The best affordable interactive whiteboards for schools can offer the digital screen smarts of a modern panel but without the steep price tag.

You might not require all the top features that some whiteboards come with that push up the price. So, finding the best affordable whiteboard option, that still serves all your needs, is the ideal goal. This guide aims to help.

Think about what you're going to need in terms of connectivity, compatibility, resolution, brightness, touch sensitivity, and size. Then check through this list of only the best options, listed with features front and center to make that clear, so you can find the perfect model for your class.

Want to make this even more interactive? Consider extra add-ons like webcams, wireless keyboard and mouse, and document cameras.

Also, be sure to check out this guide on what to know about buying an interactive whiteboard.

The best affordable interactive whiteboards for schools

1. BenQ Board Essential RE04: Best overall affordable interactive whiteboard

The BenQ Board Essential RE04 offers an affordable price while still packing in more than enough features for most needs. That includes a 40-touch point display with 65-inch IPS panel offering a high UHD resolution at 3840 x 2160. It's also bright and rich in color, which means this will be clear to the whole class, regardless of students being at the back of the room or close and interacting with the board.

In terms of connectivity, this plays nicely with lots of software and hardware thanks to an Android operating system and host of ports, including USB-C, 3.5mm in and out, PC OPS, LAN, and more.

Speakers are built-in, and you get both a remote control and two stylus pens with the package. This also features low blue light to protect eyes, is TUV-certified, and runs on low energy thanks to an Energy Star 8.0 certification, which should save money in the long run, too.

The EZWrite software lets students use their personal devices to interact from anywhere, allowing for a truly digital interactive class experience. Thanks to Google Drive integration, teachers can also access files and materials easily as needed.

2. LG CreateBoard: Best services board

The LG CreateBoard is a top brand option that keeps the price relatively low if you go for a smaller size. This should be fine in many cases thanks to that UHD 3940 x 2160 resolution combined with 400 nits max brightness and rich 1200:1 contrast ratio.

You also get a super sensitive 40 touch points of control on that IPS panel. The wireless screenshare feature enables up to nine users to directly interact in real-time. You can even remotely monitor and manage using the LG ConnectedCare DMS, ideal for scheduling and broadcasting.

Thanks to Android OS and a selection of Google services built-in, this offers a powerful way to interact, complete with a selection of educational templates and teaching tools available on the device. That also includes a strong level of security for protected access to materials with school-grade security.

You also have access to the many Google Play Store apps and games available for use at scale on that big screen.

3. Ikinor T982: Best at scale

The Ikinor T982 is a Chinese-made option that is super affordable, especially when bought at scale, making this a good consideration for district-level purchases.

The interactive whiteboard offers an impressive 65-inch display as a minimum but goes as large as 110-inches if needed. The resolution is plenty high at UHD 3840 x 2160, so it should be clear from any point in the room.

Thanks to a built-in 12MP 4K camera, speakers, and 8-microphone array, this is made to work as an interactive video screen system as well as a teaching tool. The Android OS includes a huge selection of Play Store apps are available for use on this 20-point touchscreen.

The useful file sharing system lets you access materials all in one place and then generate QR codes to easily share that with other devices.

4. Samsung Flip 2 WM55R: Best display quality

The Samsung Flip 2 WM55R offers a reasonably priced interactive whiteboard -- often with discounts -- from a well-known brand that's all about displays. As such, this is a super clear example of quality with a high-resolution backed by rich colors, fast refresh rates, and top brightness.

All that is supported by a super sensitive display with 20 points of touch but also the ability to use up to four stylus pens at once -- making this great for student projects as a team. The ultra sensitive writing feel can also be a helpful feature for teachers who want to do a lot of annotating or drawing on the board.

Connectivity is decent with WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, and audio out plus smart sharing via Samsung software that allows for students to interact with personal devices.

Available in several sizes, there should be a price point that works well while still getting you a very high-quality example of a digital whiteboard.

5. ViewSonic IFP5550: Best school specific features

The ViewSonic IFP5550 offers an impressive 4K UHD screen with 40 touch points backed by decent brightness and dual 12W speakers, all supported by Android OS. All high-end hardware specs, for a relatively affordable option, from a specialist in this field that's made a good name over the years.

Thanks to a simple USB-C connection point it can make using external devices very easy. The smooth writing and ultra fine touch sensitivity make it ideal for student drawing and writing as well as teacher annotations.

The myViewBoard suite offers native apps that are made to integrate with school systems and offer smart wireless connectivity from other devices. A helpful remote management setup is also ideal for admins, as is a three-year standard warranty and Energy Star rating for longer term savings.

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If you're considering buying a school copier you were right to do some research first. Yes, these can be simple-to-use tools that make printed material more powerful in schools, presuming you pick the correct one. A lot to consider here!

You may already have one of the best printers for schools but now want a dedicated copier. The advantage here is that a copier is built to task, so even bulk copy jobs can be done quickly and with professional results.

Before you buy, you may want to consider a few factors, such as: Who will be using this? Is the copier required to offer both mono and color outputs? Does it need to work totally automatically? And will you need built-in options such as binding, collating, or stapling?

Space is another big consideration as these can be bulky units. That in mind, connectivity is important as you may need a wireless unit if there is only one place it fits and no internet cabling is there, for example.

Cost is a big consideration up front but don't forget to keep longer-term running costs in mind, too. It's also worth noting that most copiers also offer print functions, so perhaps to research what's needed there as well.

All that covered, here are the main points you need to consider when buying a school copier.

Image quality

Image quality is the paramount consideration as a truly useful copier does as its name suggests and produces like-for-like copies, no matter the input. So from photo images to printed words, the end result should be be an exact copy.

Of course, you may only be using this for text, in which case you could make a saving by going for a monochrome-only option, if available. That can mean a laser option that offers super clear and well-defined text for high-speed copying, that's also more affordable than its ink-based alternative.

Look at resolutions, often shown as DPI or PPI, in which the higher is better in terms of quality output when it comes to detail. But also consider the paper types that you will need to output to, as some copiers may allow for variations from the original, for example to size up, or output on different media types.

Type

Several different copier types are available, each with multiple positives and negatives. The main ones are varied by print format and include inkjet, laser-toner, and multifunction. Since copiers are built for bulk jobs, most are laser-toner, due to efficiency.

Inkjet copiers are more affordable up front but then you will pay more for ink cartridges as these need to be refilled. Laser is more expensive initially but then the toner cartridges will go further, so it should work out more affordable in the longer term.

While laser is fast and produces more accurate text copy, inkjets generally offer better quality photo and color production. So you may want to consider which you will require more.

Speed

Since copiers are ideally suited to bulk jobs, you will want to look at the output speed of the model you are considering. A single page from one printer type may only print a fraction of a second faster than another type's output -- but across thousands of pages that could make a difference.

Laser copiers are generally much faster than inkjet models. While inkjets usually offer around 5-20 pages per minute, laser models can produce 20-40 pages per minute.

Since laser copiers are made for bulk jobs, these can handle monthly print volumes in the thousands, while inkjets will usually have a duty cycle of under the 1,000 mark per month.

Consider paper handling too, as a device with an auto feed can make bulk jobs far more easier, saving on admin time.

Paper types

Both laser and inkjet copiers have a variety of paper options with which to work. However, it is inkjet that generally has more paper options, making it better for more artistic and creative print jobs.

Since inkjet will work with more paper types as well as finishes, it can make this type better suited to photo printing. For example, you may find that an inkjet copier can print from glossy photos onto glossy paper for a perfect output -- perhaps made larger or smaller to suit needs, too.

If you want to print to objects such as labels, plastics, and more, then you will want to check the output options for that particular printer. Although generally it is inkjet that has more varied options.

Pricing

As mentioned, it's the laser copiers that will cost you more up front, but then the toner cartridges can last longer and output more copies. Inkjet printers can seem appealing at first due to the lower upfront cost, but the ink costs will be higher in the longer term.

Another ongoing cost is power consumption so take this into account. Look for features such as sleep modes and dual-sided printing as considerations for ways to save on longer-term costs.

It's also worth considering the brand you pay for as ongoing maintenance will be required. So it may be worth paying a little more for a known and reputed brand that offers good support to ensure your copier goes the distance and stays running when really needed.

• Best printers for schools

If you're considering buying robots for schools, this guide could help you find the perfect option based on what you actually need. Sure, you may want a robot, but do you know why it's good for your school specifically and in what ways you could get the most out of it?

The best robots for schools can help students to learn about engineering, design, building, and coding, to name a few STEM subjects. These robots can offer a great way to deliver some hands-on experience in building machinery, but also in coding for its software, too.

Before investing, it's worth thinking about who this is for in terms of age group but also subject area. Some bots have simple builds while others offer multiple complex coding options. Since price varies broadly it's worth narrowing down your uses before you start spending.

Read on to find out all you need to think about before buying robots for schools.

What's it for?

Deciding what your robot is for should be where you start. This will help you determine if you want something that's complex and needs to be built from scratch, or if you're more in the market for something that clips together, or comes pre-built.

Consequently, the age group you're going to be offering this to is a primary concern. Then, how they use that is next -- thinking about if there is an importance to be placed on construction, coding, or a mix of the two.

Also consider storage as you may want just one, or several, robots to cover the needs of a class or several age groups. In any case, these will need storage space and you may want to think about charging needs for continued use, too.

Build complexity is important as this could be something you leave kids alone to work on, or in groups. Or this might be something more complex that requires dedicated teaching time and hands-on assistance from the educator. So, essentially, think about how you're spending your time as well as money when investing here.

Programming

Since the build is just one part of using robots in education, it's important to think about the programming side of things as well. Once that bot is built, it'll be time to start coding actions that allow it to move and result in real-world results that can be very exciting and empowering for students.

That in mind, do you want a simple block-based coding system that any age could handle and offers immediate results for that instant reward? Or are you looking to use these robots as a way to teach more complex coding?

Some robots have multiple code languages that can be used with the system, allowing for a broad range of teaching options. These can also be helpful for teaching real code that students may use one day in a job.

Expansion

Some robots are made to be built once and then put to use with variations in the coding. However, there are some robots that form a part of a larger potential system, growing as you add more.

Block-based style of robots can feature add-on options, allowing you to grow what is available. Some offer new sensors or motor parts to make the robot more interactive or more agile, for example. These can represent a good way to expand as student's grow in skill, but also as the budget allows over longer periods of time.

That said, some of these systems offer deals through which you can buy many parts up front as a way to save money -- then you could add these as options as the students progress to reach a standard and are able to add more to the mix.

Features

The individual features of each robot option out there are pretty varied. Do you want a robot that can walk or are you looking for a rolling robo-friend that's more about steering controls for students?

Perhaps terrain variation is also key? You might want a drone that can fly, a boat that can go out on water, or a climbing robot that can traverse obstacles.

One big feature worth considering is controls. Check to see if the robot is iOS or Android compatible as that can mean easy controls via a smartphone or tablet, that you may already have available.

Sensors are a consideration as these represent the limits to your bot. If it's crammed with sensors to see, hear, feel, and more, then the number of options for coding new adventures and experiences increases. Robots that allow you to add more sensors as students progress is a good idea to help scaffold the learning.

Pricing

The price of robots varies widely which, as mentioned, is why it's important to know what you want it for before you start spending.

A robot that offers multiple coding languages will likely cost more up front, but that can represent a far more expansive learning experience for a wider range of student ages and abilities -- perhaps justifying that extra cost.

Going for a more basic bot, that's easy to construct and use, could also be helpful as a gateway experience that gets students into the learning without being too challenging. This will be limited to a certain age and ability range, but could be worth the money as it may spark a love of STEM learning in a child who didn't know they were passionate about it before.

Be sure to check warranty periods as well as the cost of replacement parts, to ensure you are prepared for ongoing costs.

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If you're considering buying drones for schools, this guide could help you find the ideal setup to ensure pupils and educators have the best experience possible. Once you know what you need, it should make picking the best drones for schools a better process.

A great place to start is need. Think about what need a drone will serve in your school. Is this to get some aerial shots of the buildings for promotional videos? Are these specifically for coding and programming lessons that result in real-world actions? Is drone building a great way to help teach engineering and physics? Or perhaps it's a bit of all of those things and more.

Essentially, by narrowing down uses you'll be able to make sure you only pay for the features you need and don't waste money on a drone that doesn't ideally serve your purposes.

Read on to find out all you need to think about before buying drones for schools.

What's it for?

Many different types of drones are now available, capable of a wide range of tasks. But for education specifically, you may want to focus on drones that are capable of helping teach both physical building skills and coding programming. Since many of these also have cameras, using one for other purposes after it's up and running should be an option as well.

That can narrow the list down quite concisely as school-specific drones, with education-focused systems, are fewer in number. You can still get big name options, with lots of support and constant updates, but just expect to potentially pay a premium for the brand name. That said, the extra cost may be there for a reason as these companies offer some well-developed units that are super robust and often are more easy to use and have long warranty coverage.

Programming

If the drone is going to be an extension of a need to teach programming, then you may want to consider models that have the best software support systems. A few options are out there so be sure to keep in mind the type of coding you want to teach and check that the drone is compatible.

Some drones offer multiple coding options -- including block-based -- and work with Arduino hardware, so it might be something with which students already have experience. This could simply offer an extension of that virtual world, adding in the excitement of real-world results from their coding efforts.

Drone size

The size of the drone could be an important consideration. Essentially, there are two categories to keep in mind, and these are weight-based: The sub 2kg range and the smaller microdrone range.

Generally speaking, the microdrones are targeted at, and are better suited to, beginners. These are more simple in their construction, smaller and lighter for easier flight and simpler storage. Essentially a microdrone is less heavy and so stands less chance of being damaged from crashing, making it well suited to younger students or those new to drone operating.

You may be using drones for sport, such as racing, in which case the lighter and often more nimble microdrones can be the better choice.

Flight features

Aside from the building and coding of the drone itself, there is also the features it offers which are worth considering. For example, you may want a drone with a decent quality camera to capture images and videos for use in other lessons and areas of the school.

Flight controls are another area to think about as most drones offer auto hovering and even object detection to avoid crashing -- useful features if younger students are going to be let lose with these units.

