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WIN! Classroom tech

S W I TCH onto T E CH Realising your school’s potential with ICT

To bring or not to bring?

The best way to approach BYOD

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Save yourself rich

As school budgets feel the pinch, procurement needn’t always come at a cost

Visualise the future Does the interactive whiteboard have competition?

Want your classroom to feature the must-have tech?

swITcH Up yoUR cLassRoom

Turn to the back page for a fantastic chance to win a great bundle of IT products from these leading classroom tech manufacturers.

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W E L C OME Welcome to Switch onto Tech, where we explore the future of technology and ICT procurement to help you navigate your way through the minefield that is buying for schools.

With limited budgets available, it is critical that schools think carefully about their approach to procurement, since every decision counts.

In the first of our features on procurement, ‘Two’s company’ looks at the benefit of reducing your number of suppliers and streamlining your invoicing burden and then in ‘Save yourself rich’, we look at ICT products that will significantly TWO’S COMPANY save your school money (bonus!).

Why one is often better than two when it Taking a look at the big picture, in comes to supply ‘To bring or not to bring?’, we explore the uncertain territory of bring-yourown-device (BYOD), how to implement it successfully and what pitfalls you should be aware of if you decide to explore this SAVE YOURSELF RICH route. Lastly, interactive whiteboards get As school budgets feel the pinch, a run for their money with the plethora procurement needn’t always come at a cost of alternative products on the market in ‘Visualise the future’. However, we soon find out there’s still nothing quite like ‘em.

We hope you enjoy this short guide and that it will be of value to you as you venture out into the world of ICT TO BRING OR NOT TO BRING? procurement. It’s not an easy road to How to successfully integrate BYOD follow, but with the right suppliers and support networks on your side, it can seem like a lot smoother ride.

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VISUALISE THE FUTURE

Interactive whiteboards meet their match

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Did you know you could be buying your IT services from your office products supplier? Many schools are unaware of the possibility, let alone merit, of one-stop-shopping, yet the benefits of partnering with fewer resellers for your ICT are manifold. Paying for goods and services – from cartridges to servers – by way of fewer invoices will save you time and money, plus you are often rewarded for loyalty. Julia Dennison reports

With so many different products and services flooding the average school, a bursar and their ICT manager can be faced with hundreds of invoices from as many different suppliers – and that’s on ICT alone. With so many choices of purveyor out there, it’s difficult to know where to turn. The Department for Education has made this easier by

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launching its EduBuy.org procurement portal, but it’s also pushing the benefit of consolidated invoices. While buying from a wide array of suppliers may seem good value for money, as you shop around for a good deal, there is emerging evidence that says schools should consider reducing the number of suppliers they purchase from.

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Less work Having fewer suppliers means less work to qualify the supplier in the first instance, and undoubtedly less administrative burden in the long run. This can be particularly advantageous when dealing with highly technical hard- or software, which can be a major investment and also require more thorough testing and trialling than a simple ream of paper.

Better deal You can get a better deal when sourcing from fewer suppliers, since it means less work for business on behalf of the supplier, and they should value your loyalty. When you’re negotiating contracts, it’s important to bring this up if they haven’t offered you a discount for buying more from them.

Streng

th in numbers

Collaborating with other schools to bring your spend together will give you significantly more power, even if you are buying from fewer suppliers. “Historically schools have developed big numbers of small suppliers in their individual schools and the hours of admin time taken in each school placing orders, processing and paying invoices can be significant when added together,” explains Val Andrew, business management specialist at the Association of School and College Leaders. “To be able to reduce some of this admin burden and cost, by more collaboration through procurement would achieve savings.”

Loyalty pays If you’re loyal, the supplier will also prioritise you when it comes to their time, effort and availability of future services. They appreciate your business, so will put in that added effort to ensure you stay happy. “Going with a single or small group of suppliers certainly simplifies the supply chain, streamlining the procurement process,” agrees Miles Berry, subject leader for computing education at the University of Roehampton and member of Naace. “If you build up a good relationship with a supplier over time then this can work very well as they come to understand the school’s needs better and can be more responsive.” They are therefore more likely to throw in things like product demos, IT support or warranties and you’ll be the first they’ll call when a new tablet hits the scene.

A bit of effort to improve the relationship you have with your suppliers is worth the effort, as it helps resellers understand your needs better, allowing for efficiencies and economies of scale. If you leverage your position as a good customer, you’ll be on your way to saving those precious funds. 

