A teacher responding to recent reporting about parents asking schools to return to pen-and-paper learning argued that after banning laptops in his classroom, students became calmer and more focused. He explained that his administration even printed physical sourcebooks so students would not need devices.

The result, he says, is a better learning environment.

If “better” means easier to manage, that’s understandable. Anyone who has taught in a one-to-one device environment has seen students drift toward distractions. Removing laptops can simplify classroom management and reduce what teachers have to monitor.

But easier classroom management is not the same as better learning. And limiting students to pen and paper does little to prepare them for a world in which thinking, writing, and collaboration increasingly happen through digital tools. Schools also have a responsibility to help students learn how to stay focused and manage distractions in the digital environments they will live and work in every day.

That means teaching students not just what to learn, but how to manage attention, choose the right tools for the task, and remain productive in a technology-rich world.

Making technology the scapegoat for declining educational outcomes distracts from the real issue and risks removing one of the most powerful tools students have to explore ideas, create knowledge, and pursue their goals.

The problem was never laptops. The real issue is the learning model we built around laptops over the past three decades.

The Digital Revolution Didn’t Fail. The School Model Did

The rise of laptops and chromebooks in classrooms happened at the same time that high-stakes accountability policies reshaped American education.

Federal legislation such as the Every Student Succeeds Act, which governs modern school accountability systems, and its predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act, dramatically expanded standardized testing across U.S. schools and reinforced testing as the primary measure of success.

Research summarized in the Economic Policy Institute’s examination of how high-stakes testing narrowed curriculum and reshaped classroom instruction shows how these policies pushed schools toward memorization and test preparation rather than deeper learning.

When learning becomes test preparation, the medium matters very little. Drill-and-practice on paper is still drill-and-practice. Drill-and-practice on a screen is still drill-and-practice.

In my article explaining why laptops didn’t take away students’ brains but changes in the school model did, I argue that blaming devices ignores the larger structural forces shaping classroom practice. Technology did not break education. It was layered onto a system already moving in the wrong direction.

The “Primary Use Problem” Oversimplifies Learning

The teacher also referenced what neuroscientist Jared Horvath calls the “primary use problem,” the idea that students associate computers with entertainment because they spend thousands of hours gaming, streaming, and using social media.

Tools do carry habits. But the explanation misses something important. If a tool’s most common use determined whether it belonged in school, books would face the same criticism. Many students associate books with entertainment reading as well.

The real challenge is teaching students to use tools intentionally.

In my response to claims that laptops failed students, I explain that technology does not determine learning outcomes. Instructional design does.

A laptop used only for passive note-taking will not transform learning. A laptop used for research, collaboration, multimedia production, coding, and publishing student work to authentic audiences can expand what learning looks like.

The difference is pedagogy.

The Paper Vs. Screens Debate Is Often Misrepresented

Another claim embedded in the argument against classroom technology is that students learn better when reading on paper and writing notes by hand.

This idea gained widespread attention after a widely cited study comparing handwritten notes with laptop note-taking during lectures suggested that typing encouraged more verbatim transcription.

But the study measured short-term recall in lecture settings rather than authentic classroom learning.

Later research complicates the conclusion. For example, a large replication study published in Psychological Science examining the relationship between laptop note-taking and learning outcomes found that when note-taking strategies are controlled, the supposed advantage of handwriting largely disappears.

The issue is not keyboards. The issue is passive learning.

If students are simply copying information, it makes little difference whether they are typing or writing. Real learning happens when students analyze, question, synthesize, and create. Framing the debate as paper versus screens distracts from the real issue, which is how we design learning experiences that require thinking.

Schools Must Teach Digital Citizenship and Well-Being

If students are distracted or overwhelmed by technology, removing devices does not solve the underlying problem. It avoids teaching the skills students need. Schools should be responsible for preparing students to navigate the world they live in.

Today that world is digital.

Students need explicit instruction in managing attention, evaluating information, protecting privacy, engaging responsibly online, and maintaining healthy technology habits.