Replacement parts are a big consideration too as a crash is inevitable, and damage to a model that can easily swap out parts will make life much easier in the longer term. The availability and pricing of these parts are worth looking into before you commit to any particular brand.

Pricing

Inevitably the price of drones is a consideration. Since this is for school, you may require more than one and often deals can be had for buying in bulk. In fact, some systems even give you central app controls that allow you to better offer the software to students as well as to monitor use. You can also often get bulk charging stations so everything is charged and ready to go each morning.

Take a look at warranty cover as this may be something that gets used after a few crashes. As mentioned before, it also literally pays to check on how affordable and available spare parts are, as you'll likely have need of these.

• Best Drones for Students

When buying a tablet for school, there are plenty of factors to keep in mind, whether you're a teacher or student. This guide aims to help you think about everything you need, so that you can get the best tablet for your requirements.

These all-in-one devices are one of the most portable ways to have the best of computers, smartphones, and large displays, all in one mobile unit. Nowadays, thanks to powerful processing and extensive operating systems, you can get a near laptop-level experience, without the weight or expenditure.

Since these have large displays, cameras, speakers, motion sensors, and microphones, there is very little these tablets can't do. Read on to find out what you need, and don't, so you can pick the perfect tablet for you.

What's it for?

When buying a tablet for school, a primary consideration is what it will be its primary uses. Get this right and you won't waste money on features you don't need, but also shouldn't be left wanting when you require it for a specific task.

Is this for use as a tablet alone or will you have more laptop-like needs? Most tablets now manage basic tasks such as word processing and spreadsheets, thanks to online offerings. Higher-end models are even very capable for gaming, as well as some basic image and video editing. But for anything super serious, even the best tablets have their limits.

Some tablets come with detachable keyboards, which can make word processing a lot more effective. That said, most will work with any Bluetooth keyboard, should you want to add that later.

Take the operating system into consideration as this can determine how well it works with the school systems. This can also help you think about what apps you will be able to use most easily.

Display

Most tablets have high-resolution displays but the level does vary across models. The size is also an area that can vary so it's worth thinking about how portable you want this to be versus the size of the display you need. The larger the screen, the more you're likely to pay and the weight will also be greater.

Many displays are deeply touch sensitive and some are built specifically for stylus pens. So if you did want to use this for tasks such as drawing or marking up, a dedicated stylus system is worth checking, too.

Resolution and colors are the two main metrics worth considering when looking at screen quality. Also, HDR support and refresh rates are features that can help to offer the best movie reproduction quality, if that's a feature you'll use this frequently.

Speed and storage

Most tablets come with powerful processors and plenty of RAM to take care of many tasks that the apps, built for those operating systems, require. You may want a faster processor, with more RAM, if you plan to play high-end games or do any video or image editing.

You can save money by getting a slower processor or less RAM, but this can mean the tablet won't last as long. So consider if this is actually an upfront saving, or if you're limiting the lifetime potential of your device and not getting as much for your money, longer term.

Storage is another feature that may be worth exploring ahead of time. If you're not going to store it everything in the cloud, you will need room for images, audio, and general media files. Plus, you'll want space for apps, so consider what you will need on the device before you pick a hard drive size.

Connectivity

Since a tablet is a stand-alone device, it's important to have decent connectivity. From outputting to a display in class to sharing files over-the-air and connecting to external devices such as speakers and headsets -- options are useful to have.

For the fastest and widest wireless connectivity, you'll want to have WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5 or above. Hard connections are also worth taking into account, including USB, microSD, HDMI, headphone jack, and DisplayPort.

Charging is another area worth looking closely at, since not all tablets charge at the same speed. Something with a high-speed charger can mean getting back to full power in a shorter time -- ideal if you need this to last for a long period between charge stops.

Pricing

The cost when buying a tablet for school varies massively from a few hundred dollars to well over a thousand. As such you'll want to consider what you're paying for, with brands such as Apple and Microsoft charging a premium for those names.

That said, those names do mean a high-quality product and warranty coverage for peace of mind. You're also paying for their platforms in which app designers offer the newest and best apps -- something to factor into that upfront cost.

You may want to use this with a cover, a keyboard, stylus, mouse, headset, or speaker -- so consider factoring these into your costs before finally deciding on the model for you. Good luck!

• Best Tablets for Students

When buying a laptop for school it's important to consider several factors so that you make sure you're going to get the right brand and model to suit your needs. This guide aims to help with just that, so you can then check the best laptops guide to find the perfect machine for you.

Find the right laptop and you can stay mobile while carrying around all the power of a device potentially capable of letting you do whatever you need. That applies to teachers and students alike. So from word processing and presentations to image editing and gaming, the options are broad with plenty of laptop choices out there. This guide should help to narrow these down specifically for your needs.

What's it for?

When buying a laptop for school it's important to first consider what it is going to be used for. By knowing this you can better determine what features it will need to have and those that are less important -- so you don't waste money on specifications you may never use.

So is this a laptop for students, teachers, or both? And will it be for school use only or for personal use, too? In all cases, since you're considering a laptop, it's likely you want this to be a mobile device, so considering how long the battery lasts will be an important part of that as it may otherwise limit your mobility and freedom to move.

If this is simply for word processing and some light web-browsing, then going for a less powerful and more affordable option may suit you just fine. But once you start considering uses such as gaming, video and image editing, or heavy file manipulation, it might be worth investing more in processing power.

Also consider the operating system, as one that works with your school could make life easier, be that Windows, Chrome OS, or macOS.

Display

Since everything on your laptop is viewed via the screen, that display quality can be an important consideration. That said, if you're going to be constantly outputting to a projector or interactive whiteboard display, then perhaps the laptop screen itself will get little use.

Since the screen can vary price considerably, make sure you know what you need. A larger display can make working on spreadsheets or multiple windows at once easier. But that also means spending more, often losing battery life, and costing you upfront for that extra display space.

If you plan to use this for watching movies and/or gaming, you may want to consider higher resolutions, HDR support, and refresh rates as factors. Just expect to pay a lot more as these features get added into the setup.

Speed and storage

For the fastest response time, least waiting for loading, and best possible multitasking, you'll want more processing power and RAM. Simply put, the more these numbers go up, the more that price tag increases. So be clear on what you actually need.

Unless you're gaming or video editing, a more entry-level setup could be just fine. That means something such as an Intel i3 or i5 processor paired with 8GB or 16GB of RAM should be enough.

If you are going to use this for gaming or intensive processing, then you may want to take a graphics card into consideration, too. Smaller and more portable laptops have graphics processing integrated, usually, so this may be more than a price jump but also a size increase, should you wish to add that independent graphical processing unit as well.

Connectivity

A laptop is fantastic for keeping you portable but if you can't connect to displays and other devices as needed it can become less useful. This is why connectivity should be a consideration.

Primarily, you'll want to think about wifi as this connects you to the internet and any school network options. Wifi 6 and above should have you very able in most situations for top speeds and widest connectivity compatibility.

Bluetooth can also be useful as a way to wirelessly connect to external devices such as headphones, projectors, speakers, and more. Bluetooth 5.0 or newer will be more than enough to have you connected to nearly any device and to do so while keep battery drain to a minimum.

Also consider your ports, with options to output using cables and flash drives for sharing files or connecting to an external display, without the need for wireless connectivity. It's also worth thinking about the charger type so you can assess if you'll need to carry a charger about with you or if it will work with what the school already has available.

Pricing

The cost when buying a laptop for school can vary massively depending on what you need. Spending more can mean a laptop that lasts you longer, since the processing power is greater and potentially the brand more reliable than going for a cheaper pick. So spreading that higher cost over a longer time is also worth keeping in mind.

Do you need a laptop or a 2-in-1 that can be used as a tablet with a touchscreen as well? This can impact the price considerably so if you don't need the extra features then save that extra money for pure processing power increases instead.

You may also want to consider other costs beyond the laptop itself including a laptop bag, a mouse and keyboard, and perhaps a headset.

• Best Laptops for Students

If you're considering buying a Chromebook, this guide aims to help you consider all you will need to find the ideal one to suit your needs. Perhaps you're deciding between a Chromebook and a laptop, and this list will help you work out the perfect option for you.

Unlike a Windows or Mac laptop, the way a Chromebook works is mainly in the cloud. For this reason you can save money up front on a machine that requires less power as a lot of the storage and even processing work is done in the cloud. While that can be useful in saving initial costs, you must be sure it's going to be used on a good internet connection or you could run into problems. That said, most Google apps do also work in offline mode to get you between connections.

When looking for the best Chromebooks for schools you can keep these following categories in mind to make sure you get the ideal make and model.

What's it for?

A good place to start is by thinking about how you're going to be using your Chromebook. Is this for students or teachers, or both? If this is a unit that needs to be shared across a class, or between students across grade levels, then something robust and hardy might be a factor you need to consider.

Then there is the issue of power and life. Will this be plugged in or does it need a battery to go all day without a chance to juice up again? And the other type of power, processing, is also an area to consider as you may want this for simple Google Apps, or something more intensive such as editing or gaming.

If you can work out all the use cases of the Chromebook, it becomes easier to work your way back to a model that covers all your requirements without you needing to spend more on features that may never get used.

Display

One of the big factors in varying Chromebook prices is screen size and resolution. Since companies will charge more for a larger display and higher resolution, it's worth thinking about what you will actually need.

If the Chromebook is just going to be used to output to an interactive whiteboard, for example, then investing in a decent built-in display may be a waste of money. Or if students are only going to use this for word processing and web-based research, a more expensive screen may not be necessary.

Consider how mobile the device needs to be as a larger screen is going to add more weight and use more battery, making it less ideal for someone on the move.

A larger or higher resolution screen is likely only going to be useful for those image or video editing, or perhaps those gaming or who need to use large spreadsheets for long periods of time in the day.

Touchscreen is also a consideration as many Android apps can be used on ChromeOS but are designed with touch interactivity in mind.

Speed and storage

The processing power of the Chromebook will push up the price as it increases. While a faster laptop is always useful, excess power that never gets used is simply a waste of money. So if this is going to be used for Google Apps such as Docs, Slides, and Sheets, then it's rarely going to dip into the processor or RAM on any level that's too taxing.

It's only if the Chromebook is going to be used to gaming, video and image editing, or lots of heavy multitasking and dual-screen output, that you might want to consider investing in a higher-end processor or more RAM. As a rule of thumb: About 4GB is plenty for most tasks when it comes to teaching and working with a Chromebook.

The same can be said for storage, although since most of a Chromebook is cloud-based there is little need for much solid state memory. For that reason a basic 32GB or 64GB setup is going to be enough for most needs.

Connectivity

Ports can be an important factor to consider when buying a Chromebook as these limit how connected anyone can be. Sure, there is plenty of digital connectivity with the wifi and Bluetooth, but for anything that requires a cable connection you'll want the right ports.

So from outputting to an interactive whiteboard or projector, to connecting your external storage or flash drive, ports can often be the fastest and most reliable options.

Some basic ports to consider looking out for include USB-C, USB-A, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot for optional memory expansion.

Pricing

Generally, Chromebooks represent a financial saving over Windows or Mac laptops when it comes to the up-front purchase price. That can also extend into use as the Google suite of apps are also freely available for use, although charges can apply for school-specific functionality.

Look at the various brands who offer Chromebooks as these will offer competitive prices, as well as a range of pricing options within their models. Going lower end doesn't mean losing out on much as even the most basic model now comes with enough memory and battery life to go for most of the school day with all basic tasks covered.

One consideration is that each unit comes with a lifetime of how long it will be supported. Also the robustness of the build can vary so it's worth considering both the warranty or guarantee length and the software support timeframe when weighing up that up front charge.

• Best Chromebooks For Schools

If you're looking into buying a school epsorts system then you're in the right place. This guide aims to lay out all you need to consider to get the best setup for esports in your school or district. So from buying a single machine to kitting out an entire district, there should be plenty to consider and to help you below.

From thinking about how to run an esports program and what are the best gaming systems for school esports programs, there's a lot to know before buying. A good place to start involves thinking about this not as an esports program alone but as an investment in STEM learning. So it's important to ask what you're looking to achieve with this program before you get started.

For example, is this solely focused on gaming or are you setting out to teach more about areas such as coding, streaming, video production, animation, and beyond? Knowing this can help you make the right setup decisions at the start so it's possible to change and expand as needed in future, without costing too much.

Read on to consider a few important areas before starting your school esports system.

Power and cooling

Before you can start to think about machines, you need to ensure the space you have is suitable for esports hardware. The two major concerns here are power and cooling.

Make sure you have enough socket spaces available not only for computers but also monitors and potentially projectors, speakers, and modems too. And that the electrical wiring is setup to bear that load when it's all running at once.

Cooling is very important as the machines themselves may have measures to keep overheating at bay, but if the room space is too hot even that won't be enough. A cool machine is one that runs optimally, which is imperative in quick-reaction gaming online. So central air conditioning that can work to keep the room at one temperature -- even when filled with hardworking machines and bodies -- is a must.

Hardware options

Once you come to the buying stage for machines you'll want to consider a few main issues: the computer itself, the monitor, a comfortable and supportive seat, and headphones/microphones. Plus, the keyboard and mouse or gaming controller combination, which can also play an important role.

For the computer you'll want to ensure there is a powerful graphics card running alongside a fast CPU and plenty of RAM for optimal performance speeds. For a PC you'll want to aim for an Intel i7 at least with a minimum of 16GM of RAM. For the graphics card, consider an Nvidia or AMD option.

If you also want to use the machines for animation and design then an Intel i9 is advisable with at least 32GB of RAM. In both instances, at least 1TB of SSD storage is also advisable.

Monitors will need a high resolution of at least 1920 x 1080 but also, ideally, a fast refresh rate and wide range of colors. This will allow for high-speed gaming but also the option to work on animation and image editing with the clarity required.

Peripherals

While these are called peripherals, the keyboard and mouse are integral parts of the esports setup as they're the pinch point through which the gamer and machine exchange information -- at very high speeds.

For this reason you'll want to go for a mechanical keyboard in which the keys are not only responsive to the touch but also have the hardiness to offer longevity even with extended use.

A gaming mouse also helps as it can offer more sensitivity, responsiveness, comfort, and buttons than a standard option. These are also built to a standard that to last longer, which means the higher up-front cost ends up working better in the long run over a cheaper option.