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Connecting your school HP ElitePad 900 & HP Productivity Jacket Part Numbers: Elitepad 900 – D4T10AW, Productivity Jacket – D6554AA Go beyond everyday business with the HP ElitePad, HP's premium thin and light Windows® 8 tablet. Its elegant design and touch experience puts productivity at your fingertips. Expand your potential by choosing from a complete suite of thoughtfully designed accessories like a full keyboard, docking station, and smart jacket that extends battery life.

Easy to deploy. Effortless to manage.

Simple to secure. The HP ElitePad moves your entire business ahead.

The HP ElitePad Productivity Jacket2 boosts productivity with a keyboard, ports, SD card reader, and an adjustable stand.

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End User Cash Back End users claim £150 cash back with a HP Elitepad when trading in an old iPad, notebook or desktop PC. Offer ends 31st July 2013.

Full T&Cs apply - visit tradeuptohp.com for further information

HP LaserJet M401dne

HP 650 Notebook

Part Number: CF399A

Part Number: H0V41EA

Do more with your workday. Set up in your school using built-in Ethernet networking and share printing resources on a network. Print on the go with mobile printing options such as HP ePrint, and AirPrint™. With print speeds up to 33ppm, and duplex printing to save paper, this fast and reliable HP LaserJet helps you meet all your printing needs – with bold crisp text and sharp images - while reducing environmental impact.

Essential Mobility. Optimized for Windows 8 Pro, this value-priced notebook offers Intel technology1, wireless capabilities2 and essential multimedia tools. The durable casing in a matte charcoal colour protects the laptop’s good looks.

Equipped to get the job done, the HP 650 combines a 39.6 cm (15.6') diagonal HD3 display with 4GB RAM, 320GB HDD, Intel® processor capabilities and wireless capabilities

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HP Officejet Pro X451dw Part Number: CN463A Join the printing revolution – fast, professionalquality colour at up to half the cost of colour lasers. The HP Officejet Pro X451dw colour printer is a game-changing device that brings together the best of ink and laser printing. No competing desktop colour laser device on the market comes close to matching the blazing print speeds of up to 55ppm and low cost of ownership of this device. Plus, it features best-in-class paper capacity, print quality, and energy efficiency – making this product a great long-term investment.

End User Printer Buy and Try Promotion Offers customers a way to buy a HP printer and test it for 30 calendar days If for any reason you decide not to keep the printer, you can return the product to HP and receive the purchase price in full.

End User Trade In Claim £80 when you trade-in your old printer, regardless of the brand. Offer ends 31st July 2013.

Full T&Cs apply - visit http://h41201.www4.hp.com/tradein/ uk/en/promotions/Printer/Trade-in-Save-pickup/ for further information

HP Compaq Pro 4300 SFF and HP W2072a 20” LCD Monitor Part Number: Desktop H5S07ET and Monitor B5M13AA Strong PC performance, intelligent PC design.

Introducing the HP Compaq Pro 4300 Small Form Factor; a PC platform designed to match your everyday needs and deployment functions.

With Intel® H61 Express chipset and a 2nd and 3rd generation Intel® Core™ processor family and bringing work to life with integrated Intel® HD Graphics.

Increase your desktop real-estate with support for dual-monitor set-up through VGA and DVI-D outputs. Customizable expansion options include two PCI low profile slots, a PCI Express x1 slot and a PCI Express x16 to support discrete graphics performance. The 4300 also offers SATA hard drives up to 1 TB and industry standard ports and connectors.

Team this with the HP W2072a 50,8 cm (20") LED Backlit LCD Monitor combines flawless form and high-quality viewing at an affordable price – all with the environment in mind. Its thin design, with integrated speakers and simple “plug and play” connectivity, complements any HP desktop without sacrificing space.

win classroom tech from this manufacturer edexec.co.uk/switchontotech/

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As school budgets feel the pinch, procurement needn’t always come at a cost. With the right ICT investment, your school can actually save money. Carrie Service finds out how

save yourself rich

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In business, the phrase ‘speculate to accumulate’ is widely used and understood – companies know that in order to make money they have to invest in their future – and business-savvy schools should be applying the same concept to their ICT procurement. With budgets under increasing strain, schools need to be able to get the absolute most out of their ICT equipment and ensure that any investment they make doesn’t sit gathering dust for the next 12 months. So how can schools save themselves rich?