Digital citizenship is not a once-a-year lesson. It is a core life skill.

Some of the most promising resources for teaching these skills are created by students themselves. The student-produced content I shared in Take Two Media’s free digital citizenship video library demonstrates how young people can lead conversations about responsible technology use and online well-being.

If schools remove technology entirely, they also remove opportunities to teach these essential skills. Students will still encounter these tools outside school. The question is whether educators help them learn to navigate it wisely.

The Same Debate Is Now Happening With AI

The laptop debate is already repeating itself with artificial intelligence.

Some educators worry that because AI can generate essays or answers, the solution is to remove it from classrooms. But banning tools has never prepared students for the future.

In my Tech & Learning article examining how AI is transforming the writing process, I describe how writing is becoming more iterative. Students brainstorm, test ideas, revise drafts, and critique outputs using both human feedback and AI tools.

AI does not eliminate thinking. It shifts when thinking happens. Students still need to ask better questions, evaluate responses, and refine ideas.

As I explore in my analysis of whether AI could reconnect us to what matters most, emerging technologies may even reduce time spent on repetitive tasks and allow people to focus more on creativity, relationships, and deeper intellectual work.

That possibility should excite educators. But it requires rethinking what learning looks like.

The Experiment Was Never Finished

It is tempting to say the digital revolution in education failed. But the truth is that the experiment was never fully implemented.

For decades, schools invested billions of dollars in devices while investing far less in instructional redesign, digital literacy, and professional learning.

Even the OECD international study examining how computer use affects student learning outcomes concluded that technology alone does not improve results without thoughtful pedagogy. That finding should not surprise anyone. No tool has ever transformed education by itself.

Not chalkboards, textbooks, laptops, nor AI. Tools matter only when they support meaningful learning. The real question schools should be asking is not whether laptops belong in classrooms. The real question is whether we are designing learning experiences that prepare students for the world they actually live in and the tools they will use in it.

You have arrived at the ultimate guide to the best affordable laptops for schools. So if you need a new portable device and want it to be up to task -- without pushing your ever-shrinking budget deeper into the red -- then this list should have an ideal model.

The point here is that even at the more affordable end of the spectrum, there are plenty of laptop options that are tailored to serve various needs.

Sure, not too long ago it was a choice between paying more and getting premium features and cutting back and having to sacrifice. But as tech has become more prevalent and affordable, you can now have the best of both.

Before you buy it's important to think about what you need, be that a powerful processor backed by lots of RAM and a graphics card for gaming and video editing, or a light and portable model with longer battery lift for all-day use.

The operating system is also a good place to consider as this may affect the systems and apps you already use regularly. Then, of course there's the price.

This guide lays out all the best affordable laptops for schools so you can find the right model to suit your needs.

Best affordable laptops for schools

Best affordable laptop for schools overall

The Acer Aspire 3 tops our list as the best affordable laptop for schools. This is thanks to a baseline model that provides plenty of performance friendly specs while keeping the price low. You can spend more and get a faster CPU, GPU, more RAM, more storage, and even a larger and higher resolution display. But the key here is that no matter the level you pick, this is well-built.

That means Acer-level quality in terms of materials, lightweight, solid frame, and battery quality and longevity. Plus, these machines run on Microsoft Windows 11 as standard.

Great connectivity is available with USB-C, HDMI 2.1, and WiFi 6 onboard. The screen has a BlueLightShield to protect the eyes, and with a slim profile of 18.9mm and 1.6kg weight, this is good to go in a bag with you all day.

Best affordable Apple Mac laptop for schools

If you want to get an Apple laptop, but don't want to pay Apple prices, then an older model MacBook Air is a great option. While the M2 offers big savings, it's not much more than the M3, so looking around that age range can be a perfect balance of affordability and power.

The MacBook Air is available in several variants when it comes to specs and even colors, but in all instances you're getting a very well-made machine. A strong metallic outer, meticulously designed physical keyboard, intelligent biometric security, and a rich and clear display, plus a plethora of connectivity options.