A decent headphones-with-microphone setup is a good investment too as it allows for communication that's clear and is comfortable for longer periods of time. Again, spending more should also mean these last longer, even when being used by different-sized people that adjust regularly.

Software

The software is nearly as important as the hardware running it. For a PC setup you'll want to have the latest Windows operating system running for maximum efficiency as well as compatibility with games.

Pre-install all the launchers you need for the games you're going to be using. That could be Minecraft Launcher, Epic Games Installer, OBS, or all of these and more. You may also want to consider your animation courses and offer CADD, Adobe Cloud, Maya, and the like.

Once you're setup it's advisable to create a disc image so you can always get back to that ready and pure state, should you need to. You can then image all the machines manually or push through the network so you're ready to go and updates are easily installed.

Ongoing support

Longer term you'll need to manage issues such as storage and course content. If you plan to record gaming matches, for example, you may want to invest in the setup of some off-site storage, perhaps cloud-based, to ensure you can record without filling up and slowing down machines locally. Google Drive or a NAS setup can work well to assist here.

Using an LMS can also help as a way to offer course content as students progress. Using a system such as Gameplan allows you to select esports instructions and content for coaching before assigning that to students. This can be customized before being assigned and can be used again, perhaps after editing, for future lessons and students, too. A great way to save time in the long run by getting setup early.

• Best Gaming Systems for School Esports Programs

Perhaps you're considering buying a webcam as a teacher and are not sure on what to consider. This guide aims to help clarify everything you need to look for before committing to buying a webcam.

You may also want to check out the best webcams for schools guide, to find specific models, but reading this first can help you know what you want and need before doing that.

While a webcam is useful for a video chat, it can offer more in-depth uses when teaching. If you want to show your face as you go over a particular bit of digital guidance, the right webcam can help. It also can provide more engaging video for students to follow, with your recognizable face there to guide them through the lesson.

That in mind, you'll want to make sure which ever model you choose serves you best not only in terms of quality but also compatibility and adaptability. This guide lays that all out below.

You may also want to consider the best document cameras for teachers, which can help with more hands-on specific video recording and live streaming needs.

Image quality

When it comes to clarity of image, you're going to want the best possible so that students can see you clearly. That means a few factors need to be taken into consideration, the main one being resolution.

The camera resolution denotes how many pixels are recorded and displayed. If this is high enough, students will get a clear view of you, and all the details of your facial expressions, and can also scale that up, if necessary. You may want this on a large screen, for example, and having a high resolution ensures it can be scaled up without losing quality.

As a minimum you will want 1920 x 1080 resolution. For top-notch future-proofing, however, a 4K UHD resolution is ideal.

Another factor is the contrast, by which a smarter camera with HDR will be able to show the difference between light and dark more clearly. Again, this can mean a far clearer image in which your expressions are more succinct thanks to a camera that captures this much detail.

Build and design

While some webcams come with a stand, others have attachments that suit laptops and other devices. To ensure the most versatility, you'll want to consider an option with a maneuverable mount.

The standard webcam mount, as shown below, should clip to a screen easily so that you can be looking at the screen while talking and recording. It's worth noting that some are made for larger and thicker monitors and others for laptop screens, with a few working across both. Note which you will need and keep an eye on what you're buying to ensure it easily attaches where you need.

Some cameras come with a tripod stand or similar which can be great for placement on a desk, but be aware it might not be straight on when reading from a screen if not tall enough to outreach that. These are useful though if you want to move the camera about, perhaps to show an experiment in class as you talk about it on camera.

Lighting

You can have the best webcam in the world but if the lighting is poor the image quality will still suffer. So it's a good idea to either buy a camera with a light built-in or to factor in investing in a light. Sure, you could use lighting already available but the way an LED ring light spreads the lighting makes for a more professional finish.

Light rings are relatively affordable and come in a variation of sizes, with many also coming with a tripod stand for proper mounting. It might not seem like a necessary investment except the right lighting can make all the difference to the finish.

If you really want the best quality end result, also consider investing in a microphone to ensure your voice is recorded clearly with no echo or background noise.

Check out this best ring lights for teachers to find one of these for your webcam.

Connectivity

Most webcams are very easy to install and have a simple USB connection. But make sure that the devices you plan to use with it are also compatible so that you can simply plug and play to get started.

If you plan to use this with a device that has a different connector -- perhaps directly to a TV or with a smartphone -- then you'll want to consider getting an adapter that will allow you to plug-in and get going right away.

Most webcams run on the power from the USB port so that should not be an issue, although if yours has a built-in light or microphone you may also need external power, or a specific USB output.

Pricing

Pricing does vary across webcam models so you'll want to work out what you need versus what you want and go from there. For instance, it might be more affordable to go for the lower resolution model if you never plan to scale up the output video.

While specs alone may be enough to decide on, it's worth noting that brand name can help here if you want a robust model that is going to last. A lot of no name brands are cropping up online so it's worth taking into consideration that these may not be built to the standard of a known brand.

With all that in mind, check out the best webcams for schools to find the ideal model to suit your needs.

• Best webcams for schools

If you're considering buying a document camera then this guide can help you find the ideal one for your needs. As an educator, or student, these can be very helpful devices to bridge the physical and digital divide when learning.

At its most basic, a document camera is a small and maneuverable digital camera that can live record, up close, what you're doing. That makes it a great way to show an experiment to the entire class, for example. As a teacher, you could video what's happening and have that thrown to a big screen for the entire class to see, close-up and in detail.

These also offer a great way to record what you're doing, so an experiment or lesson can be used again for other classes or future groups. It can also be a convenient way to stream lessons online so students who can't be there are still able to see what's happening.

This guide lays out all the considerations you may need to make before committing to buy any one particular document camera. Then it may help to visit the best document cameras for teachers guide to pick a model.

Image quality

The resolution on your document camera is an important consideration as that will denote just how clear the resulting video will be. If you're planning to output the camera's images to a large screen in class, for example, then you will need a decent resolution in order to scale that without losing quality.

Generally, you'll be looking at the choice between 1920x1080 resolution, as a minimum, and 4K UHD at the top-end. Both will do a fine job on a larger screen, but if you are hoping to keep the best quality to future-proof that, or scale to screens more than 65 inches in size, then the 4K option is ideal.

Zoom and focus are also important factors to consider when thinking about image quality. Some cameras will let you zoom in on areas, which can be helpful when taking the class through guidance. Look out for those that offer lens zoom, not just scaling up with digital zoom, which eats into resolution.

Focus is important as you may want a macro lens that is capable of clearly showing video images of items that are very close. If you plan to perform experiments or want to write and draw with clarity, you may need a camera capable of close-up capture.

Build and design

The build and design of your document camera can vary and. as such, may affect how well it serves you. Stability is important, so look closely at the stand that holds up the camera. You won't want wobble here, as that can be distracting and lead to a less clear video.

The ability to move the camera arm is also a factor as some are more maneuverable than others, so consider if you'll need to be repositioning it a lot to capture varying angles.

How tough the camera and its support arm are should also be considered. If students or multiple teachers are going to be using it, then a tougher build quality that is robust enough to withstand that level of use is also worth considering.

Some also record audio, so keep that in mind if that's required. If you already have a mic setup, you may not need to waste money on this feature.

Lighting

Lighting is a very important part of getting the best video quality. If you plan to show art, or close-up experiments, then clear lighting is a must in order to support the full gamut of colors and contrast.

Some document cameras come with lights built in that can be adjusted, which is an excellent feature to have and is often worth paying a premium. Others allow you to connect your own lights, which might be merit consideration if you already have access to those.

A ring light can be an excellent addition to a document camera that you can do after purchase. This also acts as a great lighting system for a webcam, another potential use for the document camera.

Connectivity

You will need to make sure that the camera you go for is compatible with the devices with which you plan to use it. For example you may find that some document cameras are made specifically for certain operating systems, such as Windows.

Often document cameras will be universal but it's worth checking so you know this can work across devices if needed. Most are plug-in and use a USB and/or HDMI connection, which is something that can work with most laptops, computers, and displays.

Pricing

Pricing for document cameras can vary widely based on the combination of features that are available. So it could pay to consider what areas you can make cut-backs and which features are must-haves for your needs.

It might be worth considering if this is going to be a document camera alone or if you also need it to double as a webcam. This could vary the number of features required, which will affect the price you end up paying.

You should now be ready to pick one for you, with the best options available in this best document cameras for teachers guide.

• Best VR Headsets for Schools

If you're considering buying a VR headset, or several, for schools then this guide can help. To make sure you get the right one, there is plenty to consider before investing in a headset .

It's worth considering if you need VR, AR, or both. While VR gives you a virtual reality experience, seen on screens in the headset, AR provides an augmented reality in which it blends images projected onto the real-world view. So while VR is great for taking a virtual field trip to the other side of the world, AR can be a super way to carry out a virtual experiment as if the tools were right there in the classroom.

This guide will aim to include both, so you can consider all options before deciding which is best for your school. Then it might be worth checking out the best VR headsets for schools guide to pick a specific model. Or perhaps a direct service company, that comes in with all the kit and teaches lessons, such as Discover VR, is a more straight-forward option.

VR or AR?

First up, you need to decide if you need a VR or AR headset. Generally speaking, an AR headset is going to cost you more than a VR one since the technology is a little more complex as it involves cameras to detect the room and a display that's thrown onto a clear visor so you can see the physical room, too.

That said, there are many AR apps that work on smartphones. So you could simply get a basic headset mount for a smartphone and use AR in that way to save a lot on cost.

The appeal of VR over AR is not only price but also the availability of hardware and software. It's been around longer and apps are arguably easier to make. Consequently, there is a lot of choice for VR headsets as well as lots of great content out there designed specifically for teaching.

Amount

The amount of headsets you need and how you want to teach are an important consideration. You could buy a single headset and share that in turns, or buy several and work in groups. Or you can buy a class-load to take the entire lesson off to virtual worlds.

This is a little more complicated as you will need to consider if you want a setup that is centrally controlled, in which you can send out the same images to all the headsets at once -- and in which controls are locked so students have to follow the set class. These setups can be more expensive and may require a central computer from which to run the headsets.

However there are many rental options out there too, so it might be worth a try before you buy to see what works best for your class.

Brands

Lots and lots of brands now offer VR headsets, so it's worth considering what you need from one. You might want the most affordable option, or perhaps you are looking for a headset that offers compatibility with your current setup.

A Microsoft Mixed Reality headset for Windows machines could work ideally for a current school setup. Or maybe you want to get a Vive device for immersive gaming, an Apple device for a wide selection of AR software, a Meta setup for great stand alone plug-and-play value, or something specializing in group setups such as ClassVR.

In short, it's worth the time to research what brand might pair best with a specific learning activity before you buy.

Connectivity

Nearly all VR and AR headsets will now work over wifi and use battery power to make devices as wireless as possible. Although older models did require plugging in, so if you're saving money that way be sure to check how these connect -- as cables in class, when students can't see, can be hazardous.

Going for a smartphone or tablet setup can be helpful here as you will already have that wifi connection and app stores, so getting access to software and remaining compatible can be a simple process.

Pricing

The cost involved in VR and AR headsets can be prohibitive but thanks to the proliferation of the technology and software, there are now more price points at which you can get involved than ever before.

From a basic Google Cardboard headset, that turns a smartphone into an AR and VR headset, to complex multirig setups from ClassVR right thru to Apple Vision Pro, there are options to suit most needs.

It's worth thinking about the software you will need first, to teach effectively, and then working back to the hardware that way -- often allowing you to keep pricing low if needed without losing out on the end result of what the software offers.

Check out the best VR headsets for schools with all the above in mind to find your ideal setup.

• Best VR Headsets for Schools

Picking the right projector for school can be a tough decision as the types and prices range pretty widely. From affordable options to professional grade pricing, there are many choices. The problem is that the performance is also hugely varied. This guide aims to be the solution by offering all you need to know about buying the right projector for school where you are.

A decent projector can be a great way to have the advantages of a large display without taking up classroom space. For example, a ceiling mounted projector, is as the name suggests, out of the way above the heads of everyone, only noticed when in use. Short throw projectors are ideal for use in smaller spaces and can also be mobile options, to use in various classrooms as needed.

Variations exist in resolution, brightness, color, contrast, light type, and maintenance needs, and some devices even offer touch recognition for interactivity. A good place to start is by thinking about who will use the projector and for what tasks -- helping you narrow down the ideal options.

Consider our best projectors for schools guide to find which model suits you ideally.

Which type of projector for school is best?

A fair few projector types are available to consider before you get started. The main categories are ceiling-mounted, freestanding, and short throw. These refer to how the projector is setup in the room.

Ceiling mounted is great for a permanent setup that takes up no real room space, is remotely controlled for instant access, and connects wirelessly to the internet. Not ideal for hardwire connections, unless your IT department has wired that into a terminal for lower level access.

Freestanding is a similar shape and will need to be placed on a table to throw its image. But this is more portable and frees up the option to use this in more than one place. Plus, you can plug directly in with ease here.

Short throw projectors are ideal for smaller spaces where the distance between the projector and the wall, or board, is far less without losing any quality or distorting the angle of view. You can pay a premium for these models, but these are super portable, easy to plug into, and generally offer clear and bright images.

Screen quality

The display you get varies across the model types with lower and higher resolutions to be found in each category. Yet, there's more to consider when getting the ideal display output.

Brightness is arguably the most important factor to consider, especially if this is to be used in a bright classroom in daylight. Projector companies give this in a figure of lumens, in which the higher you go the better the results. Laser projectors offer very bright options here and generally last longer too. Aim for 3,000 lumens or more in darker rooms, and 5,000 and above for brightly lit classrooms.

Color is an important factor as the more you get, the greater the image vibrancy and richness on display. Many also offer HDR, which means the contrast will also be great -- all adding up to a more immersive experience. If you plan to watch videos on the projector, this is an especially important aspect to consider.

Resolution is a big consideration as you'll need a higher pixel count if you plan to use this as a larger screen. The bigger the image, the more blocky it will look if resolution isn't great. You'll want to get a 1080p as a minimum, but ideally a 4K resolution will suit as that can then be blown up to 100-inches and above without much loss to quality.