ThInk sMarT – noT CheaP It’s important to remember when buying in new ICT equipment that cheaper isn’t always better.

Yes, there may be money to be saved in the short term by investing in cheaper storage or server solutions, for example, but how efficient and robust are cheaper models and are you going to be better off over time? You’ll be regretting the decision to go cheap and cheerful if you lose your pupil data to a preventable disaster. A good value service should cover all eventualities.

Multi-functional printers are another way that schools can invest to save money. If you are purchasing equipment for a department that needs access to a printer, photocopier, scanner and fax but for relatively low usage, it might be worth investing in a multipurpose device that can carry out all of these tasks. whaT’s The IMPaCT? Investing in high-end devices for pupils, such as tablet computers, is something that more and more schools are doing and many are using this technology provision as a selling point for the school – particularly if they have just converted to academy status or are in the process of making improvements. But don’t simply jump on the bandwagon in order to keep up with the Joneses. If you are choosing to invest in tablets, for example, think about how and when they are going to be used; speak to teachers from each department and see what it is they are hoping to achieve with the technology first and decide whether tablets are the most cost-effective option. You may find that some classes will be able to work sharing one tablet between two

pupils, or that some year groups will have a high number of students that have their own devices so the money can be invested in other ICT equipment. Technology needs to have a positive, measurable impact on how teachers deliver lessons in order to be worth investing in.

Take IT To The BoarD Interactive whiteboards are something that many schools have been criticised for not making the most of. But if used correctly and with the right software they can prove invaluable to teachers and students alike and provide another dimension to a lesson – without the need for individual devices. If you have previously invested in whiteboards and they haven’t been utilised as much as you’d like, find out if the teachers might benefit from some additional

Technology needs to have a positive, measurable impact on how teachers deliver lessons in order to be worth investing in” training as it could be that they are simply a little unsure of how the technology works and haven’t had the time to figure it out yet.

Investing in the right software for different departments is also important and teachers should be made aware of what is available to them as it could make the difference between the school making good use of the technology, or it simply becoming a very expensive blackboard. keeP on MoVIng Mobile technology is now all around us and if your school’s PC suite is in need of a revamp, why not invest in some small laptops or netbooks? If your budget doesn’t quite stretch to a full set of tablet computers, these are a good compromise. They don’t require a dedicated IT suite, so they free up space that would otherwise be taken up by a bank of desktop computers and they can also be more classroom-friendly than tablets in many respects – having a keyboard makes them easier for typing tasks and are cheaper to replace if broken. 

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Microsoft IT Academy Program The complete technological education solution.

The Microsoft IT Academy Program is a complete technology education solution connecting students, teachers, employers and local communities through a life-long learning model of leading-edge technology skills development.

The program has been designed to bridge the gap between education and the real-world by equipping students with the IT skill sets they need for successful careers in today’s technology centered job market, and providing professional development resources for educators.

Bridge the gap between education and the real-world.

The Microsoft IT Academy provides the resources that benefit all students. Acquiring skills on the latest technologies helps students to become better collaborators, communicators, critical thinkers, innovators and problem solvers. More than 50% of today's jobs require some degree of technology skills, and experts say this percentage will increase to 77% in the next decade.1 Further studies suggest that in the next 5 to 10 years there will be a significant shortage in the supply of skilled IT professionals.2 Over the next four years, IT employment will rise by 5.8 million jobs and 51% of all IT jobs will be software related creating 75,000 new businesses.2 Help the entire school benefit with a 1-year subscription The Microsoft IT Academy Program is an annual subscription program that provides academic institutes and teachers with resources to train & certify their students on Microsoft Technology.

Enable academic institutions and employers by helping them to join the Microsoft IT Academy (ITA) program. By joining the program they will get a full curriculum for teaching technology courses and learning tools that will help their students to achieve success.

ITA enables academic institutions to offer training not only on fundamental technology skills but also training courses for students who are interested in pursuing a career in IT. References: 1. US Bureau of Labour Statistics; 2. IDC

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win classroom tech from this manufacturer edexec.co.uk/switchontotech/

want to know more? edexec.co.uk/microsoft/

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Unlimited creation Even on the go

Experience the freedom of a tablet with the power of a PC. Samsung’s revolutionary Smart PC features complete Windows 8 functionality and a host of easy to use input devices for maximum productivity even on the move. Thanks to its convertible design, you can enjoy the convenience, mobility and intuitive operation of a tablet or you can add a full-sized keyboard and touchpad. With 5-finger multi-touch capabilities as well as an S Pen, your potential for creativity is limitless.