Above all else you're getting macOS, which features access to some of the best made and most stable apps out there. Lots of developers build for Mac first, so even if these are older laptops, students may be getting access to the latest software simply by using a Mac.

Best affordable Chromebook for schools

The Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 3 Chromebook is a super affordable way to get the power of a 2-in-1 laptop and tablet without spending a lot. To be clear, this is a low-spec model even for a Chromebook so it's not the most powerful. But it will run the light Chrome OS smoothly and can serve you well for most simple tasks such as working on documents, using a web browser, and accessing emails.

Having that ability to use this as a tablet or a laptop is a rare treat at this price point. The device works well for students, and teachers, who want to use it in portable way when a laptop might not fit or a tablet may not offer enough. This lets you always have both at the ready.

Battery life is superb, with a good 16-hours use on constant video playback testing. It should go all day without the need to carry a charger, making that already compact build seem even more portable.

Best affordable Windows laptop for schools

This Windows 11 laptop from ASUS offers a range of specs but even the baseline is more than powerful enough for most school tasks. Packing in an AMD Ryzen 5 chipset, this offers 6-cores and 12-threads of processing smarts backed by integrated graphics and plenty of RAM and SSD storage space.

The build quality is solid, as you'd expect from a big name such as ASUS, offering you a portable option that still packs in a large and high-quality 16-inch FHD+ display.

You also have a 720p webcam, fingerprint sensor, USB-C, multiple USB-A, and HDMI connectivity, plus WiFi 6E. This can handle plenty of heavier processing tasks but it has built-in graphics available so don't expect this to power perform for tasks such as gaming or video editing.

Best affordable gaming laptop for schools

The Acer Nitro V 15 is an affordable gaming laptop that's ideal for schools. This is one of the more expensive models on this list but there's no avoiding that when it comes to a laptop that's powerful enough for gaming. The key here is that you get that great combination of a dedicated graphics processor and screen built to task.

Under the hood is a powerful Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 GPU for buttery smooth gaming performance. And the screen can keep up thanks to its 144Hz refresh rate and high def 1920 x 1080 resolution on the 15.6-inch display.

A few options in terms of specs are available so you can save money or spend more depending on how much power you need. In either case you're getting a powerful and portable gaming laptop that's built by a well-established brand known for decent quality that should last.

Best affordable AI laptop for schools

The Dell Inspiron 14 is a great option for schools that want an affordable laptop that still packs in onboard AI smarts. Despite being well-priced for what is onboard, this gives you a Windows 11 experience with all the powers that having Microsoft Copilot onboard offers.

The onboard GPU isn't so powerful, which is alright for 2D image editing but anything more complex is going to be taxing. That said, the display, at 14-inches 60Hz and 1080p, is decent and is backed by a zippy eight-core Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU.

Copilot onboard means integrated AI companion assistance with the likes of Microsoft 365 tools and beyond.

• Best Tools For Teachers
• Best Hardware for Teachers

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

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

A laptop can do far more than you might imagine and, crucially, that can mean making your life easier in many ways.

This guide focuses on Windows and macOS laptop operating systems with tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of your machine. From helpful shortcuts to customization that makes life easier, these tips should assist.

These are all laid out in sections so you can select one along the top to jump right to it, or scroll through and see which could serve you in your classroom.

If you're looking for Chromebook specific guidance, then this guide may suit your needs better. 

• Best Chromebooks for Schools
• Best Laptops for Teachers

Best Things Your Laptop Can Do

Use dark mode

Dark mode is a relatively recent feature that has been added as a way to both go easier on your eyes and also save on battery life. The idea is that by using more dark rather than white on your display, the screen will use far less battery to light the area. That should also mean it's gentler on your eyes, allowing you to work for longer without it being quite so visually intense.

This is now available both on Windows and macOS machines. 

Windows
To turn on dark mode in Windows simply navigate to Settings, Personalization, Colors, then select Dark.

