Dell unlocks potential of digital age for school children
Dell launched its Connected Classroom learning platform for UK schools at BETT, the world’s largest educational technology event. The Connected Classroom is designed to help schools integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) beyond fixed computers locked in a PC lab into every aspect of the learning environment. It combines products such as interactive whiteboards, education netbooks, tablet PCs, digital cameras and video conferencing with services, software and training to give educators and school administrators the practical framework and tools they need to transform teaching, and make learning in the digital age a reality for their students.
Though today’s children have no memories of a life without computers or the Internet, many of them still have to switch-off and disconnect from that familiar technology when they go to school. In the UK, there is an average of seven pupils per computer in primary schools and 2.9 pupils per computer in secondary schools, and only 34 per cent of primary and 36 per cent of secondary schools say that they are well-equipped with laptops.ICT usage in schools has not fundamentally changed the way children are educated. Most lessons are still taught by a single teacher standing in front of a class. By integrating technology into every aspect of learning, teachers give students the means to learn at their own pace, interact with each other, and explore the world around them.
The Connected Classroom uses a wide range of devices that help pupils connect, collaborate and learn. It enables teachers to personalise learning by offering different instructions according to the individual learning styles of the pupils. With Student Response Systems and software, teachers can find out immediately if students understand the subject matter. These systems can also be used to encourage critical thinking and problem solving. Teachers can view all connected student workstations simultaneously, in thumbnail size, which can be adjusted along with update intervals. Two students can work simultaneously on the interactive whiteboard and teachers can use the whiteboards to document class discussions and email them to the pupils and their parents for review. They can make real-time student assessments for parents to see online. Secure access to the school network from any Internet-enabled device allows pupils to work anytime and anywhere from the classroom desk to the kitchen table.
A more advanced component of the Connected Classroom platform is the Virtual Classroom which uses Unified Communications to allow students to participate in lessons when they can’t physically be in the classroom due to sickness or exclusion. Entire classrooms can be linked together so that they can collaborate on shared projects and lectures. Students can gain access to classes run by other specialist schools. Subject matter experts from universities, industry, arts and culture can enrich lessons via a webcam-equipped PC without having to physically travel to the classroom.
The Connected Classroom was developed from Dell’s knowledge of education initiatives around the world including the Building Schools for the Future programme, the UK Government’s investment programme in secondary school buildings in England, of which ICT provision is a key component.
The Connected Classroom includes:
Purpose-built Latitude 2100 netbooks featuring innovations like optional touchscreens that can be used with Web 2.0 tools. Plus, the new Dell Mobile Computing Station cart with Lapsafe which allows IT staff to manage software and upgrades remotely from a central hub, significantly reducing cost and complexity. The Latitude 2100 can handle the most robust applications, giving students versatility for more intense projects such as video editing and collaboration. For teachers, the Latitude XT Tablet is a high-performance device that’s ultra portable and ultra intuitive. With multi-touch screen and pen, it permits greater teacher-student interaction.
Dell projectors, interactive whiteboards from Promethean and Smart and audio systems help teachers differentiate instruction for multiple learning styles, individualise lessons for each student’s needs, and encourage students to collaborate and communicate.
Remote System Management for Wake on LAN, ASF and SMS with NetSupport; Managed Transitions for smooth product transitions; Custom Factory Integration – gets the laptop ready to be handed to the user; Dell ProSupport – international, 24/7 technical support including software. Available both for IT managers or end users; Next Business Day on-site support.
Other partners include Aruba Networks, for wireless networking; AMX, for classroom control systems, digital signage and IPTV; Quest Software, for security and management software solutions; Kensington for laptop locks.
Josh Claman, vice-president Public, Dell EMEA: “We’ve done our homework and listened to educators, policy makers and IT leaders about what they need to transform teaching and learning to provide these vital 21st Century skills. We know that computers alone are not enough. Students, teachers, and parents must be able to connect to each other and to share information wherever and whenever they want. We’re applying our learning to designing technology solutions that help turn this collaborative vision into a reality with the Dell Connected Classroom.”
Paul Manby, assistant headteacher - Curriculum and Timetabling at Greenford High School in Middlesex: “Pupils today need a new set of skills beyond the traditional core subjects of maths, language, and science. They also need to be ICT-literate, globally-aware critical thinkers, who can problem-solve, work collaboratively and communicate effectively. In addition to this, they need to have the same experience of technology in school as they do outside, so that they remain fully engaged.”
Shawn McCarthy, IDC Government Insights analyst: “Schools today are faced with tight budgets and varying degrees of technology and student learning abilities. A variety of specialised hardware, software, services and training can help them integrate technology throughout students' learning experiences as well as manage technology efficiently.”