Using S Note, you can take notes, draw and more with the greatest of ease.

Now you truly can do it all on the go.

Do It All – From Creation To Consumption

A revolutionary convertible design unites the power of a notebook with the convenience of tablet. So you can enjoy outstanding mobility and convenience for instant consumption on the go, including web-browsing, communication, video and gaming. But simply add its full sized keyboard and touchpad and you’ve got the heavyduty performance, compatibility and creative capability of a notebook.

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Just Write And Go!

The S Pen brings the real experience of writing and drawing to the world of computing. Made by renowned technology leader Wacom, its 1024 level pressure sensitivity delivers the super accuracy demanded by professional designers, so it’s just like using a normal pen or pencil. And for maximum comfort and convenience it’s identical in size and embedded into the body.

Never Miss A Thing

With S Note you can easily take notes, draw and update information when moving and standing. Its various input modes (type, write and handwriting recognition) make it simple and intuitive to use and the most advanced note-taking application to support the S Pen. It also has a choice of templates to help you quickly create many different documents and drawings.

The Easy Way To Stay In Control

An advanced 5-finger multitouch capability provides a technological leap in interactivity, surpassing traditional twofinger multi-touch by providing full touch control using all 5 fingers. Its enhanced sensitivity means you can pinch-

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to-zoom, rotate images, and scroll through pages with complete ease and enjoy the full capabilities of the latest entertainment applications. geT The CoMPLeTe PICTure

Features high resolution cameras at the front (2 megapixel) and back (8 megapixel) and a built-in flash. So whether you’re taking high quality photographs, videoconferencing with your friends and family or using the high definition webcam to record much clearer and smoother video clips you won't miss a thing. share & PLay ConTenT anywhere

AllShare Play makes viewing and sharing your photos, music, videos, documents and files ultra simple. You can wirelessly access, play and send items from your Samsung device to any other compatible device, storage or web service, so you'll never run out of space. Plus there's no need for cables or USB drives and you can remotely access your content anywhere! geT More Done wITh wInDows 8

With the Windows® 8 operating system you'll enjoy the same high productivity and familiar environment as a normal PC. You can install and run all Windows programs, including any you already own, but optimise performance with a choice of interfaces –

either the classic desktop with a mouse and keyboard or start screen's simpler, touchcentric capabilities.

FuLL sIZeD keyBoarD anD TouChPaD

Features a full sized keyboard and touchpad, so there’s no compromise on performance or productivity – especially when creating text-heavy documents. As well as the normal “function” features, the keyboard also has two extra USB 2.0 ports so you can connect extra peripherals. And when you want to be more mobile and creative just detach it and go!

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Simple, Powerful, Beautiful  Full windows 8 Pro experience with TPM  Intel® atom™ Processor for PC performance  Detachable clamshell experience with full keyboard  Magnetic form factor for flexible Laptop to Tablet mode  s-Pen included for note annotation  wi-Fi and optional 4g/3g/LTe connectivity

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switch onto tech

Transform your classroom Trade-in your old interactive board and get £300 cash back or free training worth £399.

The future of interactive learning is here. And with a choice of great savings, it’s within easy reach. The latest ActivBoard 500 Pro is our most flexible pen and touch whiteboard yet. It gives students the chance to touch, tap, grab, draw and save files to the board. Just like a smartphone or tablet – intuitive technology they’re already familiar with.

Trading up is simple and hassle-free.

We’ll not only install your new board for FREE we’ll safely remove and dispose of your old one too. Even better, the ActivBoard is available in sizes 78”, 87” and 95”, with features including a sharp image projector, integrated sound system and two FREE award-winning educational software packages.

Packed with benefits, the ActivBoard accommodates up to four learners, when used with Windows 7, allowing more collaboration on any given task. Images can easily be scaled, moved and rotated at the touch of a finger. What’s more, it comes with FREE ActivOffice software designed to bring all of your Microsoft PowerPoint® presentations to life.

Thanks to its flexible interactive technology, your students will benefit from a whole new learning experience. Thanks to our great offer, you’ll save on your budget too.

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want to know more?