Mac
Using macOS you'll need to navigate to the Apple menu, System Settings, then Appearance in the sidebar before selecting Dark or Auto on the right.

Slide to shut down Windows

One very easy-to-use feature, that makes shutting down your Windows machine faster, is the slide to shut down option. This is pretty cool as you can go from working on your machine to having it fully powered down in a single swipe of the touchscreen display.

This does mean a little coding is needed but just follow this guidance and it's relatively easy.

Right-click your desktop and select New then Shortcut. Copy and paste this code into the text box: %windir%\System32\SlideToShutDown.exe

Select Next, name the file something such as SlideToShutDown, and select Finish.

There should now be an icon on your homescreen. Right-click this and select Properties and under the shortcut tab select Change Icon and OK. Pick an icon you want to use and select OK, Apply, and OK.

Now all you need to do is open that icon and initiate the swipe shutdown feature.

Use Focus mode

One really useful feature that helps you stay productive is Focus mode, and its various other options. This essentially limits the number of distracting interruptions that might stop you from working on whatever you need to get done. Perhaps you're working on a slide presentation and don't need email alerts bothering you -- this Focus option will keep any hidden until you're down and change the mode again.

Windows
For a Windows machine you'll need to go to Start, Settings, System, and Focus Assist, where you'll then be able to tweak how you are alerted or left alone based on what you need.

Mac
To turn on or setup Focus modes on macOS, simply select the crescent moon icon at the top-right menu bar and pick the mode you want. This lets you pick how long you want Focus to stay on, or allows you to use other modes such as Work or Sleep, which you can customize by selecting the Focus Settings at the bottom. Crucially, this will work across your Apple devices, so your phone, watch, and tablet will also be put into that mode.

Pin websites to taskbar

Did you know it's possible to pin a website to your taskbar in Windows? And that you can do it in macOS too? In both cases it allows you to get right back to a website by clicking the icon link from your home screen. This is great if you're compiling research, or perhaps want to have a site ready to quick-access when presenting to the class.

Windows
On a Windows machine, the easiest way to do this is from the Edge browser in which you simply open the main browser menu using the three dots at the top-right, then select More tools and Pin to taskbar.

Mac
On macOS this can be done in Safari or Chrome by simply dragging down the URL from the address bar to the right-hand side of the dock.

Edit screenshots

A really quick way to take something from any app or website and make an edit is to annotate a screenshot. Yup, you can take a snap of anything on your display and immediately add an edit. From popping in text, circling something, or highlighting text, there are lots of helpful options available.

Windows
On Windows use the shortcut Win + Shift + S to image grab before clicking the thumbnail to add annotations.

Mac
To do this on a macOS machine use the shortcut keys Command + Shift + 5 to use a floating select tool before hitting Capture. You can then edit using the pen icon before hitting done to save.

Copy and paste between devices

Copy and paste is one of those features that you probably use without even thinking about it, or appreciating just how helpful it is. Now you can use it between devices, which makes it even more powerful as a time-saving tool. This is limited to same OS devices though, so you'll either being going between Windows or Apple devices, not across the two.

Windows
On a Windows machine go to the Windows Settings, select System and Clipboard, which then syncs across devices using your Windows ID -- also allowing you to have multiple items on the clipboard at any time.

Mac
On an Apple device you simply need to make sure this mode is turned on. To do this in macOS, navigate to the Apple menu, System Settings, General, then Airdrop & Handoff, where you will want to have the handoff toggled on so you can copy in macOS and paste in iOS, for example.

Share with nearby devices

Both macOS machines and Windows laptops makes wireless sharing easy. That can mean sharing slide decks, images, videos, links, and plenty more, all without the need to send over the internet or connect using physical hardware. In both these cases you will be able to use Bluetooth and wifi direct to send even larger files quickly.

Windows
For a Windows machine you'll need to turn on Nearby Share for this to work. Go into the Start menu, select Nearby Share settings and toggle to Share content. Then right-click what you want and select Share to pick another device from the pop up list and click the one you want to get sending.

