iPads - a better way to teach and learn
The power and flexibility of iPad gives students and educators the freedom to explore and express new ideas whenever and wherever inspiration strikes. However, while many schools can recognise the why behind the benefits of integrating iPads in classrooms, they are often stuck on the how.
How do we integrate the devices to maximise their usage?
How do we develop a 1:1 device program amongst hundreds of students?
How do we afford or fund a 1:1 device program?
How do we train teachers to develop learning plans that utilise iPads?
How do we choose the right Apps that facilitate learning?
These hurdles and reservations understandably prevent schools from making the jump to adopting a 1:1 iPad device program for their students. However, eStorm can help with procuring your iPads and preparing your school for the leap to a 1:1 device program that successfully utilises the capabilities iPad offers to increase engagement and participation in classrooms.
Deploy a successful school-owned 1:1 device program with eStorm Australia
eStorm Australia has worked with dozens of schools by preparing and procuring a 1:1 institution-owned device program that WORKS. If you have questions or concerns about adopting a 1:1 device program, we've got the answers
With the proper support and training, iPads can transform the way your students learn. The capabilities of the iPad goes beyond research and writing. Students can unleash their creativity through augmented reality, drawing, or music creation, and can learn new concepts via educational apps, games, podcasts, and videos.
- iPads allow teachers to tailor content for each student based on their diverse learning needs and requirements
- iPads motivate students and encourage them to be more engaged in their learning and education
- Teachers can work with smaller groups of rotating students to introduce new concepts, while the rest of the class works independently on their iPads to apply their knowledge through educational apps, games, or quizzes
- Students can access digital copies of books, learning apps, and online materials
- Devices can be personalised to help students overcome challenges with motor skills, eyesight or speech
- The versatility of iPads means the device can adapt and evolve with students as they progress through school grades
An increasing number of state schools across Australia are finding school ownership of devices is becoming the most manageable and affordable device program, and with benefits like easier IT management, less classroom distractions, and equity among students it’s not difficult to see why!
Why are schools trending towards institution-owned?
- Teachers can only take full advantage of technology and online resources when all students are equally and adequately equipped
- 1:1 device programs give teachers greater flexibility in how they deliver lessons
- Reduces downtime when organising rooms, configuring devices, and fixing technical issues
- Students can work online simultaneously in class
- Students can access digital copies of books, learning apps, and online materials
Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of 1:1 school models in our blog post 'Benefits & Challenges of 1:1 Technology in the Classroom'
Bulk-buying: On top of Apple's Education discounts, eStorm Australia can offer further discounts on bulk purchases of iPads, offsetting some of the initial costs of outfitting your students with 1:1 devices.
Apple Finance: Apple offers flexible financing terms for schools that makes it easy to upgrade and finance a fleet of iPads at the same time. You can select a payment schedule that fits your budget cycle (e.g. annual, semi-annual, quarterly or monthly) and finance the iPads with no down payment.
Parent-funded: Parents can help fund a 1:1 device program. Schools can bulk purchase iPads (or finance through Apple Education Finance) and offset the costs to parents from just $150 a year per student (depending on the device model). Once the iPad has been paid off (which can take as little as four years), students can keep the devices.
Apple Teacher is a free resource for educators. Teachers can explore more than 120 lessons designed to help them master key features and apps for iPad, with hands-on tutorials providing foundational skills and fresh ideas educators can integrate into their lesson plans.
Apple can also offer the skills of Apple Professional Learning Specialists. These specialists are uniquely qualified to demonstrate how to best use Apple products for learning and teaching. They coach, mentor and support teachers in advancing their technology skills, with an emphasis on innovation and engaging students in fulfilling learning experiences.
Apple Professional Learning Specialists provide:
- Leadership and planning support
- Professional learning plans to match learning goals
- Research-based strategies for learning with technology
- Hands-on instructional coaching and mentoring
Steps to deploying a stress-free device program
The biggest costs involved involved with a 1:1 school-owned device program is, of course, the procurement of devices.
eStorm is on the panel to procure Apple devices for government and schools. This means that on top of Apple’s education and student discounts, we are also able to offer unbeatable EXCLUSIVE discounts for education bulk orders, making the cost of procuring 200+ iPads achievable no matter your school’s budget.
Before you deploy your 1:1 device program, it's important you guarantee your school's IT infrastructure can support the influx of devices that will be added to your network. Follow best practices for network security (such as reliable backups and authentication controls for both students and staff) and establish an internet and wifi service that is optimised throughout your school.
eStorm is experienced with Mobile Device Management software such as Apple School Manager and JAMF. We will assist your in-house IT team with network and account configurations, setting up the devices with the appropriate applications, and enrolling students into your program.
Lastly, we will assist with tracking the success and effectiveness of the program. In the case of iPads or Macs, we can also organise professional learning workshops with Apple experts, so your teachers and students can maximise their learning experiences with your new devices.
Case Studies
Get business driven results with eStorm.
The internal IT Manager at Silky Oaks left with no notice and very little documentation. Silky Oaks approached eStorm to assist in keeping their systems operational while they assessed their ongoing IT requirements.
Lighthouse Christian School promoted their junior technician to a management role after the departure of their previous IT manager. The new manager felt he was still developing his IT knowledge and experience, and thus would not be able to single-handedly run the school’s IT. LCS then endeavoured to find a Managed Service Provider that could provide supplemental IT support and services.
To meet the needs of a large client, Liquid Animation worked with eStorm to architect a solution that allowed international animators to seamlessly access data. This was achieved using a combination of cloud-based work stations and Amazon Web Services.
So why partner with eStorm for education support?
Unmatched experience
eStorm has supported the IT business needs of public and private universities and colleges, K-12 schools, professional Education organisations, and corporate learning services. From the smallest institutions to the largest organisations and services, eStorm delivers complete IT business services and support to help deliver effective teaching and learning.
Supporting teachers & students
Most schools have a Digital Learning program (of some kind) in place.Conversely, teachers and educators aren't necessarily equipped to deal with, and apply to their discipline, the technology available to them.
This is where eStorm comes in. We can full equip and educate staff to support them in their education of students.
Related Articles
Work better with eStorm
See why businesses all across Australia and NZ partner with eStorm Australia