Getting the Best Out of Technology for Education

 

Getting the Best Out of Technology for Education

 Finding the Best Computer and Devices

When looking for the best technology for education, it is important research devices that are cost effective and meets the amenity needs that your organization is looking for. The most important thing is that the devices are compatible with your infrastructure and can be sustained for at least five to seven years. When looking for a device, we sometimes get caught up in all the gadgets that come along with the devices. However, most of these gadgets are not needed for the purpose of education. Keep this in mind when you are researching the devices. It is important to look for bundle deals and sales to get more ‘bang for your buck’. It is also a good idea to do look at the reviews of the devices and do a comparative analysis of the features of the computers.

The FCC’s E-rate program makes technology more affordable to schools and libraries with discounts ranging from 20 to 90 percent (fcc.gov, 2023). After the schools do an assessment of their technology needs, their requests are submitted for bids. However, the bid requests and bidding processes must comply with FCC rules and state and local procurement requirements (fcc.gov, 2023).

Digital Safety

The FCC requires schools to certify that they have an internet safety policy in place that includes technology protection measures. These measures must block or filter internet access that are obscene, pornographic, or harmful to minors (fcc.gov, 2023). Students must also be educated on digital citizenship and internet safety. If these requirements are not met, schools can be disqualified for E-rate funding.

Device Preferences Among Students

            A recent Oregon State University Study was done to explore what types of devices students were using to engage in their classes and why students preferred these devices. The research was done for the purpose of developing online materials and to understand how much effort should be put into developing these materials. Students overwhelmingly preferred laptops for accessing their learning management system (LMS) homepage, viewing video content, for learning simulations, and for games (ecampus.oregonstate.edu). Among some of the reasons they gave, ease of use and effectiveness were the most important factors for their preference. Not surprisingly, (in my opinion), smartphones were least likely to be chosen as an effective tool for accessing the LMS, viewing videos, and learning with simulations and games (ecampus.oregonstate.edu). Now had this been a survey for preferences on viewing social media, I believe the results would come out differently.

    For more information on Digital Safety and the E-Rate program, check out these sites.

FCC E-Rate Program

Children's Internet Protection Act

References:

Children's internet protection act (CIPA). Federal Communications Commission. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/childrens-internet-protection-act

Ecampus, O. S. U. (n.d.). Student device preferences for online course access and multimedia learning – Study – Ecampus Research Unit. – Study – Ecampus Research Unit | Oregon State Ecampus | OSU Degrees Online. Retrieved April 10, 2023, from https://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/research/study/student-device-preferences/

E-rate: Universal Service Program for Schools and libraries. Federal Communications Commission. (n.d.). Retrieved April 3, 2023, from https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/universal-service-program-schools-and-libraries-e-rate