As the new school year approaches, students, parents and educators alike are getting ready to transition back to their learning environments, whether physically in a classroom or virtually. In today's education landscape, technology plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless start to the academic year. From reliable IT Services to cutting-edge technology, getting prepared is key to fostering a productive learning environment.
We’ve pulled together 5 essential IT Services and technology preparations needed for the back-to-school season that you should consider:
1. Device Readiness: Ensuring Laptops and Tablets are Up to Par
One of the first steps in back-to-school tech prep is ensuring that all devices are in top working condition. This includes:
System Updates: Ensure that all operating systems, software, and applications are updated to the latest versions. Updates often include security patches and new features that enhance device performance.
Battery Health: Check the battery life of laptops and tablets. If batteries are draining quickly, consider getting them replaced.
Storage Management: Clear out unnecessary files and applications to free up storage space, ensuring that devices can handle new downloads and updates throughout the school year.
2. Cyber Security Measures: Safeguarding Students, Educators and Data
As students log on to various platforms, cyber security becomes a priority to protect students' and teachers’ sensitive data. Key measures include:
Anti-virus Software: Ensure all devices are equipped with up-to-date antivirus software to protect against malware and other cyber threats.
Parental Controls: Utilise parental control settings to monitor and restrict access to inappropriate content or harmful websites.
Password Management: Teach students the importance of strong, unique passwords and consider using password managers to securely store login information.
3. Software Tools and Applications: Enhancing Learning Experiences
Equipping students and teachers with the right software tools can make a significant difference in the learning experience:
Collaboration Tools: Encourage the use of tools like Google Workspace for Education, Office 365 Education or Microsoft Teams for group projects and communication.
Productivity Apps: Applications like Evernote, Trello, or OneNote can help students stay organised and manage their tasks effectively.
Educational Resources: Make sure students have access to necessary eBooks, online databases, and other digital learning materials provided by the school.
4. Cloud Storage Solutions: Easy Access to Educational Materials Anywhere
Cloud storage is crucial for storing and sharing educational materials, offering flexibility and security. Here’s how to ensure it's ready for the school year:
- Choose the Right Platform: Opt for reliable cloud services like Google Drive or OneDrive, which offer file sharing, collaboration, and automatic syncing.
- Organise and Backup Files: Establish a clear folder structure and regularly back up important documents to prevent data loss.
- Leverage Collaboration Tools: Use cloud platforms to enable real-time collaboration on projects and assignments.
- Manage Storage and Security: Monitor space usage and set proper sharing permissions to protect sensitive information.
Integrating cloud storage ensures easy access to materials, supports collaboration, and keeps data secure throughout the school year.
5. Tech Services: Reliable IT Support for Ongoing Assistance
Despite the best preparations, technical issues are inevitable. Having access to reliable IT Support is crucial. At Sharp, we have 3 IT Support for Education options to meet different needs:
Educational establishments looking to fully outsource their IT Support
We have an IT Manager service for schools that wish to outsource and will benefit from a dedicated Technical Consultant who will manage the entire IT infrastructure and systems, as well as managing projects. Significantly cheaper than recruiting an additional on-site IT head, this service includes unlimited helpdesk support, managed monitoring to quickly identify and resolve any issues, cyber security, and more.
Educational institutions that already have an in-house IT team
We have an IT Support service for schools that want additional support for their existing team. We will cover holidays and sicknesses, as well as being an additional resource for IT knowledge and expertise. Perhaps you need someone to step in and relieve some of the burden on your team, our helpdesk teams and consultants are here for you supporting you with all things IT and tech so that you can focus on the strategic goals that you have for your school.
Educational establishments that want to fully outsource their IT
Our Managed IT Services are ideal for those schools that may have a more substantial IT landscape and want an IT team based onsite who are managed by the external IT partner, Sharp. With over 30 years of experience in delivering market-leading IT support, we have a keen eye for IT talent. We are then able to recruit, train, and manage a dedicated IT manager on your behalf. Your IT manager will have at least three years’ experience and will be located on-site at your school, on hand to support users and manage infrastructure.
Conclusion
Preparing for the new school year goes beyond buying notebooks and pencils, it requires thorough technology and IT service readiness to support today’s digital learning environments. By ensuring device readiness, prioritising cyber security, and having reliable IT support, students and educators can focus on what truly matters - learning.