Light type

The light source varies in projectors between a bulb-powered model, a laser-based device, or LED options.

Bulbs, traditionally mercury-based, offer about a 5,000-hour lifetime before needing a replacement. Whereas LED and laser options last far longer, going closer to 60,000 hours of life before needing attention.

The LED and laser options are more expensive up front but with lower maintenance and running costs. These are also safer and more environmentally friendly, and can work out to be more affordable in the longer term.

It's also worth noting that laser projectors can offer far more colors and better contrast and definition for an end resulting image that is often superior to bulbs.

Connectivity

Most projectors are now wifi-connected, but it's also worth thinking about if you'll need access to ports. Will you need to plug in external drives, laptops, flash drives, and the like? Are Blu-ray players or consoles going to be used with the projector?

Most projectors come with HDMI and VGA connections as well as LAN internet and USB ports, and are highly compatible with most devices.

It's worth thinking about sound here, too. Many projectors come with speakers built in, but these aren't always the best quality. You can potentially save money and get a better audio setup by using speakers already in the school, so consider connectivity for audio if you're going for this option.

Pricing

The cost you’re willing to pay for your projector for schools, or many of these, is of course a big consideration. As mentioned, it’s important to consider the upfront charges, ongoing costs, and eventual replacement figures.

You may have been considering new displays in the school, and by going for a higher resolution projector, perhaps with touch interactivity, you can avoid buying interactive whiteboards as well.

Be sure to check warranty and guarantee coverage as some models offer extended periods to provide peace of mind while also suggesting these are built to last.

• Best projectors for schools

The right interactive whiteboard can enhance an educational environment massively, if you choose wisely. The key here is to know what it is you want, and need, from the right interactive whiteboard for your situation.

This guide aims to lay out all you need to consider before making an investment in an interactive whiteboard for your school or district.

While cost may be a big concern up front, it's worth balancing that against the features you need as you can now get a lot for your money. It's also important to consider how long a device will last. You could save money now but need to buy a new one in a few years, or spend more now and have it last longer. Which brings us back to it all depending on what you need.

From wifi connectivity and built-in cameras and microphones to high-resolution video and audio playback with a high number of touch sensitivity points, there are many device features to consider. As is the software you'll want to run on the interactive whiteboard.

After familiarizing yourself with what to look for, consider our best interactive whiteboards guide to find which model suits you ideally.

Which type of interactive whiteboard is best?

Before you start, the first consideration is what type of interactive whiteboard you want. Several variants are available, including: Infrared/Optical, resistive touch, electromagnetic, and ultrasonic/infrared hybrid. Essentially these are all differing ways of detecting touch on the display, some being more sensitive than others.

Sensitivity can be important if you want to draw on the screen with accuracy, or you require it to detect lots of kids’ fingers working on a group project at the same time. If you only need the interactive whiteboard to show presentations and occasionally touch to edit or move forward, then this could be an area where you save money by going for a more basic option.

The most commonly sold type these days is the infrared/optical version, which offers multi-touch, high responsiveness, and great durability. That said, this is generally one of the more expensive options.

The resistive touch type is more affordable but is usually single touch only and is less durable thanks to a soft touch screen.

The electromagnetic whiteboards are very precise when it comes to sensitivity, are durable, and not affected by light conditions, except these require a special stylus and don't support finger touch. These are also generally more expensive.

The ultrasonic/infrared hybrid option is a way of adding interactivity to existing whiteboards with real dry-erase marker use becoming interactive -- this is a good money-saving option.

Screen quality

Another important consideration is screen quality. This includes the size, resolution, and image fidelity that is offered. You'll want to go larger for bigger rooms, of course, but also consider moving up the resolution too. If you go for a very big screen but the resolution stays lower, then the image will appear blocky and less clear. It also means viewing detail is less easy both for the teacher up close and for students further away.

You'll also want to consider brightness of the display as it may be in sunlight, which can make it more difficult to see. Features such as anti-glare coverings or a high-nits brightness count are worth looking at in these instances.

Software compatibility

What you actually need done on the interactive whiteboard is worth considering as these requirements may mean you need access to various software types.

So right up front make sure the screen has a system that is able to work with all the software you use in class. This may also apply to devices, if you plan to use hardware such as webcams or microphones plugged into this screen.

Check the compatibility with existing educational apps and make sure that you can either run it natively on the screen, or run any via a plugged in laptop, for example.

It's also a good idea to think about how easy the software is to learn and use, as something with a more complex layout and steep learning curve may require the need to additionally invest in training as part of the new hardware too.

Connectivity

How your interactive whiteboard works with your school infrastructure is important. You'll want to think about how it connects to the existing network and internet. Will you need Ethernet ports or is wifi sufficient? And if so, what level of wifi are you going to go for so that this is future-proofed enough to last?

If there is a need to plug in laptops, memory sticks, or flash drives, you'll also want to look out for the necessary ports and software to support those options.

Pricing

The cost you’re willing to pay for your interactive whiteboard, or multiple ones, is of course a big consideration. As mentioned, it’s important to consider the upfront charges, ongoing costs, and eventual replacement figures.

You may have been considering new displays in the school and by going for a higher resolution whiteboard, it may be possible to consolidate those costs into a single device that caters to all your needs.

Be sure to check warranty and guarantee coverage as some models offer extended periods to provide peace of mind while also suggesting these are built to last.

• Best Interactive Whiteboards

If you want the best digital pens for teachers then you're in the right place. Specifically, this guide aims to lay out the smart pens, able to record writing digitally, that will serve teachers best in the classroom and beyond.

Digital pens are a great way to merge the physical way of taking notes with the digital advantages of saving. That means you can write what you need, but won't only have it on that sheet of paper. Instead, these pens will allow you to have a digital copy, ideal as a backup, but also as an easy way to share those notes.

Not all pens are created equal though, so you'll need to think about which features you require and just how much you want to spend. Some models will record what you write on any paper, others require specific paper, books, or even a tablet device. Some come with buttons to give you shortcut controls, while some even let you record voice notes to go with your written notes. 

Many digital pens will now transcribe your handwriting into digital text, a very helpful tool indeed. But with the accuracy and quality varying across brands it pays to use this guide to find the best model to suit your needs.

Best digital pens for teachers

The Livescribe company leads the way in digital pens and this model, the Symphony, offers some of the best from years of development that has managed to become more affordable than ever. Despite this not being the top-end model from the company, you really do get a lot for your money. That includes the ability to write using the ergonomic design so it sits comfortably and naturally in the hand. 

Thanks to a decent 10-hour battery life and 90-day standby time, conversion of writing to text live on a connected smartphone, and super speedy charging via USB, this is a really easy model to use. It does require special paper to work, so you'll want to keep that ongoing cost in your considerations when buying. 

This is a very well made pen that uses premium materials and looks compact enough to go anywhere with you without actually looking like a digital pen.

For all-out comfort, the Neo Smartpen N2 is one of the best options out there right now. This is weighted perfectly so that you can write comfortably as if using a standard pen, only this is packing in plenty of smart features too. This does require a special notebook and writing pads to function but the results are worth that.

One button press and this is on and recording, it charges via micro-USB for ease, and will go for a full five hours before you need to charge it back to full. Setup is very straightforward and should only take you around 30 seconds to be up and running from new. Thanks to premium metallic materials, this feels like a strong option that's made to last.

For those that want to capture drawing as well as writing, this is a fantastic option as it's built to task. You do require a pen and specific pad combo for this to work, however, the results are worth the extra kit. Unlike some other options, this pad allows you to place any paper on that pad and it will still detect your doodles for digital conversion -- ideal for artists.

Not only is this a very comfortable pen to use but it's also one of the most accurate in terms of detection and digital reproduction. The pen is inert so you only need to charge the pad, which goes for a good eight hours before needing a recharge via micro-USB. This pairs with a smartphone, after a simple one minute setup, and allows you to save and share your art with ease. View and edit your work in the app for the perfect digital finish.

As the name suggests, the Livescribe Echo is all about the audio to go with your digital writing. As such, this is a little bulkier than some, with its onboard storage for audio recordings, yet it is still comfortable enough to write with pretty naturally. Usefully, this will link your audio recording to the section you're writing, making it perfect for class notes to which you need to add more than what you've written alone.

Battery life is decent, charging is easy, and setup is straightforward. Being Livescribe, you have lots of features in the app including the ability to convert your handwriting into digital text, which makes back-up and sharing very simple.

This is a bulkier model than many, so keep that in mind if comfort is your priority. But if audio recording is a must, then this is one of the best options out there.

Being Moleskin, the quality of this setup is premium, but it does mean you need to invest a bit more upfront and ongoing. This comes with the Pen+ and Ncoded Paper Tablet, which is a fancy notebook that helps with detection and even includes icons that work as buttons for digital controls. 

The pen is pretty lightweight and comfortable to use, with a triangular design that sits well in the hand. The pad is similarly premium with a superb finish to the paper, and the combination of those two makes for some very accurate recording. The same applies to transcription in which the app converts your handwriting to text with ease.

This even allows you to record audio, making it a great option for lectures or class in which extra notes, in a hurry, are a real option. The fact it all appears live on the connected smartphone app is just a really nice feature that helps to justify the more-than-most price.

The best laptops for teachers offer a powerful tool that can be used in the classroom while still remaining portable enough to go between rooms and even beyond the school. This can be ideal as a way to keep your teaching planning material in one place for easy access. These are especially powerful when paired with the best interactive whiteboards, or document cameras.

From running a quiz to hosting an AR experience, the right laptop has huge potential. But, of course, it can also simply mean an affordable way to keep connected to your cloud-based work, in the case of Chromebooks. 

From Windows and Chrome to Mac, there are lots of options, prices, and powerful features to consider. A big one is battery life, for example, in which you could have an all-day unit so you don't need to carry a charger. Or perhaps you don't mind that as you've already got one of the best laptop cases for teachers.

So, which are the best laptops for teachers? We've narrowed down some of the best, each listed by special features, to help you pick the ideal laptop for your education needs.

The very best laptops for teachers

1. Dell XPS 13: The best laptop for teachers overall

The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best laptops for teachers thanks to a well-balanced combination or portability, power, design, and pricing. This is like the Microsoft Windows laptop version of a Mac, that helps you save a buck, too.

It's possible to spec this laptop to the performance you need, with even the more basic and affordable end offering plenty of power for tasks, such as video editing. 

The laptop features a beautifully slim and light metallic build that makes this very portable and robust -- ideal for moving between classes.

You can pick from two display resolution options, with the top-end offering crystal clear 4K resolution on the 13.4-inch touch display. So for watching movies, video editing, and even gaming, this laptop can do it all without costing too much.

Some educators may benefit from more ports, but on the plus side this helps to keep the design minimal and the portability perfected.

2. Acer Swift 5: Best laptop for teachers on a budget

The Acer Aspire 5 is a relatively affordable option that delivers plenty of laptop power, making it ideal for educators on a budget. The excellent build quality means this device is rugged enough to withstand a day of being carried between classes, yet it is also lightweight thanks to its chassis.

Higher-priced options are available in this range if you want to get more grunt and don't mind paying a bit more, for video editing perhaps. This laptop packs in a battery that goes for a good 6.5 hours on a charge and the display is an eye-friendly 14-inches. 

The laptop comes running Windows so all those with a Microsoft setup school will be well served by this choice of laptop.

3. Google Pixelbook Go: Best powerful Chromebook

The Google Pixelbook Go is a powerful Chromebook that might not be the cheapest yet offers a lot for the price. It offers a gorgeous design with durable build quality. But it's the Hush keyboard that's worth shouting about as it offers a near silent typing experience that's ideal for teachers working while the class is busy with an assignment.

The battery life on the Pixelbook Go is superb, easily lasting 12 hours -- more than a full school day! -- without needing a charge. Teachers can carry this portable 13.3-inch Full HD screen laptop about all day without having to tote the extra weight of a charger. 

If your school is already using the Google G Suite for Education system, then a Chromebook makes sense and this is one of the best you can buy right now.

4. Microsoft Surface Laptop 3: Best laptop for teachers who use Windows

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 is a very good-looking laptop that's as great inside as its looks would suggest. That results in plenty of power for any task, be it simple Word use, video editing, or gaming. This is the ideal model to go for if you're a Windows user as it's essentially up there in terms of quality with the MacBook Pro, only built to be Microsoft-friendly.

The aluminum shell makes this a tough device that's designed for being moved around classrooms. Despite that high-quality construction, this manages to remain competitively cheaper than Apple's equivalent models, making it relatively affordable for what you get.

While the battery life could be better, it's going to get you a full day of use in nearly all cases, and with that 13.5-inch screen it's easy on the eyes even when reading through smaller type work. 

You can now also buy the Surface Laptop 5, however, for the jump in price, we're sticking with this as ideal for servicing teacher needs at the right price.

5. Apple MacBook Air M2: Best laptop for students of graphics and video

The Apple MacBook Air M2 is one of the best all-around laptops that you can buy right now but this does mean the price reflects that. If you can stretch to it then you're getting a super portable laptop with a great battery life that also has enough power to keep up with most tasks -- including video editing. 

The build quality is as premium as you'd expect from Apple, with a metal frame that can withstand daily use. Yet this is slim and light enough to slip into a bag without being noticed, much, even when walking about the school with it. The battery life is good for a day so you shouldn't need to carry a charger with you.

The display is super clear thanks to high resolution and rich colors that lets you watch movies on it, while the webcam and multiple microphones let you record yourself at high-quality -- ideal for video calls. Plus, you have access to some of the best apps in the world thanks to that macOS operating system running the show.

6. Acer Chromebook 314: Best affordable Chromebook

The Acer Chromebook 314 is another big brand name at a low price. It features the Chromebook moniker, so it has an OS that gives you a long battery life and lives in a form factor that's light and portable. The fact it also resembles a MacBook Air is just a bonus.

The screen is bright, clear, and crisp as well as plenty big enough at 14 inches. Lots of power gets all the tasks Chrome OS offers done easily. Plus, it is well-built with an impressive keyboard, trackpad, and selection of ports, including two USB-A, two USB-C and a MicroSD card slot. 

7. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6: Best for screen interactions

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga Gen 6 is a fantastic option for teachers who don't mind spending a little more. The result is a very powerful device that doubles as a tablet and even comes with a stylus for the touchscreen. And that display is a big part of the appeal, thanks to a 16:10 aspect ratio and super rich finish that makes packing in lots of windows while multitasking a viable option, even when mobile. 

Going mobile should be easy thanks to a fantastic battery life that can go all day without the need to carry a power adapter. You also have some excellent connectivity with WiFi, Bluetooth, two USB Type-A ports along with two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-Cs, and an HDMI 2.0. Aside from the lack of card slot, this is well-kitted.

• How to Setup Google Classroom
• Best Tools for Teachers

The best interactive whiteboards for education can help to make digital learning a more inclusive class-based experience. It can also make the life of a teacher a lot easier, saving time and helping attain that paper-free classroom.

An interactive whiteboard is, essentially, a giant touchscreen computer or tablet device that sits on the wall of the class. These are crammed with powerful features designed specifically with teaching in mind -- presuming you get the right one. That's what this guide aims to help you find, the right one for your specific needs as an educator. 

You may be buying for the district and simply want the most economically effective option, or perhaps you're a teacher with a particular need such as math with an equations-friendly stylus sensitive board. Or possibly you simply need a robust model that can be interacted with even by younger students without damage. 

Here's what to know about buying an interactive whiteboard.

Whatever the need for your model, this guide offers only the best interactive whiteboards, each categorized by special skill, so you can easily find the right model for you.

The very best interactive whiteboards

1: BenQ RP6502 Class 4K UHD Educational Touchscreen

The BenQ RP6502 Class 4K interactive whiteboard is the best one out there right now for education, thanks to a wide range of teaching-specific features. Primarily this is a big screen at 65-inches and it packs in a super high-resolution courtesy of a 4K UHD panel. Plus, it can manage 350 cd/m brightness and a 1200:1 contrast ratio -- all of which makes for a super bright, colorful, and clear display for the entire classroom even in bright daylight. The screen also supports up to 20 touch points at once, so lots of students can interact with it at the same time, ideal for collaborative work.

This interactive whiteboard is loaded with useful features specifically for teachers. The Floating Tool is really helpful as this allows educators to write on top of any media on the screen, such as a video, app, website, document, image, and so on. You can add information on what you're talking about without changing the original content itself. 

You also have handwriting recognition, allowing you to write and it can be converted to type for easy reading or sharing as needed. Plus, there is a voice assistant, making hands-free use of the board, even at a distance, a more realistic opportunity. Brush mode is another nice feature that allows you to freely create art as needed -- a nice option to encourage students creativity. 

Connectivity is also worth noting here as this plays nicely with nearly everything you could want. It comes packing in WiFi, Ethernet, VGA, audio-in, audio-out, three HDMI ports, and a massive nine USB slots. 

This board even has air quality, temperature, and humidity sensors so it can notify you when the environment is ideal for student focus and learning as well, as when it's not and what needs to be improved. 

2. Samsung Flip 2 WM55R

The Samsung Flip 2 WM55R is a mighty interactive whiteboard not only in terms of size (available up to 85-inches) but for quality. Samsung is well-known for its screen manufacturing expertise and, as such, this interactive whiteboard is one of the best looking you can get. That means a 4K UHD resolution for detail as well as extremely rich colors and excellent dynamic range. This quality continues into the sensitivity.

For using a stylus this screen is superb, with handwriting recognition and a pen to screen feel that is as close to "real" writing as you can get at this scale. That's helpful for teachers annotating anything on the display and for students who come up to write answers, for example. And with up to four using styluses at the same time, this can make for a great collaborative learning space. 

Connectivity is decent with WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, and audio out, however, no audio in.

For teachers, there is a helpful art mode that has a wide array of brushes available for creating art on the screen which, again, is another collaboratively creative opportunity for students. Sharing is also easy with the ability to send via email, USB drive, print outs, and more all from the screen itself. 

3. Vibe Board Pro 75"

The Vibe Smartboard Pro is a fantastic interactive whiteboard for anyone who wants a simple to setup-and-use model that doesn't scrimp on great teacher-focused features. Primarily, this is a mighty 75-inch screen with a 4K resolution, offering 8-bit color, anti-glare, and a 4000:1 contrast ratio as well as 400 cd/m brightness -- which all means clear and colorful images no matter the lighting conditions.

This is also a fully stand-alone system with computing smarts onboard, thanks to the Intel UHD Graphics 620 and Intel i5 processor combination. This is all run on VibeOS, which is built on Chrome OS, making this very Google-friendly -- ideal for Classroom users. 

While security is a top feature on this model, ideal for managing student devices securely, it also offers superb collaboration capabilities. One app, of which there are many free, lets the class collaborate on a single document shown on the screen all while using their own devices to input. 

This also supports remote learning and works with apps such as Canvas to save everything automatically in the cloud. From images and videos to websites and documents, it can all be displayed and interacted with ease. And with support for up to 20 touchpoints, many students can be involved simultaneously.

4. ViewSonic IFP9850 98 Inch ViewBoard 4K

The ViewSonic IFP9850 98 Inch ViewBoard 4K is one of the biggest interactive whiteboards you can buy and it's also one of the best at this size. Not only is this massive, making it ideal even for larger rooms, but it is also 4K UHD so the resolution detail is excellent, near or far. That means when using the 20 points of touch sensitivity, much of the class can work on this at once with clear visuals and responsive touch controls – for fingers or stylus pens.

Wall mount this beast or use the rolling trolley to move it between rooms as needed. Wherever it goes, this should connect just fine thanks to a huge array or options that include -- deep breath -- eight USB, four HDMI, VGA, audio in, audio out, SPDIF out, RS232, LAN, and AC in.

While this is powered by a quad core processor for smooth speeds, it also has lots of audio power. This packs in a 45W stereo soundbar, backed by a 15W subwoofer and multiple 10W stereo speakers. All of which equates to big sound to go with that big display -- for immersive learning no matter where the student is sat, even in larger rooms.

All that means this is expensive and probably has more features than any teacher needs -- but it pays to be prepared. 

5. Ipevo CSW2-02IP IW2

The Ipevo CSW2-02IP IW2 interactive whiteboard system isn't a traditional screen setup but rather a smart sensor device. Instead, this uses sensors to offer a way to interact that means a small and portable system that is also a lot more affordable than many of the alternatives. That said, the projector price is not included so it's worth factoring that in also -- or you can use a connected laptop if that works for you.

Three devices are included: a sensor camera, a wireless receiver, and an interactive pen. So you can use any surface, be it a traditional whiteboard, or even a document, and interact with it using the pen. This will then be displayed on the output device, be that a laptop or projector screen. Having a projector means you can output an image and have the edits appear live on screen, too.

Usefully, you won't need WiFi here as everything connects via a USB port. This works with lots of projector types and is compatible with plenty of apps for you to edit with. Since it's so small, it can be moved between classrooms easily and all while saving money.

6. LG CreateBoard

The LG CreateBoard is a powerful interactive whiteboard that comes in a range of sizes, from 55 to 86 inches. All of those come with Android OS onboard, making it ideal for any institutions that already use that system. That said, it can work with other apps well and does come with plenty onboard.

Collaboration software is built-in, so it's easy to work as groups, and with a massive 40-point multitouch display, this is one of the most interactive for the largest number groups that you can buy right now.

Another useful feature is the wireless screen share that lets you share the display, or a file, with nine other shared screens in the classroom. This makes file sharing simple but is limited in number, which isn't ideal for regular-sized classes.

This does come with a dedicated DMS, which makes monitoring and controlling multiple CreateBoards a simple process for admins. This also allows for broadcasting of announcements across the devices in the school.

A useful OPS slot allows teachers to mount an OPS desktop easily, ideal for use by varying users throughout the day. Other useful features include multiple windows on one screen, picture-in-picture, Bluetooth connectivity, powerful built-in speakers, front connectivity to plug in easily via ports such as USB-C, lots of security features, and an auto remove files option. 

 Editor’s Note: This is the same Flex 5 Chromebook model that LaptopMag reviewed back in June—just from a different perspective. We retested this configuration with all of their main benchmarks for good measure.   

Synopsis

Lenovo has another winner on its hands with the IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook. This lightweight machine packs a one-two punch of portable functionality thanks to an intuitive form factor and decent battery life; this 2-in-1 is ideal for socially-distanced students and business travelers alike. 

Packing capable specs, a responsive touchscreen, and a full-size keyboard, the Chromebook flavor of Lenovo’s Flex 5 series is tempting enough to consider abandoning Windows 10 altogether—at least for a little while. If you already do most of your work in the cloud, it’s never been a better time to explore new productivity options with Chrome OS. 

Take heed: Chromebooks won’t give you the same power as a fully loaded Windows gaming rig, but most of them aren’t meant to replace those higher specs. (Yet.) 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Features 

•  Core i3 processor is capable for most daily tasks 
•  Convertible 2-in-1 design transitions easily between tablet, tent, stand, or laptop mode 
•  Stylus support is useful for undergrads, business uses, and heavy multitaskers 
•  Webcam privacy shutter adds some peace of mind to any dorm room 

For the price, this is one of the best Chromebooks around. Touch-typists will love the click-clackable keyboard, and multimedia multitaskers will love the rest. The 2-in-1 form factor is incredibly diverse for all kinds of education-based environments. 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Build and Connectivity 

•  Bouncy keyboard is fantastic for word processing 
•  Comes with all the basic ports, including two USB Type-C on either side 
•  No HDMI support means fewer connectivity options 

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook measures 12.2 x 8.3 x 0.7 inches and weighs 2.97 pounds; this is (just barely) lighter than its 2-in-1 Chromebook rivals: the HP Chromebook x360 12b (2.98 pounds), Asus Chromebook Flip C434 (3.1 pounds), and Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (3.0 pounds). The graphite gray color is low-key professional, and the trackpad doesn’t feel cramped. 

Lenovo equips the IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook with the usual ports: USB Type-C (2), USB Type-A, headphone jack, microS card reader, and Kensington lock slot. If you’re looking to use your Chromebook for a dual-display setup, however, you’ll want to splurge for a machine with an HDMI port, such as the Acer Chromebook Spin 713. 

The backlit, island-style keyboard is the best thing about the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook, and it’s one of the most comfortable typing experiences you’ll find in a 2-in-1. The keyboard deck exhibited zero flex in our testing; it was an absolute pleasure for word processing in particular.  

If you like this form factor but still aren’t ready to cut ties with Microsoft just yet, Lenovo offers a variety of 14- and 15-inch Windows-based options in the IdeaPad Flex Series, with a similar starting price for baseline configurations. (Around $500, depending on the retailer.) 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Performance and Battery Life 

•  Subpar battery life doesn’t stack up to other Chromebooks 
•  Decent performance with midrange specs 

We put the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook through its paces for a full week, using it to surf the web, stream YouTube videos, and write this review. Even with 30+ Chrome tabs and two 1080p YouTube videos open, we had no problem opening other apps and tapping away on Google Drive—sans system lag or general slowdowns. 

The Flex 5 Chromebook comes with an Intel Core i3-10110U CPU and 4GB of RAM: these specs are modest, yet capable for most lightweight chores such as schoolwork, internet research, e-book reading, and so on. (Acer also offers an even lighter-weight version of this Chromebook, which has an Intel Celeron processor and only 32GB of RAM; as of this writing, there was no word on pricing, but based on these specs, this is probably an ideal configuration for the price point.)

With a score of just 972 on the Geekbench 5 overall performance test, our test unit fell well below the category average (1,563); it couldn’t even comes close to the Asus Chromebook Flip C434 (6,968) or Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (3,253). 

The average battery life for Chromebooks to be around the 10-hour mark, but the Flex 5 only lasted 8 hours and 55 minutes on the Laptop Mag battery test. Both the HP Chromebook x360 12b (8:06) and the Asus Chromebook Flip C434 (9:58) offer similar endurance; this is still plenty of juice for a full day’s work.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Screen, Camera, and Sound 

•  Screen brightness is lackluster 
•  Webcam privacy shutter is a handy addition 

When it comes to the Flex 5’s display, there’s nothing to write home about. (Unless you’re writing home anyway, that is.) YouTube videos came through vibrant enough on the 1080p touchscreen, but even with the brightness jacked all the way up, it simply doesn’t compare to the beautiful 2256 x 1504-pixel (QHD) display on the Acer Chromebook Spin 713, which utilizes an innovative 3:2 aspect ratio.

Speaking of writing, this Chromebook comes with stylus support, which is quite useful for one-the-fly productivity. While we did not get the chance to fully test this feature, your stylus can potentially be used to take notes and screenshots, or act as a laser pointer/magnifying glass. 

At the top of the display bezel sits the 720p webcam, which itself is concealable via sliding privacy shutter. Not every laptop comes equipped with this feature, and it’s a welcome perk for students of all ages. 

Audio quality from the Flex 5’s top-firing speakers is surprisingly robust, and loud enough to fill a small room. It is not powerful enough to throw a rave with, but it’s not meant for extended multimedia sessions anyway. If this is your only sticking point, though, just invest in a pair of quality headphones.  

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Warranty and Customer Service 

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook comes with a one-year limited warranty, which is standard fare for this laptop category. Lenovo scores consistently well during Laptop Mag’s annual Tech Support Showdown, which should give you some extra piece of mind when you toss this thing into a backpack. 

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook: Verdict 

Now is the time for cheap, lightweight laptops in the education sector, and there’s a lot to like about the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 Chromebook. Featuring a top-notch keyboard/trackpad combo, a responsive touchscreen (with stylus support), and a fantastic 2-in-1 design, you can’t go wrong with this Chromebook.    

Teaching from home with an iPad doesn’t have to mean being stuck using the tablet’s on-screen keyboard. The $50 Brydge 9.7 keyboard-case takes a minute to install and provides a great keyboard and the ability to teach from home with a little extra grace.

Made of forged aluminum, the Brydge 9.7 keyboard-case is sturdy, has rounded corners and can protect the tablet’s back if dropped. The space gray, silver or gold look of the case matches the iPad’s design, making it seem as if it was designed as a notebook from the start.