From only £2,609

A great deal at your fingertips Promethean upgrade deal when you purchase an ActivBoard 500 Pro system 

£300 cash back or FREE in-school training worth £399

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FREE installation and safe removal of your old board

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Two FREE interactive educational software packages

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Includes 5 year ActivCare warranty

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Certified safe and non hazardous disposal of your whiteboard (WEEE Compliant)

edexec.co.uk/promethean/ *Terms & conditions : Promethean Upgrade Offer. £2609 based on an ActivBoard 578 Pro Mount System with DLP projector.

Choice of £300 Cash Back or £399 worth of in-school training available to named school within 28 days of removal of existing qualifying interactive whiteboard from site and Promethean Upgrade claim verified. Offer available on selected ActivBoard 500 Pro Systems only, ordered between the 30th January 2013 and 31st December 2013 and delivered before 31st December 2013, based on availability. See www.classroomupgrade.com for full Terms and Conditions, complete instructions of how to claim and list of qualifying trade-in interactive boards. Offer includes installation to a set standard. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other Promethean promotion. Errors and omissions excepted.

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To BRInG oR noT To BRInG Bring-your-own-device is an increasingly popular trend in schools as they seek to meet the demands of their tech-savvy pupils under budget constraints. however, problems surrounding inclusivity and network security have put many schools off. george Carey asks if it’s the best way forward or a quick fix 16 16

The incredible proliferation of smartphones and tablets in recent years means they are now commonplace in the average home. With the entry into the market of highly competitive, non-fruit-based tablets improving choice and driving down price, this trend looks set to continue. Previous generations were used to accessing the best technology at school, but a paradigm shift caused by the almost ubiquitous uptake of high-tech consumer electronics means many pupils are now bringing their own superior devices into school.

This has left educators in a quandary as to whether they should maximise the use of pupils’ own devices inside the school gates.

On the one hand it seems like an easy win for schools to make use of free, usually up-to-date equipment, but the issue of differing access to technology and the inherent problems of integrating disparate devices onto the network mean it’s not always a simple option. But do the benefits outweigh the disadvantages?

Despite the challenges implementing such a system can involve, many schools have enjoyed huge benefits from allowing children to use their own devices. One such institution is Beaconsfield High School, an all-girls grammar in South Bucks. Not only does it allow students more freedom and easier access to learning materials, but it eases the strain on IT resources, freeing up school computers and alleviating the demand for hardware. However headteacher Owain Johns stresses that parents should not feel pressured into buying their child a device, rather that school is simply making the most of the technology the children already have access to: “It’s not compulsory, we’re not saying ‘you must’ but we’re giving them the opportunity to embrace it.” This approach is typical of those establishments that have employed BYOD successfully, supplementing the school’s resources rather than seeking to replace them. By using a mix of in-house devices and those brought from home, no student needs to feel left out.

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long Display e inter r abou techno logy activ t sho con i w nec ity in the ing co s now n n learn ting c o r t lass oom, b ent or e ers, ro ut to a v wor oms, a about en ldwi n de c d thus omm unity ”

Another common concern is that pupils will fritter away their time on non-educational sites, such as social networking or, worse, use the extra internet access to engage in cyber bullying. At Britons Academy in Essex, pupils must be logged onto the school’s network to access the internet, at which point their usage becomes instantly monitored. “If a child types something inappropriate or concerning, such as ‘suicide’, it’s flagged and we’ll know which student has done that, so we can approach them about it,” says assistant principal Laplace Mugombe. “If a child is misusing their mobile device there is a range of sanctions. If it was something quite minor it might be a warning, but a worse breach of the policy could mean a student would have to hand their device into reception and they or their parents would have to get it back at the end of the day.” To reduce opportunities for cyber bullying, visiting social

networking sites is prohibited.

Security threats posed to schools’ networks can also put off some considering BYOD, but this obstacle can be overcome without too much difficulty. At Beaconsfield, the network performs all the necessary checks automatically. “As soon as a student connects their laptop to the network, the system instantly identifies the device as unknown, and then authenticates them on the network, and at the same time checks they’ve got virus protection,” says Johns. “It then registers the user and allows the device to access the network.”

With the mobility offered by smartphones and tablets, and the perceived difficulties of BYOD seemingly a thing of the past, the reasons to ignore it are ever decreasing.

It’s time to embrace the future and myriad possibilities that your pupils’ devices could offer them at school. 

