was prompt, fair subsequent charges. My MacBook had storage issues, I got a new laptop and they helped transferring my data. I will certainly be going back to them in future and I strongly recommend these professionals to anyone having issues with their devices.
julie farrell
julie farrell
06:28 02 Sep 22
2 nd time I have used this service. Needed new battery for my iphone 6 s in 2020. Then 2022 had a battery replaced in my iphone 7. Both times have been brilliant. Such a smooth and well organised service. The fellas at the counter on every occassion have been very patient and helpful. Thanks again, highly recommended
Gary wylie
Gary wylie
09:28 01 Sep 22
Quick service. Reasonable pricing .Would recommend for apple repairs
Joel Berry
Joel Berry
10:08 23 Aug 22
Awesome service, with a quick turn over. Genuine apple product dealers, most issues under warranty and or insurance will be covered free of charge or for a small cost.Highly recommended.
John Florez
John Florez
00:27 11 Jul 22
Very knowledgeable, friendly and 100% helpful. They explained all the options and their pros and cons to improve my iMac's performance. My computer is now running much faster with these upgrades. Great Work! Highly recommended!
Melissa Moana
Melissa Moana
05:16 13 Jun 22
i had no idea they were here awesome service way better than having to travel to carindale
Desiree S
Desiree S
07:52 27 May 22
I discovered this apple repairer by chance and now I recommend them to everyone. Great service and reasonable prices.
Emily Martin
Emily Martin
04:45 22 Feb 22
Dropped my MacBook in just shy of 3 years old with a battery issue. The team were very prompt in email response and with the computer. Dropped Saturday, said it would be ready Wednesday. To my surprise it was ready today (Tuesday) a whole day early. Even better they covered the replacement of the battery under warranty. Highly recommended!
Kyle PM
Kyle PM
07:59 01 Feb 22
Great and easy service. Much simpler to deal with than an Apple store for repairs. As an IT professional, will definitely be back if a staff member breaks their phone. (Let's be honest, they will).
Ricardo Sé Cestari
Ricardo Sé Cestari
23:30 02 Jun 20
Good professional service. Job well done and in a better than expected timeframe.
Kathryn Chee
Kathryn Chee
06:38 15 May 20
Phone came back good as new after a nasty cracked screen. Service was efficient although I did have to come back 24hours later as they didn’t have my colour iphone Instock - so maybe call ahead the day before if you want same day screen repair?
Stevan Kostantinovic
Stevan Kostantinovic
23:01 05 May 20
Very helpful and professional staff as they are Apple certified and did a great job replacing my sisters broken macbook pro screen.Always remember, you get what you pay for.
Ivan ZiHao Tan
Ivan ZiHao Tan
10:12 29 Apr 20
Effective and honest! It’s a nice and not busy place to get your IT stuff fixed. It is a bit out of the way but if you’re around west side, just go there. Traffic is smooth too!
Oliver Baumeister
Oliver Baumeister
21:38 06 Mar 20
Good service, quick repair of my MacBook Pro under warranty. 3 days to replace ‘top case’ (keyboard, trackpad, etc). Very satisfied.
Bradley Witham
Bradley Witham
01:43 03 Feb 20
Great shop. Highly recommended. Professional and very helpful staff. Did a great job for me. Will be back for sure - even though it’s over 1hr drive from my home!
Evan g
Evan g
01:49 07 Jan 20
Friendly and knowledgeable staff coupled with quick service even during a busy period.
Jaidyn Somerville
Jaidyn Somerville
22:59 01 Nov 19
Quick and professional service, I was told my MacBook would be ready in 2/3 business days and received a text to confirm it was ready two days later. Kept me informed with updates too. Defiently recommend these guys.
Mike C
Mike C
09:09 23 Oct 19
Friendly, professional staff. Perfect job replacing Macbook keyboard and screen, all with a very quick turnaround. Best Apple experience yet - highly recommended.
Mark Schulz
Mark Schulz
01:15 04 Sep 19
My second time using the service - first for an iPhone battery replacement and this time to replace the battery in a Macbook Air. Service is great. Will continue to use them into the future.
Jason O'Connor
Jason O'Connor
01:25 28 Aug 19
What a terrible experience dealing with eStorm in Springfield Lakes. After spending an hour on live chat with Apple last night they said that there was an issue with phone and to take it to one of their retail stores or to an authorised service centre. The closest to us was eStrom Service Centre in Springfield Lakes. We were booked in there by Apple who were 100% aware of the phone being out of warranty but due to the issue they were happy for it to be taken in. When my wife got there she was greeted by someone called Dallas who then proceeded to ask her for $40 as a diagnosis fee. At no stage were we made aware that there would be a fee even though Apple were aware of the phone being out of warranty. When my wife made him aware of that he said that it was their policy and there was nothing they could do about it. My wife turned around and walked out. I called to ask what the story was and Dallas said exactly what I have written above. No consideration about the fee, it was internal policy and not their problem that Apple didn't tell us about it. So disappointed at this experience and will never be using them again or would ever recommend them to anyone.
Kelley Knudsen
Kelley Knudsen
07:58 16 Aug 19
Great customer service, professional and polite, great results and fast turnaround!
Theticus _
Theticus _
00:08 30 Jul 19
Great service for Apple repair
Michael Bischa
Michael Bischa
03:27 31 May 19
Great service, let us know our options up front, found the solution and ordered parts in and completed the job in just 48 hours to get am important computer back up running. They are great!
Rob & Rebecca Ketelaars
Rob & Rebecca Ketelaars
19:43 20 May 19
Friendly staff. Fast service. Replaced the battery in my iPhone 6 in about 1.5 hours while I was shopping at Orion just across the road. Perfect.
Valentin Despa
Valentin Despa
08:33 09 May 19
Very professional, friendly and fast. I liked a lot that you get text messages with the status of your job. Thank you guys!
Anthony
Anthony
05:33 05 Feb 19
Staff was very friendly and professional, only took 2 business days for my keyboard to be repaired; excellent service and absolutely no hassle.
Kazi Nazmul Haque Shezan
Kazi Nazmul Haque Shezan
00:46 01 Dec 18
Just awesome experience. My apple watch 4 was not charging. I got a new apple watch in 3 days. They are very fast at resolving problem. The staffs are very helpfull
Helena Stibbard
Helena Stibbard
23:12 11 Sep 18
Exceptional service; Explained everything and was very helpful with advice for backing up files; MacBook Pro full keyboard replacement done in 2 days; very little downtime which was really appreciated. Highly Recommended
Tom Parke
Tom Parke
11:41 05 Sep 18
This is an easy five stars. I came into the store, explained my issue (I needed to have the entire screen of my laptop replaced). They told me they'd need to order in some parts, and the entire repair was finished in less than 24 hours. Superb team.
Sam D
Sam D
22:38 19 Apr 18
I took my MacBook Pro in to get the screen diagnosed and replaced through apple warrenty, it was completed very quickly and estorm did an excellent job. It was so much easier going to estorm over an apple shop, no wait time, plenty of appointment times and no pushing your way through noisy crowds. Will definitely be going back to them for any issues. Thanks!
James C
James C
02:50 22 Mar 18
Liam Sorensen
Liam Sorensen
21:18 31 Jan 18
Excellent service and very professional atmosphere. I had a couple of apple devices that needed fixing and to my surprise were covered under warranty and were replaced free of charge!! The team there are an awesome crew very welcoming and very understanding.Look forward to requiring your service again.
Dallas Rankin
Dallas Rankin
01:20 17 Oct 17
Wade
Wade
04:43 16 Oct 17
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