Mac
On a Mac you can do this using AirDrop, which appears in the top right when you select the control center icon and then the right arrow near AirDrop. With this on, you can right-click almost any file and have the option to look for nearby contacts to share with.

• Best Chromebooks for Schools
• Best Laptops for Teachers

If you want to know how to print on school networks from a laptop, or any other device for that matter, then this is the guide for you. This can be a difficult process, when compared to the relative ease with which you can connect to a printer at home, for example.

The issue with a school network printer is that it is connected to a secured network, so you might not have access to all areas of the system. However, nowadays, most printers on the network should be setup in such a way that you're able to connect to it using your own device.

Of course for security reasons, you'll likely need to be signed into your school account in order to gain access to the printer. But since this should be accessible across a number of devices it can mean printing from your laptop, computer or even smartphone and tablet, with ease.

This guide will lay out the ways you can print on school networks using your own device.

• Best laptops for teachers
• Best laptops for students

Print on school network guidance

Connect directly

One of the easiest, most straightforward and quick ways to get setup and printing right away is to connect with the printer directly. This is done, where available, using WiFi Direct. This is a super local wifi network created between the printer and a device, directly.

So, in some cases this will either not be present on the printer or it may be turned off by the school admin. Presuming it's available, it's a super simple solution.

No matter your device, open the printer settings on it and search for available printers using the wifi. This will pop up in the list and allow you to select that option. You may have some other pop-ups to follow for connection to finalize, but generally this should be a simple process. A password may be required, and that's usually displayed on the printer screen during setup.

Then, when you go to print, you should see this print pop-up in your options. Just note that this is a direct wifi connection so it will only work over a short distance. Make sure to be close to the printer so it works!

Use the school network

Another relatively easy way to print is to connect to the school network. This can mean logging your device in by simply connecting to the school wifi network. This will likely require your login and password -- but in some cases, since you're on an external device, you may also need admin clearance to get online.

Once connected you should be able to gain access to all the printers on the network. Either pick the one you need at point of printing or go into settings and setup one preferred printer, which this will default to print from, each time you need to.

Share a printer

If you have access, or are the admin, then you may want to setup a printer to allow it to be used by users outside of the school network or on external devices. In the case of Windows devices this is relatively simple.

Go to the Windows Start icon, then Settings, Devices and Printers & Scanners. In here you can select the Manage option before going into Printer Properties and the Sharing tab. Now select Share this printer. You can give a share name that is seen by others accessing the device, then select OK and you're all set.

Connect directly to the printer via network

This option lets you connect to a printer, over the school network, directly. For Windows devices go into the Start icon, Settings, Devices, then Printers & Scanners. After this, select Add printers & scanners, and select the Add a printer or scanner. You should then see a list of optional devices to connect to. Select the one you want and choose Add device.

If the printer isn't there you can select: The printer that I want isn't listed. At this point you can use the Add printer dialog box to Select a shared printer by name. This lets you enter the pathway which should look like one of these options:

\\computername\printername

http://computername/printernet/.printer

Then select Next and you can complete the installation.

• Best laptops for teachers
• Best laptops for students

The best laptop docking stations, specifically for teachers, can make the difference for a quick start to a lesson with far more ease.

The idea behind these technological delights is to leave all the various cables you might use connected to one system, so all you have to do is plug in a single cable to connect to it all.

A dock station can mean instant power to your laptop and screens, HDMI or DisplayPort cables to screens, speakers connected, microphones hooked up, keyboard and mouse ready to go, dedicated webcams or document cameras connected -- and more. 

The point here is to allow teachers to move between classrooms and easily plug in their laptop and be ready to go. That saves time and effort as well allows cables to be tidied away -- safely -- to keep a clear room.

So which is right for your needs? Read on to find the best laptop docking station for teachers.