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Feature rich for inspired teaching with Epson projectors Epson never stop listening and working hard to give people in education the tools and technology to make learning and teaching interesting, exciting and rewarding. This is why Epson is the world number one projector manufacturer*1.

Epson’s high-performance projectors create big, bright and clear images that bring education to life. They match any budget, are compact enough to fit any room and allow teachers and students to get creative with learning.

Easy-to-use and economical, the Epson ultra-short-throw EB-470 and EB-475Wi produce vivid, natural images without glare

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or shadows. The EB-475Wi provides built-in interactivity to turn any flat surface into an interactive workspace. This enables real-time annotation and screen ‘drawing’ that takes student involvement to a new level.

Notes and annotations can easily be printed to Epson’s WorkForce Pro series printers.

The Epson EB- 470 and EB-475Wi also feature a 5 year hardware extended warranty2, and a 3 year unlimited lamp warranty.

1. Source: Future Consulting Ltd. 2. Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid until 31st July 2013, for more information visit www.epson.co.uk/5yearwarranty.

3. For more information and conditions visit www.epson.eu/CLO

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EPSon ConnECt Epson Connect allows you to print directly from your smartphone, tablet, PC and laptop through the wireless internet connection.

REMotE MAnAgEMEnt

The Complete Education Printing Solution with Epson WorkForce Pro series The Epson WorkForce Pro series offers a cost effective education printing solution. The compact and professional range delivers extra high yield ink cartridges with up to 3400 pages to reduce your running costs and provide a low total cost of ownership.

Up to 50% lower cost per page - Epson WorkForce Pro inkjet printers offer a significantly lower cost per page than competitive colour lasers.4 80% lower power consumption - Epson WorkForce Pro inkjets also offer a massive reduction in energy consumption compared to competitive colour lasers. This means that as well as superb quality and flexibility, you can make cost and environmental savings.4 The Epson Worforce Pro series also features 3 year extended warranty.5 4. For more information visit www.epson.co.uk/tco 5. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.epson.co.uk/worforcepromo for more information

epson workforce Pro awards

Simple remote printer installation and management.

AIRPRInt AirPrint enables instant printing from iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, and Mac without the need to install drivers or download software. Simply select an AirPrint printer and print. It's that simple.

nEtWoRK ConnECtIvItY Coming network-ready the Epson WorkForce Pro series is easy to integrate and can be easily shared across workgroups, with USB and Ethernet connectivity.

DUPLEX PRIntIng AnD SCAnnIng All models have automatic double sided printing and scanning as standard.

RoBUSt Ideal for the school environment the WorkForce Pro series is built-to-last and capable of handling the needs of a busy classroom.

CLEAn AnD gREEn With DURABrite Ultra ink our range of ink cartridges produce prints that dry instantly and resist water, smudging, fading and highlighter pens – perfect for classrooms.

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EASE oF oWnERShIP These small compact printers can be placed conveniently in the classroom. With easy to change ink cartridges replacing ink can be done with minimal fuss.

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Interactive whiteboards have been a standard feature of the classroom for going on 15 years now, but there’s a difference between having one and getting the most out of it. Indeed, there is plenty more that can be done with these touch-screen wonders.

Julia Dennison looks at the latest trends in audio visual and interactive whiteboards to find out what schools are doing to turn the twodimensional lesson space into a multi-dimensional world of wonder

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When the interactive whiteboard (IWB) was first introduced to the classroom back in the 1990s, it was seen as the wonder product – the piece of kit that would singlehandedly boost attainment and improve classroom participation and add a new dimension to teaching and learning. It proved so popular that by 2007, 100% of primary schools and 98% of secondary schools had one (Becta, 2008).

With such ubiquity, a boredom of boards set in. Studies emerged questioning the IWB’s true ability to raise achievement and teachers fell back on using the costly gadgets as little more than the traditional chalkboards that came before.

“The result is too much emphasis on possession than utilisation,” comments Vik Paw, MIS and intranet manager of the British International School of Jeddah, by way of a MirandaNet discussion. “We recently were told by external inspectors that they were no more than a means of displaying the computer screen. That is, they were no more interactive than a traditional whiteboard.”

However, with a new focus on teacher training and now, the entrance of tablets, 3D and interactive accessories into the market, augmenting the faithful product, there seems to be a newfound enthusiasm for making the most of touch-screen technology in the theatre of the classroom, with the IWB taking centre stage.