At just over 1 pound, the Brydge 9.7 keyboard-case is light, ideal for transporting to school. Add in my sixth-generation iPad and the whole thing weighs a reasonable 2.1 pounds. That’s significantly lighter than a small notebook, such as Dell’s 3.1-pound Chromebook 3100, although that does have a larger 11-inch screen.

Securing an iPad in the Brydge 9.7 keyboard-case 

It takes a second or two to install the case on an iPad, although some older 9.7-inch iPads and the iPad Air 2 will require using the included rubber hinge shims to get the tablet to seat properly.

The iPad is secured in landscape, rather than portrait, which gives it more of a notebook feel. The power button is on the upper left and the volume- up and down keys are nearby, along the top. The Home button is on the right which can make the fingerprint scanner awkward to use. Another issue is the webcam. It sits too low and ends up providing an excellent view of the user’s neck, unless you angle the tablet quite far back. Happily, the system’s back camera works well and isn’t obscured by the case.

The Brydge 9.7 keyboard-case’s hinge has smooth action but it can be a little awkward to open. There’s a small cutout to slip a fingernail in but it generally requires two hands to maneuver. Inside, it has 17-mm keys with about 1.5 mm of travel. Angled for comfortable typing, the keys are backlit with the choice of three light levels, which is useful if presenting in a darkened classroom. It’s overall very accurate, but the keys are a little too close together and I found myself hitting the wrong one on occasion. 

Surprisingly sturdy (always useful in classroom environments), the screen doesn’t wobble even when I tapped it or moved items around. The Brydge case, however, lacks a trackpad or any place to stash Apple’s Pencil stylus.

The best part is that if a busy teacher needs to quickly change from using the iPad in notebook guise, it can be easily pulled away from the keyboard base for use as a pure tablet. It takes only a moment to put it back together again.

Flexibility and potential use for remote learning 

With the Brydge 9.7’s keyboard-case, it’s quicker and more comfortable to type than the iPad’s on-screen keyboard. In addition to the expected letter, number and symbol keys, the Brydge 9.7 keyboard-case has a key to lock and unlock the screen, a Home key, the ability to control audio or video tracks as well as have Siri listen to (or ignore) your requests.

The keyboard-case I looked at fit like a hand in glove with my 6th-generation iPad, and also works with 5th-generation systems and Air units. There are models for 10.2- and 10.5-inch iPads as well as the first four generations of the iPad Pro. The problem is some of Brydge’s cases cost as much as $230. Your best bet to find the right Brydge keyboard for your iPad is to start at the company’s compatibility site. 

While the Brydge case doesn’t use any of the iPad’s power to run the keyboard, the downside is that because the keyboard uses Bluetooth to connect, it still needs to be periodically charged. It comes with a micro-USB cable but no AC adapter.

A bonus is the keyboard’s battery gauge key. Press it for a few seconds and the Power LED blinks green for 75 percent or more charge or yellow for between 25 and 74 percent. When it’s red, the battery has for 24 percent or less of its charge. One charge was more than enough for a month of daily use.

Verdict: Is the Brydge 9.7 worth it? 

Overall, the Brydge 9.7 keyboard-case does an excellent job of turning an iPad into a full-fledged notebook but does without a trackpad that some of the company’s other models have. The design also lacks a place to stash the iPad’s Pencil stylus. Still, the $50 Brydge 9.7 keyboard-case can transform an iPad into a remote teaching machine, ready for an online class. 

Grade: 88/100

More: Brydge

* More from T&L: Wireless keyboards: Review for schools

Regardless of whether it’s a parental video conference, teaching remotely during the coronavirus crisis or an esports tournament, to fully participate you need to communicate effectively. By combining good quality audio with a removeable microphone and a way to prevent hearing loss, the PuroGamer Volume Limited Gaming Headset fits right into the school scene.

At 12.5 ounces, the black headphone has heavily padded earmuffs and adjustable headband that should feel comfortable on anyone from the smallest third grader to the bulkiest high school wrestler. Its microphone stalk plugs in and the gooseneck can be moved around to put the omnidirectional mic in front of the user’s mouth. When it’s plugged in, the blue LED glows and successfully filters out some of the room’s ambient noise, making it very helpful in a crowded classroom.

While the earmuffs can’t be replaced, the headset’s microphone stalk is not only removable but can be quickly swapped if it’s lost or broken. New ones cost $20.

Related story: Kid-Safe Friendly Headphones

Ear-Friendly Headphones

The PuroGamer Volume Limited Gaming Headset uses a set of 40-millimeter drivers that deliver audio from 20- to 18,000 hertz, close to the range of human hearing. Happily, the PuroGamer restricts the amount of sound it produces to 85 decibels, the World Health Organization’s recommendation for the maximum volume that kids should experience and could limit the damage done to young ears.

The PuroGamer Volume Limited Gaming Headset comes with a 55-inch braided USB/analog audio cord and lacks the ability to connect over Bluetooth for when cables might get in the way. There’s a thoughtful control module on the cord for adjusting the microphone’s volume, muting it and going between its USB and headphone jacks. Many competitors make you buy either, but the PuroGamer provides both digital and analog connections. Unfortunately, the headset’s switches are stiff and once, when I thought it was on, the mike was actually muted.

It all worked well with an Asus desktop computer, an Acer Chromebase 24 and Lenovo Thinkpad T470 with crisp audio. Its midrange response is surprisingly strong, but it came up short in terms of rendering the high notes of music. This makes it great for conversations and spoken word programming, like creating podcasts or working through a digital language course. On the downside, the PuroGamer’s performance was marred by annoying pops and static when using a headphone adapter and an iPhone XR phone; it worked fine with an iPad Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note 10, however.

By the same token, the PuroGamer’s microphone delivered excellent sound, although you need to keep it close to your mouth. It came into its own during some eSports practice with all those online were able to hear what I was saying through the PuroGamer headset.

The headset includes a storage bag, but its one-year warranty falls short of the two-years of coverage included with HyperX headsets. Still, at $70, the Puro Gamer is an inexpensive way to hear and be heard.

A-

More: PuroSound

After a few months of using a Chromebook, one thing stands out: the rudimentary battery applet that displays how much charge is left is too basic for those interested in getting every last second of battery time. The GSAM Battery Monitor takes Chrome’s battery data to a new level with great graphs, the ability to run full screen and a way figure out where all that battery power is going. It’s free to use and well worth the storage space it requires.

The GSAM Battery Monitor took a moment to get and install. Once loaded, it can do its job behind the scenes, run full screen or as a small box that can float on the desktop. Unfortunately, some setup choices are blocked when it’s run small.

Either way, the app shows the system’s vital power functions. My favorites include the current charge level in a circular graph as well as voltage. The app’s all-important estimate of how much run time remains is in front and center.

Power Hogs

Dig a little below the surface and the GSAM Battery Monitor takes a step forward with useful power-related items like which components and apps are using more power than others. On the downside, the app showed that the GSAM software itself ate up 2 percent of the system’s battery.

Open the left tab and see a bunch of graphs that can help get the most out of the system’s battery. A big bonus is that after opening the Screen or Wi-Fi section, there’re thoughtful shortcuts to the system’s Settings in these areas for adjustment.

GSAM Battery Monitor Custom Look and Feel

In addition to the choice of eight themes and dozens of color schemes to customize the app’s presentation. I was able to set alarms for when the battery reaches a certain level or a specified temperature. The best part is that the longer I used GSAM Battery Monitor, the better its information – and feedback.

It’s free but the ads at the bottom of the interface can be annoying. Happily, they can be turned off in the app’s Preferences. The app will send anonymous usage details to GSAM Labs, however.

As good as the base app is, the $2.49 Pro version adds greater accuracy for computers that spend a lot of time in standby, like those that are used for a portion of the day. Either way, GSAM Battery Monitor picks up where Chromebook’s minimalist battery gauge leaves off. 

A-

More here

The mark of a good teacher is often the inability to sit still while the class does its work. With that in mind, teachers should have wireless keyboards to roam around the room to help and encourage students while remaining connected to the class’s projector or large screen display.

With wireless keyboards, teachers can not only control what classes see but work with students individually or in small groups. In a very real sense, it lets the teacher be in two places at once. She continues to control the room’s computer regardless of where in the room she is, making it a simple and inexpensive way to increase the classroom’s connectivity and interactivity.

To help pick the best wireless keyboards for on-the-go teaching, I used four similar devices for several weeks. In addition to creating presentations and Web research, I used them for online curriculum and finding videos. More to the point, I tried each with three different computers (HP’s Chromebook X2, Macbook Air and Lenovo ThinkPad T470) and moved around the room to gauge the range of each.

Any of these wireless keyboards will help get a teacher out of her chair and about in the classroom. Here’re my favorites.

AmazonBasics Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad for Smart TV

As the name implies, the AmazonBasics Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad is simple, rudimentary and inexpensive, but can free a teacher from the tyranny of the desk.

At 1.0-by-14.6-by-5.1 inches and 12.1 ounces, it’s the biggest of the four I tried. Overall, the AmazonBasics keyboard proved to be light enough to carry around the class but works best on a table. The combination of a 4.0-inch touchpad and 19.0-millimeter keys makes for quick typing and navigation although the keys aren’t backlit and there’s no Print Screen key.

It connects to a computer via its included USB transmitter but can’t handle a Bluetooth connection. Powered by an included pair of AAA batteries that should be good for several months of daily use, the AmazonBasics keyboard worked perfectly with the three computers I used and had a 45-foot range.

Solid and competent, the $24 AmazonBasics Wireless Keyboard with Touchpad comes with a 30-day warranty is the bargain of the bunch that falls short compared to the 1-year warranties of the others. It may not have backlit keys or specialty keys, but it is without a doubt the most economical way to stay connected while working the classroom.

B+

More: Amazon

Logitech K600 TV Keyboard

Don’t let the name fool you. Logitech’s K600 TV Keyboard is for more than picking Netflix movies on your smart screen because it can help roaming teachers stay connected.

At 0.8-by-14.4-by-4.6 inches and 1.1 pounds, the K600 is a little smaller than the AmazonBasics keyboard, and in fact, works better on the lap or a desk than being held. The 17.9-millimeter keys are comfortable but the K600’s 2.2-inch round touchpad was the smallest and hardest to get used to of the four. It includes handy extras like the D pad in the upper right for moving among on-screen items and media keys but lacks a Print Screen key.

The K600 is unique in that it can connect to three separate devices via Bluetooth or with its included USB transmitter. Its range was exceptional at 60-feet using the USB transmitter and 35-feet using Bluetooth. It worked with the three systems I used and can control Samsung, Sony or LG TVs.

Powered by two AAA batteries that Logitech says should last for a year, the K600 does without backlit keys and its $70 price tag (with a one-year warranty) can be a hard sell at schools.

B+

More: Logitech

iogear GKB635W Wireless Smart TV Keyboard with Trackball/fc 2-7

The only keyboard reviewed here to have a trackball instead of a touchpad, the iogear GKB635W keyboard presents a different approach to wireless keyboards.

To start, the keyboard’s 19-millimeter optical trackball responds instantly to the touch and presents an alternate scenario. By rolling my thumb over it, I was able to get more accurate positioning of the pointer than with any of the touchpad keyboards. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, the GKB635W has resolution settings for 600-, 1,000- and 1,600 counts per inch for a variety of tasks.

On the other hand, at 1.1 pounds, it’s just as heavy as the much larger Logitech K600TV and works well in the hand or on a desk. Its 18.6-mm keys are comfortable to use but they lack the K18’s backlighting. There’s a handy scroll wheel as well as keys for controlling multimedia, opening a search window and Print Screen.

Its small USB transmitter connects to a computer or smart TV with a 50-foot range but can’t connect via Bluetooth. It worked well with all three test systems and uses two AA batteries. It has an on/off switch and low-battery indicator. 

With a one-year warranty, the iogear GKB635W costs about $43 on Amazon, making it a nice alternative for those who prefer a trackball.

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Inland K18 Mini Wireless Keyboard

Small and inexpensive, the Inland K18 keyboard can stay online longer while lighting up a classroom.

At 11.6 ounces and 0.6-by-12.8-by 4.7 inches, the K18 is light and easy to use in my hands, on a table or my lap. Its generous 4.3-inch rectangular touchpad is on the right and the 17.3-millimeter keys are rimmed in white, making them visually stand out. The tiny shift key was the source of several typos at first and took some getting used to.   

The K18’s backlit keys glow red, blue or green, making it perfect for teaching by the glow of a projector. In addition to a key for choosing the backlighting color, the K18 has media controls and Print Screen. It can only connect via its USB transmitter and had a 60-foot range. It can’t use Bluetooth but worked with all three of my test systems.

Rather than having to replace its batteries every few months, the K18’s rechargeable battery pack can save money over its life and includes a built-in USB cable for charging. Available at Micro Center stores and Web site for $30 (with a one-year warranty), the K18 may not be the cheapest keyboard but it is the best and brightest for roving teachers.

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If anyone tells you that you can’t get a school computer in a small and inexpensive package, point them to the Asus Chromebox 3. At $284, the Asus Chromebox 3-N017U not only can handle a host of typical classroom tasks and display 4K video, but can be easily attached to the back of a display.

The black-and-gray Asus Chromebox 3 case may be small at 1.6-by-5.9-by-5.9 inches but it doesn’t stint on performance. The model I looked at was powered by a dual-core Intel Celeron 3865U that runs at 1.8 Ghz, which provided plenty of power for most classroom uses, from email and image editing to essay writing and spreadsheet work. Its design uses 4 GB of fast DDR4 memory modules and 32 GB of solid-state storage.

Not enough? Asus makes it easy to upgrade the Chromebox 3 with extra RAM or an SSD module of up to 256GB. The company also has several Chromebox 3 models that top out with a Core i7 processor and sell for more than $800 – about what you’d expect to pay for a PC desktop.

Flat or On a Display's Back

Like the CTL CBX1C, the Asus Chromebox 3 can sit flat on a table or upright. It comes with the mounting hardware plate for attaching it to the back of a display or screwed in under a table.

A big bonus is the Asus Chromebox 3’s HD Graphics 610 video. Unlike its peers, it can feed images to two individual displays and work with 4K video with up to 4096 by 2160 resolution. In addition to HDMI video and a USB-C port, the system’s back has two USB 2.0 and one USB 3.1 connectors. Up front, the Chromebox 3 can connect with up to other two USB 3.1 devices as well as headphones or external speakers. Its flash card reader can work with data on micro SD cards and can expand the system’s storage potential up to 256GB.

