The education sector is changing. Teachers are spending more and more time working inside and outside the classroom. This has an impact on class size and the workload of teaching staff. This, combined with budget cuts, means that the education sector in France has been hit hard in recent years.
In addition, the education sector struggles to recruit or retain teachers. It is therefore not surprising that schools must begin to seek to empower and empower their staff.
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the classroom. And the need for technology is not limited to teachers either; behind the scenes, schools, high schools, colleges and universities are run by their non-teaching support staff. Without them, the lessons would not take place. When considering building more resilient educational institutions, we need to take a holistic view of what is needed. Because just as teachers need tools to inspire students and do their jobs, HR, admissions, operations, and the myriad of other support structures need to be able to function effectively. In other words, the need for technology in the education sector is not limited to just one function.
Technology should support efficiency, creativity and collaboration. At best, it should help both students and teachers generate, capture, and act on great ideas. And, in the new world of hybrid learning and working, it should also make it easier for employees behind the scenes to work when they need to, achieve a healthy work-life balance, and collaborate more flexible. If not, the experience of teachers and learners may suffer. IT managers who understand this should focus more on initiatives that improve the experience with user-facing technologies.
The state of play
With hybrid working now an integral part of most people’s lives and hybrid learning gaining traction, many companies have already focused on optimizing a working (or learning) approach. from any location. And one of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is to equip remote users with better devices as well as better software. Above all, technology should not be seen as a short-term band-aid. Users themselves need to be happy with the technology in order to improve their own experience and satisfaction, both inside and outside the classroom.
But educational technology presents some challenges, especially when it comes to its use and implementation. Concerns such as excessive screen time, the effectiveness of teachers using technology, and worries about technological equity are concerns that need to be addressed. Moreover, while some students thrive in online learning environments, others do not, for personal or practical reasons.
The best way around these problems is to use devices that are or can be adapted to various tasks and requirements. There is no single technology for all users, but things like interface diversity, expansion options and excellent connectivity can make all the difference. For employees, teachers or students working from home, laptop stands can improve ergonomics, and wireless mice and keyboards can also increase operational comfort. For more emerging trends, AI could be key to delivering more personalized and interactive learning experiences, and many higher education institutions are using data analytics to identify students who might need more support. throughout their learning journey. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies not only bring learning experiences to life, but also help students learn subjects faster, according to a recent PwC study.
Accessories matter
Hardware is also important, and laptops that are portable, lightweight, and can be moved from space to space are great for students. Especially those studying off-campus or at universities.
They might also need specially designed, well-padded backpacks to carry equipment, as well as locks that protect against theft of equipment and data. Appropriate accessories are worth and support the hybrid transition, not only to increase satisfaction, but also to ensure the best performance and ultimate flexibility in relatively simple ways. For universities in particular, not only would such things improve the overall employee experience, but it could also help them stay competitive.
By improving efficiency and productivity with the right tools, students and workers can multitask quickly and efficiently, while improving internal communications and staying organized.
A more sustainable path
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword. For many companies today, this is a decisive philosophy that can attract or retain talent. IT managers know they need to consider the impact of the number and types of devices to power and future-proof their business. Computers, laptops, tablets, phones and printers all invariably have their own environmental footprint. And, following a surge in global interest and need for wearables during the pandemic, it might be easy to think remote work is bad for the planet. But with the possibility of moving away from a linear model and towards a circular economy in electronics, it is crucial for all companies to start thinking about improving the environmental performance of products throughout their cycle. of life. For a sustainable circular economy in the IT industry, reducing e-waste and utilizing programs such as reuse, recycling and asset recovery has never been more important.
While most technology vendors focus solely on the environmental credentials of their own products, the responsibility for the quality of a product’s disposal often rests with their decision-making at the top of the purchasing chain. The shift to a more circular operating model with regard to technological devices and improved e-waste behaviors is already in full force. This means that education IT managers are in an ideal position to be an integral part of the sustainability cycle that follows technology from its origins to its end of life, and therefore to choose vendors that give them good options. of life cycle.
Prioritizing technology can often feel like an uphill battle against limited education budgets and the status quo. But in this new era of blended learning, there’s never been a more crucial time to think about user needs, to better meet your organization’s needs.