The biggest addition of late has to be the tablet, which acts as a miniature, handheld version of the interactive whiteboard, allowing the learners to compliment the teacher’s use of technology. Apps emerged to link the two by way of Apple’s Airplay and a new layer of classroom interaction emerges. “Being able to pass [a tablet] around the class seems far more democratic than a teacher taking charge of the lesson from the board at the front,” says Miles

Berry, subject leader for computing education at the University of Roehampton and member of Naace’s board of management.

The IWB is no longer confined to the four walls of a classroom either. They have become facilitators of a global learning community.

“Display technology is now no longer about showing content or even interactivity in the room,” explains Berry, “but about connecting classrooms, and thus learners, to a worldwide community.”

Of course, it’s no longer just the whiteboard inhabiting the interactive display market. Projectors, portable air mice, wide- and flat-screens, Apple TV and their accessories are now viable competitors. Promethean, famous for its interactive whiteboards, understands this change in the market. Ian Curtis, head of Promethean UK, explains: “As we move all learning forward and build knowledge communities, the process for how information is shared, modified and created changes.

Today’s students create and publish content on a daily basis. The future of learning rests in teachers being able to tap into this creative process and use modern technology tools to help learning flourish. We believe this happens in a whole group environment, in small group collaborations and during individual reflection. We have expanded our product portfolio beyond the interactive whiteboard to meet these requirements with the inclusion of hardware such as the ActivTable, learner response systems ActivExpression the software ActivEngage, which is ideal for individual student assessment on tablet devices.” In this changing market, anything is possible when it comes to interaction. While the IWB continues to reign supreme, we enter a time of experiment and enthusiasm. Not sure where to start? A good ICT supplier can help. Just don’t be afraid to think creatively. 

Display technology is now no longer just about interactivity in the room, but worldwide”

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Go beyond everyday learning with HP HP Enterprise Servers, Storage and Networking enable public sector organisations to manage their IT environments with state of the art and world leading performance. Taking advantage of monthly Top value offers will enable you to stretch your budget, giving you the best value for money. HP Care Pack and Contractual Services provide the peace of mind and post installation support when inevitable downtime occurs, helping to reduce this and the impact it has on the organisation resulting in seamless infrastructure performance.

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switch onto tech

Enterprise Servers HP Enterprise Servers take the complexity out of designing, ordering, and installing client virtualisation solutions through the new HP Gen8 architecture. The consistent and reliable remote desktop experience for Schools, Colleges and Universities provide an ideal scenario when looking to enhance an IT infrastructure.

storage Converged Storage accelerates value for money, helping you to stretch your budget further by eliminating the physical, logical and management boundaries that separate storage from IT. Build from the ground up with a modern data center.

networking HP Networking offers valuable gains for business: Integrated Solutions, Converged Infrastructure, Security and Unified Communications. HP Networking provide the connectivity and security that organisations consistently strive for, helping to enhance their technology capabilities.

Services HP Care Pack and Contractual Services lead the industry in providing support and optimisation for the IT environment.

Tailored to the needs of today’s competitive markets, these services: almost eliminate downtime; lower operational costs; free resources whilst maximising capacity utilisation.

win classroom tech from this manufacturer edexec.co.uk/switchontotech/

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swITcH Up yoUR cLassRoom Want your classroom to feature the must-have tech?

WIN! Classroom tech

Here's a fantastic chance to win a great bundle of prizes from leading classroom tech manufacturers, including a Fujitsu Scansnap ix500, an Epson WorkForce Pro, an HP Elitepad, an HP Officejet Pro and a set of 32 Promethean ActivExpression 2 handset kits.

Epson WorkForce Pro WP-4525DNF

Promethean ActivExpression 2 32 handset kit

Elitepad

Fujitsu Scansnap ix500

HP Officejet Pro 8600

Visit the website to enter and see the full list of tech kit up for grabs.

edexec.co.uk/switchontotech/ SECONDARY

PRIMARY

EDUCATION Terms and Conditions: To be eligible to enter this competition you must agree to the follow terms: You must be a fully functioning educational EXECUTIVE institution. You must be willing to participate in a follow up article in Education Executive regarding the competition if you are the winner. Agree to your information being passed on to no more than one carefully selected ICT supplier for educational guidance.

EDUCATION EXECUTIVE

EDUCATION EXECUTIVE