The Chromebox 3 is well connected with a wired Ethernet connector in the back as well as 802.11ac Wi-Fi. There’s also Bluetooth 4.2 for connecting accessories, like keyboards, mice and speakers. It worked well connecting to my wired and wireless LANs as well as a Bluetooth keyboard, optical mouse and speakers.

Petite Powerhouse

The computer starts up quickly after pressing the power button on the device’s front corner, yielding more than enough performance to for typical classroom tasks. Over the course of a month, I used it every day to create and edit a variety of Google Docs, view YouTube videos, and use classroom apps like the Desmos graphic calculator and SketchPad. In fact, it’s just as good connected to an Acer 21-inch desktop display on a teacher’s desk as feeding lessons to an Epson PowerLite 700U projector.

With a 482 score on Geekbench 5.0’s Single-Core processor tests, the Chromebox 3 is slightly more powerful than a similarly configured CTL CBX1C. It was, however, off the CBX1C when it came to the Multi-Core tests with a 859 score; the CBX1C had a slightly higher score of 916.

The big surprise was that the Chromebox 3 doesn’t use much power. It consumed 6.3 watts of power when being used and 1.3 watts at idle. If it is on for 8 hours every school day and asleep the rest of the time, the typical school can expect it to add about $2.50 to its power bill, assuming that the school pays the national average of 13 cents per kilowatt hour of electricity.

At $284 with a one-year warranty, Asus proves that good things can come in small packages. Its ability to replace most big and clunky PCs with a small yet powerful Chrome desktop shows it can take a prominent place in today’s classroom.

More: Asus

Looking for The Chrome ecosystem is not just for Chromebooks anymore with tablets, desktops and all-in-one systems available for the classroom. The Acer Chromebase 24 ($400) stands head and shoulders above the crowd when it comes to delivering value at school.

At 15.8 by 22.9 by 1.5 inches, the Acer Chromebase 24 has a two-tone black and silver design and rounded corners that make it look a lot like an Apple iMac. It takes up 24- by-12 inches of desk space and is 18.4 inches tall. It came with a wired keyboard and mouse set that fit well under the Chromebase 24’s screen.  

It weighs in at a modest 20-pounds and should fit nicely on everything from a computer lab or library table to a physics lab bench or the school’s front office. The stand looks great and has a place for snaking wires, but the system can also be hung on a wall with a standard VESA mounting bracket.

The system is powered by a small external power adapter like those used on notebooks, although it requires a three-prong grounded outlet. Inside, the Chromebase 24 has a dual-core Celeron processor that runs at 1.7GHz but doesn’t vary its speed based on the task at hand. It comes with 4GB of RAM and a scant 16GB of solid-state storage space that falls short of the 128- or 256GB that most Chromebox desktop systems like the CTL CBX1C or Asus Chromebox 3 include. It should be fine for most school uses and there are ways to augment its storage potential.

Power Ports

On the display’s left side is a cut out for the SD card reader that makes adding up to a 256GB card for extra storage a snap. There’s also a headphone jack and a USB 3.1 port. In the back, the Acer Chromebase 24 has two USB 3.1 one USB 2.0 ports and a gigabit wired LAN connection. The HDMI port works well for sending video to a projector, but it can’t be used as an input for viewing an external video source on the system’s display.

The Acer Chromebase 24 does just as well with wireless data as with cables with built-in 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It quickly connected to my network and later I used a wireless speaker, keyboard and mouse.

With a pair of speakers under the screen and four microphones above, the system has surprisingly strong audio. This makes it appropriate for video conferencing, creating podcasts or interactive online curriculum. Its screen measures a comfortable 23.8-inches (diagonally), shows 1920 by 1080 resolution and was more than bright enough to use in a sunlight room. It, however, does without touch sensitivity.

Tilt-O-Matic Display

The Acer Chromebase 24’s display is adjustable to suit a variety of kids and adults, with the screen tilting from 5-degrees forward and 30-degrees back; it can’t be moved up or down, though. By the same token, the system’s 1280-by-720 resolution Web cam has a lever behind it to aim the camera up or down 30-degrees.

All this adds up to a system that’s just as good for researching a social studies paper or viewing YouTube videos as for taking assessments or videoconferencing with a parent. It scored a 15,854 on the Octane benchmark that includes key tasks like math processes, encryption, memory and storage operations. That puts it 15 percent ahead of the Acer Chromebox 3’s 13,770, but 28 percent behind the HP X2 Chromebook’s 20,366.

Security Plus

The Acer Chromebase 24 is a secure system with a Trusted Platform Module to encrypt data. The system easily handled a month of daily use that included everything from recording and viewing videos and listening to podcasts, writing and editing Google Docs as well as drawing with Sketchpad and using the Desmos graphic calculator.

Still, the Chromebase isn’t a power hog. When it was being used, it consumed just 15.3 watts, including its display; when it was idle, that drops to 1.3 watts. If the school pays the national average of 13 cents per kilowatt-hour and uses the system for 8 hours per day, every school day, it will cost less than $4 a year to operate.

Of course, there’s a lot more to Acer’s Chromebase 24 than numbers and specs. It comes with a one-year warranty and is not only powerful and economical enough for most schools but its design and finish are surprisingly high-end for a computer that costs $400. The Chromebase 24 is one of the best buys in school computers you can get today.

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Want to turn an old display into a new all-in-one Chrome machine for a classroom, study hall, library or computer lab? I did exactly that by pairing an Acer 21-inch HD screen with CTL’s Chromebox CBX1C computer. It was not only easy to accomplish but this small investment in time and money paid huge dividends for learning.

The $250 Chromebox CBX1C is perfect for the job because it is a small, inexpensive and competent Chrome-based desktop computer. At 1.6- by 5.9- by 5.9-inches, the system takes up one third the space of the more powerful and expensive Apple Mac Mini. While the CTL system includes the hardware for mounting it on the back of the display, Apple doesn’t make mounting hardware for the Mini.

Voila, Instant Chrome Desktop

I started by removing the system’s rubber feet and then screwing the mounting plate onto the back of the display. The plate works with 100mm and 75mm VESA mounting designs, but the bolts CTL supplied were too long. I added a few washers when screwing the plate into the monitor’s back. In the end, everything fit perfectly.

After that, I slid the Chromebox CBX1C onto the included bracket and connected the computer to the screen using an HDMI cable. I plugged it all in with the included power cord and added a video cable, old mouse and keyboard.

Voila: instant Chrome all-in-one system. All the pieces were in place and I fired up the system and went through the Chrome set up routine to make it ready for students and teachers. All told, it took about 5 minutes to accomplish the transformation.

It was time well spent. I now have a compact Chrome desktop computer ready for a variety of uses. It may not have a touch screen but it’s good for anything from checking on email and doing web research to running online lessons and driving a classroom projector.

Under its dark gray skin, the Chromebox CBX1C is the right balance between power and price. At $240, the system is based on Intel’s 1.8GHz dual-core Celeron processor and has a generous 128GB of solid-state storage space--twice what most competitors offer. The system includes 4GB of RAM but adding more is as simple as opening the box and snapping in extra memory modules.

The system has a good mix of old and new ports that will help it to fit into the teaching landscape. Up front, it has a pair of USB 3.0 ports, a micro-SD card reader and a headphone jack, while the back has connections for a USB C, 2 USB 2.0 and a USB 3.0 connection. Video is sent to a display or projector with the CBX1C’s HDMI port, but the USB C port can also drive a display for turning the system into a dual-monitor powerhouse.

A bonus is the combination of gigabit wired networking, an 802.11ac Wi-Fi radio and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless accessories. It worked well and connected on the first try to my Wi-Fi network and wired infrastructure as well as keyboard, mouse and wireless speakers.

Educational Performer

Over a month of daily use, my all-in-one Chrome desktop never let me down. Always ready for a lesson, online journeys or just replying to emails, the CBX1C registered 476 and 916 on Geekbench 5’s single- and multi-core benchmark tests, putting it slightly behind HP’s Chromebook X2 but ahead of Dell’s Chromebook 3100. It turned out to be plenty of power to handle writing and editing Google Docs, viewing YouTube videos, drawing with Sketchpad and using the Desmos graphic calculator.

Despite its obvious place in the classroom, my homemade all-in-one Chrome system lacks a single switch to turn it on and off because the computer and screen are powered separately. To turn it on or off required reaching behind the screen to hit the power switch. There is an easy fix for this: leave it on all the time and set the system up to go to sleep and turn the monitor off after 10 minutes of idleness.

Leaving the power on all the time doesn’t sound particularly green because of the power wasted when it’s not being used. On the other hand, the CBX1C with the monitor consumes less than 20 watts when being used and as little as 1.5-watts when idle, which adds up to about $5 a year if it’s used for 8 hours every school day and the school pays the average cost of electricity in the U.S. of 13 cents per kilowatt-hour. In other words, it’s a bargain to use.

Price is the best part of the Chromebox CBX1C. It may not be the most powerful Chrome system around, but it was plenty strong enough to do typical school tasks and has more digital horsepower than an Asus Chromebit stick. The Chromebox conversion project was a real eye-opener for me in that it was simple to accomplish and upcycled old equipment into something that can advance education.

More: CTL Chromebox CBX1C

With the rise of digital learning through classroom technology comes the promise of interactive, highly engaging digital resources that can transform teaching and learning. However, that promise remains unfulfilled in too many classrooms because it¹s too difficult, frustrating, and time-consuming for teachers and students to access these resources.

Enter single sign-on (SSO), an important step that many schools are taking to help them fulfill on the promise of digital learning.

In this buyer¹s guide:

Explore the current offerings for high-quality single sign-on (SSO) in K-12 districts

Discuss the importance of security and rostering in our digital educational world

Receive useful tips to selecting the best SSO solution for your district

Click here to download.

Click on one of the ed tech industry leaders below for more information!

• ACUITY
• AEROHIVE
• CALIFONE INTERNATIONAL, INC.
• CANVAS BY INSTRUCTURE

• CERTIPORT

• COMCAST BUSINESS

• ENGRADE

• LOCKNCHARGE
• myON

• PEARSON'S ONLINE LEARNING EXCHANGE
• penveu
• REALLUSION

• ROLAND SYSTEMS GROUP

• STEELCASE EDUCATION
• SWIVL, INC.
• TEXTHELP, INC.
• TOOLS4EVER
• Z-BAND, INC.

Acuity
CTB.com/Acuity
ISTE Booth #1532
The Acuity® K–12 interim assessment solution helps educators improve the quality of their instruction by providing diagnostic insight of each student’s strengths and areas for improvement. With Acuity’s new College and Career Readiness assessments, educators can track growth and measure mastery of standards, while predicting performance on new consortia summative assessments. Visit us at McGraw-Hill Education’s ISTE booth #1532, or online at CTB.com/Acuity.

Aerohive
www.aerohive.com
ISTE Booth #3148
Educational technology initiatives such as BYOD, 1:1 programs, and Common Core State Standards, have created an influx of wireless mobile devices onto school networks. Aerohive (NYSE: HIVE) has a mobility platform that takes advantage of the cloud and a distributed architecture to deliver unified, intelligent, simplified and cost-effective networks for schools.

Califone International, Inc.
www.califone.com
ISTE Booth #2056
Come see the full line of iOS, Android & Windows-compatible headphones and headsets, including the new Ear Buds & 901 wireless headphone. They’re ideal for read alongs, language learning, online assessments and mobile learning. Visit the Califone booth 2056 & enter our Facebook contest to win a headphone!

Canvas by Instructure
www.instructure.com/guide
ISTE Booth #2154
Contact: 6330 South 3000 East, Suite 700, Salt Lake City, UT 84121, info@instructure.com, 1.800.203.6755
Canvas by Instructure is the learning management system that makes teaching and learning easier. Canvas connects teachers, tools, ideas, and students, and then stays out of the way. With all the built-in features you need and the integrations you want, Canvas helps take teaching to a higher level.

Certiport
www.certiport.com
ISTE Booth #823
Contact: Art Maxwell, Field Marketing Manager, 801-847-3100
Certiport (www.certiport.com), a Pearson VUE Business, is the leading provider of certification exam development, delivery program and management services delivered through over 12,000 Certiport Authorized Testing Centers in more than 148 countries. Certiport reliably delivers over three million tests each year throughout the secondary, post-secondary, workforce, and corporate technology markets.

Comcast Business
business.comcast.net
ISTE Booth #433
Contact: 866.519.2313
Comcast Business offers Internet, Ethernet, Voice and TV for businesses with Internet speeds up to seven times faster than DSL, super fast Ethernet, a variety of Voice options and TV. Built for business, customers value the diverse, private network and 24x7 dedicated business support.

Engrade
Engrade.com/TL
ISTE Booth #1532
The Engrade™ learning management system allows teachers, school leaders, and administrators access to digital content from ANY provider using ONE platform. Engrade integrates with your current student information system, third party curriculum content and assessment tools, and data. It then filters all that information into ONE clear, simple dashboard. Connect the right students to the right content at the right time with Engrade. Visit us at McGraw-Hill Education’s ISTE booth #1532, or online at Engrade.com/TL.

LocknCharge
www.lockncharge.com
ISTE Booth #3314
Contact: (888) 943-6803 or support@lockncharge.com
LocknCharge creates premium security, charging, syncing and transport solutions for storing iPad devices, tablets, Chromebooks, and laptops. Whether you’re pursuing BYOD, 1:1, or anything in between, LocknCharge has the solution you need. Mention this ad at booth #3314 for a chance to win one of $25,000 worth of free baskets!

myON
www.myON.com
ISTE Booth #2048

Contact: Lynn Walker, lwalker@myON.com

myON , a personalized literacy platform, provides students unlimited access to more than 7,000 enhanced digital books with multimedia scaffolds to support reading at all levels. In turn, myON empowers teachers with real-time, actionable data to track reading growth and new literacy tools to support instruction. www.myON.com.

