Have you noticed how today’s classroom isn’t about textbooks and chalkboards only? It has become dynamic, equipped with tech-powered equipment (virtual reality headsets, interactive whiteboards and projectors, 3D printers, and laptops), for example. The reason schools are adopting tech in class is its ability to improve teacher-student connection and learning engagement. In fact, 93% of teachers believe that having tech in the classroom enhances teaching and learning, according to NetSupport’s 2024 survey on Ed Tech. However, many schools can’t afford to offer a personal device to each learner because of tight budgets. The solutions schools have come up with is to implement a shared equipment policy. Sharing educational tech or tools ensures students get equal access to devices. But this concept also brings challenges in securing Ed Tech devices– keeping them safe and well-maintained. In this post, we’ll explore best management practices for shared equipment in modern classes to minimize losses and damages.
Create an Inventory Management System
Does your school have a stock list of all the IT equipment it owns and those shared in classrooms? It’s critical to keep a record of where the school’s IT resources are, how they’re equally distributed in classes, and their use. Since schools have a lot of tech gadgets circulating from one class to another, optimizing IT stock management is critical. Instead of manual data entry, automate stock listing and device tracking using an ITAM (IT asset management) software.
Laptop inventory management optimization and device tracking, for example, enables administrators and teachers to locate laptops in real-time for returns, redeployment, or repairs. It also minimizes the likelihood of laptops and other gadgets from missing and potential cybersecurity risks. When devices are lost, schools don’t just incur replacement costs. They can be victims of data breaches, which cost approximately $3.65 million, or ransomware expenses of $7.46 million, according to education cybersecurity statistics. With a reliable asset management system, it’s easier to keep device software up-to-date and safeguard users’ security.
Teach Learners Proper Usage
When students share educational tech tools it means more than one person handles a device during a single session. It’s possible learners can mishandle them, leading to damage. But teachers can prolong device lifecycles through basic training of tech usage. A quick reference guide can equip learners with knowledge of safe handling of computers and other appliances. Essential tech talks with students also help ensure they charge laptops or tablets, save files, and log out of systems correctly. They’ll also learn what damages (cracked screens, missing keys on keyboards, or torn cables) to look for and report before using classroom tech. Consider how students leave or return devices after use. Do they walk out of class, leaving computers on, immediately the session ends? Encourage learners to shut them down properly. If they’re using laptops, ensure they’re put inside their bags gently and returned to storage.
Track Equipment Usage and Enhance Management
Managing shared devices in classrooms is an ongoing process. This means monitoring usage throughout the equipment lifespan and improving your policies on sharing. To track how often a laptop or tablet is used, review logs. A check-in and check-out form used to record digital equipment given to students can provide details on which items are mostly distributed. Get data analytics on most borrowed technologies and busy hours, from the school’s digital booking system used to streamline device reservation and prevent conflict among learners. It’s vital to know what challenges teachers and IT admins face when students share devices. So, gather feedback from educators and adjust booking guidelines, check-out time, and maintenance schedules accordingly.
Sharing technology in the classroom boosts collaboration, streamlines teaching, and makes advanced learning devices accessible to all students. To maximize the use of shared tech among learners, however, education institutions need management systems. An inventory control system, for instance, optimizes asset tracking and accountability. Your school should empower learners to use equipment properly to reduce breakdowns and replacement costs. Don’t overlook usage tracking and continuously improve management policies.