Pearson’s Online Learning Exchange
www.onlinelearningexchange.com
ISTE Booth #1314
Contact: ole@pearson.com

Pearson’s Online Learning Exchange is a web and mobile - ready learning environment that will save you time searching for quality, Common Core aligned, K-12 teaching resources and provide you with simple tools for creating your own customized lessons. Sign up for a free 30-day trial today at

www.olecommunity.com/NBCLearntrial.

penveu
www.penveu.com
ISTE Booth #956
Contact: Jennifer Skinner-Gray, 800-777-3722, info@penveu.com
penveu® is an affordable handheld device that makes projectors and displays interactive. Any flat surface
from pull down screens to HDTVs becomes an interactive whiteboard. It’s a digital pen and mouse. Use directly on the display and up to 40 feet away. penveu is an Interphase (NAS DAQ: INPH) business.

Reallusion Inc.
www.reallusion.com/
ISTE Booth #1161
Contact: Michael Humphress, michael@reallusion.com, 408.573.6107
Reallusion is the leader in the development of 3D and 2D cinematic real-time animation tools, providing technology and handy teaching resources to help teachers easily use animation to enrich multiple curriculum subjects, while helping students discover their creative potential.

Roland Systems Group
www.rolandsystemsgroup.com
ISTE Booth #1656
Phone: 800-380-2580
Be sure to stop by and check out the new Roland VR-50HD and VR-3EX All-inone switchers which are great production and teaching tools for morning announcements, sports broadcasting, distance learning, flipped learning, drama production, news media production or any live produced content for streaming or
recording.

Steelcase Education
SteelcaseEducation.com
ISTE Booth #1140
Contact: educationsolutions@steelcase.com
Steelcase Education works with the leading educational institutions to furnish multipurpose, high-performance destinations that enhance student success

Swivl, Inc.
www.swivl.com
ISTE Booth #549
Contact: sales@swivl.com / 888.837.6209
Swivl is a complete video learning platform for lecture capture and presentations. Utilize the technology you already own, such as tablets and smartphones, to create videos that enrich the learning experience. Then, share your content on Swivl’s private video hosting service, where you always retain the rights to your content.

Texthelp Inc.
www.texthelp.com
ISTE Booth #2430
Contact: 888.248.0652 / u.s.info@texthelp.com
Texthelp software solutions provide reading, writing, research, and studying tools - Read&Write Gold’s customizable toolbar integrates with familiar desktop applications, Read&Write for Google makes Google Docs, Web, PDFs, and ePubs accessible in Google Drive on PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks, and iReadWrite helps struggling readers and writers on the iPad.

Tools4Ever
www.tools4ever.com
ISTE Booth #3661
Contact: Dean Wiech, d.wiech@tools4ever.com, 516.482.4414 x305
Tools4ever provides a variety of time saving applications to educational organizations of all sizes. User Management Resource Administrator (UMRA) provides for automatic user account management by linking SIS/HR systems to Active Directory and other educational applications while Self Service Reset Password Management (SS RPM) provides a convenient solution to forgotten passwords.

Z-Band, Inc.
www.z-band.com
Contact: Lori Smeigh, Education Sales Director, loris@z-band.com; 717-249-2606
Z-Band sells an innovative RF Broadband Video Distribution System that distributes CATV / HDTV, satellite, internally generated video, and other video-on-demand (VO D) services over twisted pair/Category Cable.

ACEREADER PRO
www.acereader.com

Introducing the new Online/Web edition of our award-winning software! AceReader is proud to announce our new online version of our reading improvement and assessment software. Winner of over 50 awards and honors, including being named TOP winner out of all winners by Tech & Learning. AceReader is referred to as reading improvement software, reading assessment software, reading fluency software, vision training software, and speed reading software. Includes Tests, Drills, Games and an automated self-adjusting courses for all ages. It’s fun, easy and affordable. Visit www.acereader.com to learn more about our software, or call 1-800-ACE-READ (223-7323), ext. 2 and ask about our new online edition.

AEROHIVE

www.aerohive.com
FETC Booth: 1450
TCEA Booth: 1529

Aerohive Networks reduces the cost and complexity of today's networks with cloud-enabled Wi-Fi and routing solutions for medium and large enterprise headquarters, branch offices and teleworkers. Aerohive’s award-winning cooperative control Wi-Fi architecture, public or private cloud-enabled network management, routing and VPN solutions eliminate costly controllers and single points of failure. This gives its customers mission critical reliability with granular security and policy enforcement and the ability to start small and expand without limitations.

AMX

www.simplifyyourcampus.com

AMX SchoolView Solutions are built for your biggest needs whatever your campus size. The Unified Campus solution takes advantage of existing school data networks consolidates Clock, Bell, PA/Intercom and Background Music into a single networked system and provides an additional access point for viewing existing networked video security cameras from a convenient control panel, typically installed in the school’s main office or via any authorized web browser. Visit www.simplifyyourcampus.com

CAPSTONE DIGITAL myON READER

www.TheFutureinReading.com

TCEA Booth: 1743

Capstone Digital, a division of Capstone, develops personalized literacy environments, interactive resources and innovative products and services to help develop a new culture of literacy. The newest addition to the Capstone Digital product suite includes myON reader. As the world’s largest online library of enhanced digital books matched to students’ interests and Lexile® levels, students and educators will be able to accurately measure time spent reading and quantity of books read. Educators are able to leverage myON reader as a means to create personalized reading plans, monitor student’s progress and forecast their reading growth. For more information, visit TheFutureinReading.com.

DYMO/MIMIO

Mimio.dymo.com/A115
FETC Booth: 501
TCEA Booth: 1126

Mimio began in 1997 with one goal: to make learning more engaging for students, with technology that makes it easier for teachers to simply teach. Today, DYMO/Mimio is a global leader in interactive teaching technologies. We offer the MimioClassroom™ family of products and Headsprout® individualized reading instruction, our best teaching tools ever. MimioClassroom products encourage active participation by students, while making interactive technology easy to use. DYMO/Mimio stands apart in the world of interactive teaching.

ECON ED LIVE! — FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF ST. LOUIS

www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources

Online courses developed by Economic Education professionals and Center for Learning Innovation educational technology professionals -- economics courses prepare students to navigate our global economy and personal finance courses provide crucial life lessons that ultimately improve saving and spending decisions. Podcasts, videos, interactive whiteboard applications, and other classroom tools provide additional economic curriculum. The St. Louis Fed welcomes resumes from learning professionals for potential job opportunities: http://careers.stlouisfed.org/

www.stlouisfed.org/education_resources

Econ Ed Live!— Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis: Interactive whiteboard applications (Smart and Promethean) developed by Economic Education professionals for teaching personal finance and economics topics in K-12 classrooms. Many of the applications for K-8 classrooms relate to popular children’s books. Podcasts, videos, online courses and other classroom tools provide additional economic and personal finance curricula. The St. Louis Fed welcomes resumes from learning professionals for potential job opportunities: http://careers.stlouisfed.org/.

GAGGLE

www.gaggle.net
FETC Booth: 413
TCEA Booth: 1347

Gaggle's award-winning suite of productivity, communication, and collaboration tools engage today's students with today's technology. Our safe online learning environment is accessible at school and on-the-go, leveraging the popularity of social networking and web-based virtual tools to propel your classroom into the 21st century and beyond. Our cloud based environment designed specifically for K-12 education provides access control and filtration of content, with the highest degree of CIPA compliance.

iCREATE TO EDUCATE

www.icreatetoeducate.com

Within minutes students can express their ideas using our intuitive and affordable desktop software called SAM Animation, which was selected as a Top 100 Product by District Administration in 2011. Born out of Tufts University research, SAM Animation is used by nearly 50,000 teachers and parents around the world for assessment, digital storytelling, modeling, or to simply engage all types of learners. To get started, download the FREE version of SAM Animation from www.icreatetoeducate.com.

KNOWLEDGE DELIVERY SYSTEMS

www.kdsi.org
TCEA Booth: 2111

Knowledge Delivery Systems (KDS) creates and delivers online and blended-model strategic professional development solutions to educators nationwide. KDS’s award-winning eClassroom platform enables teachers, schools and districts to optimize their instructional practice with customized programs tailored to specific goals. KDS’s diverse library of research-based courses, are presented by today’s industry experts, who impact key strategies and tools that improve the educational experience. KDS offers salary advancement, CEU and graduate degree programs. Visit www.kdsi.org for more information.

LEARNING.COM

www.learning.com
TCEA Booth: 917

Learning.com helps you harness the power of technology, the creativity of content and the passion of teachers to make a difference today and tomorrow. Proven curriculum, powerful tools, practical services all on one platform. We offer free and for-fee curricula and assessments that improve student learning. We help streamline classroom management, differentiate instruction and prescribe targeted instruction through powerful educator-tested tools. And we provide practical professional development and implementation services that maximize value while reducing your effort.

LIGHTSPEED SYSTEMS

www.lightspeedsystems.com
FETC Booth: 438
TCEA Booth: 2221
CUE Booth: 524

My Big Campus: A safe social learning platform from Lightspeed Systems My Big Campus provides safe access to people and resources to make learning engaging, collaborative, and real. It combines an educational resource library (with YouTube videos, blogs, wikis, web sites, and more) with a collaboration platform (with groups, discussions, messaging, chat, PLNs, and more) and classroom management tools (like assignments, assessments and calendars). All within a safe, monitored, CIPA-compliant environment.

LIGHTSPEED TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

lightspeed-tek.com
FETC Booth: 631
TCEA Booth: 1545
CUE Booth: 520

Lightspeed develops audio technology specifically for the classroom. These easy-to-use audio systems are designed to overcome classroom noise and provide crystal clear sound to all students regardless of where they may be seated or where the teacher may be standing. In addition, teachers report reduced vocal fatigue, improved classroom management and increased academic performance without changing curriculum or teaching methods. Contact Lightspeed today to experience Lightspeed's unique REDCAT with Voice Catalyst Technology! 800.732.8999 | sales@lightspeed-tek.com

MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS

www.motorolasolutions.com/education
FETC Booth: 1140

The AP 6511 is ideal for K12s that require a robust wireless LAN that is easy on the budget and provides a centrally managed solution. Installed in minutes, not hours, it uses existing CAT5/6 cabling. This highly scalable solution allows each AP 6511 to act as a standalone AP, as a controller AP for up to 24 other AP 6511s,or a as part of a district wide solution. Motorola is a leading provider of wireless networks which are purpose-built for performance, reliability and interconnectivity indoors and out for an Always-on-Learning experience.

NETSUPPORT

www.classroom-software.com
FETC Booth: 542
TCEA Booth: 2027
Classroom Management Software That Isn’t Just For The Classroom

Designed to work flawlessly across wired or wireless networks and in a Windows, Mac®, or Linux environment, NetSupport's classroom management solutions deliver a powerful combination of monitoring, real-time presentation and collaboration tools that are guaranteed to enrich any IT lesson while simultaneously reducing instructional technology costs. Download your free, full-classroom trial license today!

PEARSON

www.pearson.com

FETC booth: 901

TCEA booth: 2211

CUE booth: 200

Pearson, the global leader in education services, technology and school solutions, provides innovative print and digital education materials for pre-K through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson’s mission is to work side-by-side with states, districts, teachers, students and parents to ensure that every child is prepared for college and career.

PEARSON DIGITAL LEARNING

PearsonSchool.com/Digital

Pearson Digital Learning is a leader in technology-driven education through its Waterford Early Learning programs with over one million pre-K through second-grade students logging on; its SuccessMaker program serving more than two million K-8 learners globally; and the NovaNET and Pearson Virtual Learning programs, providing over three million middle school through adult learners in the past 10 years with personalized online curriculum to meet credit recovery, dropout prevention, virtual and blended learning needs and more.

PRINT MANAGER PLUS

www.printmanager.com

Reduce your Printing Costs! Every day, millions of Students around the world waste tens of millions of dollars needlessly printing documents with no thought to what it costs. Now you can dissuade students from printing all of their emails, pictures, texts, and web pages. Irresponsible printing puts a strain on your schools budget and Print Manager Plus can eliminate wasted printing by up to 50% or more on a single network. Download an Evaluation Here: www.printmanager.com.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT NETWORK

www.schoolimprovement.com

FETC Booth: 1556

TCEA Booth: 2687

School Improvement Network provides educators with the most innovative tools available that are proven to consistently increase student learning. Home to PD 360, the world’s largest on-demand professional development platform, School Improvement Network offers educators an award-winning suite of on-demand products—including Observation 360, Common Core 360, Learning 360 Framework, and Equity 360—that provide comprehensive support for the whole student and teacher.

STONEWARE, INC.

www.stone-ware.com
FETC Booth: 108 & 1523
TCEA Booth: 523
CUE Booth: 223

Stoneware's Unified Cloud is a secure, web-based platform that unifies device, private cloud and public cloud resources and allows users to access files, applications, and services from any device through a single login. With Stoneware, IT can deliver access through a browser to resources without granting access to the internal network. Visit www.stone-ware.com.

TEXTHELP

www.texthelp.com

Texthelp’s literacy software Read&Write GOLD, seamlessly integrates with commonly-used programs so students can access the reading, writing, studying, and research support tools they need. It provides literacy support for all learners, including those with learning disabilities, literacy difficulties, English Language Learners, or those who struggle to read and write. Texthelp's new Web Apps include read aloud for Web and eBook Reader for Bookshare eBooks on iPad, iPod Touch, other Mobile Devices, and PCs and Macs!

TOON BOOM ANIMATION, INC.

toonboom.com/k-12

Toon Boom caters to the needs of K-12 educators who are looking for ways to integrate technology into their classrooms where students can achieve higher levels of literacy objectives. Animation as a medium of communication is extremely powerful and has proven to increase student motivation and retention. For example, at Bluffton Elementary School where they use Flip Boom, the number of 5th grade students considered exemplary in writing in 2009 was 47.2%, this increased to 56.5% in 2010.

TRIPP LITE

www.tripplite.com/presentation
Put complete presentation control in the palm of your hand with Tripp Lite’s Keyspan PR-PRO4 remote. With easy, intuitive controls you’re free to concentrate on your lesson, not the technology behind it. Advanced RF wireless technology works without a direct line of sight, allowing for easy multimedia control while you interact with your class. Features like a built-in laser pointer, volume and mouse control make the PR-PRO4 your go-to presentation solution.