• Best Laptops for Teachers
• Best 3D Printers for Remote Learning

1. Targus USB 3.0 Docking Station: Best laptop docking stations top pick

The Targus USB 3.0 Docking Station is a well-rounded option that delivers lots of compatibility while keeping the price relatively low. You get the speed of USB 3.0 connectivity but also a dock that will sit your laptop at an angle for easy viewing. This unit comes with charging built-in thanks to the 90W charger, so you won't need to keep your laptop charger with you all the time.

This dock works for two displays output at the same time, so you could have one connected via HDMI and another using the more traditional monitor DVI connection. Thanks to dual USB 2.0 and another pair of powered USB 2.0 ports, it's possible to have a wired keyboard and mouse attached with ports free to charge a smartphone or tablet.

For those who need the latest USB-C, perhaps to charge a phone, Targus does offer a Multiplexer Adapter that works with dock.

The dock also features a headphones port and a microphone port, making it simple to leave a headset connected and ready for video lessons.

2. Kensington USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station: Best budget option

The Kensington USB 3.0 Dual Display Docking Station is an option that gets you that well-known brand name with a price that's relatively low compared to the higher end options. Yet, it undercuts those while still offering some great features.

You get all the speed of USB 3.0 along with a simple-to-use layout. This unit also has an Ethernet port for high-speed gigabit-wired internet connectivity, ideal if you don't want to worry about wifi flaking out at any point. 

This docking station works with Windows laptops, Chromebooks, and Mac, allowing that one USB connection to the computer to multiply into six. In addition, there are both DVI and HDMI with dual display output as an option, with high resolution up to 2048 x 1152 at 60Hz. 

All that plus you get two years of coverage and lifetime Kensington technical support.

3. StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual-4K Docking Station: Best for 4K video quality 

The StarTech Thunderbolt 3 Dual 4K Docking Station is a very accomplished dock that boasts a whole host of top-end connections. This includes Thunderbolt 3, which means speeds of up to a whopping 45 Gbps. As such, this supports dual displays with resolutions of up to 4K.

What makes this dock a pleasure is that it can do everything through just one cable, so you connect the laptop and everything else goes from there. That includes display, charging phones, and multiple peripherals, all connected quickly. Plus, you have the option for Gigabit Ethernet for the most speedy and stable of internet connections. 

4. Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock: Best for USB-C charging

The Plugable USB-C Triple Display Dock is ideal for anyone with a laptop who uses a USB-C charger since this will replace that. Yup, no need to carry a charger around and this will also offer lots of output options. Thanks to Thunderbolt 3, 60W powered USB and HDMI ports, this has most needs covered. 

Have an output to up to three 4K monitors in full resolution, charge a connected smartphone, and have laptop and keyboard all plugged in ready to go. This isn't cheap and it won't work with Chromebooks, but for everything else it does a very good job. The fact it comes with a two-year warranty is just a great bonus. 

5. Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock: Best premium dock

The Corsair TBT100 Thunderbolt 3 Dock is a premium do-it-all option for those who don't worry about budget and just want it all. This Thunderbolt 3 toting dock offers 85W of charging power direct to your laptop, dual monitor output, and 4K resolution. 

You also get a host of other connections including HDMI, USB-C, Ethernet, and more rarely, an SD card reader, and a Kensington lock for office-level physical security. This crams in all that yet still remains slim and, for a dock, very good looking at the same time. The price reflects all this but if that's not an issue this really is one of the most comprehensive laptop docks out there right now.

6. J5Create JUD500 USB 3.0 Ultra Station: Best for multiple laptops

The J5Create JUD500 USB 3.0 Ultra Station is a super small profile device that discretely attaches to the back of your laptop, be it Apple Mac or Windows machine. This unit offers a host of connectivity via USB 3.0, HDMI, and VGA. You also get Ethernet connectivity directly as well as speaker or headphones and microphone connections.

But it's the unique "wormhole" feature that makes this device stand out. It allows you to connect another laptop, via USB, so you can hop between the two. It also makes file sharing between the two quick and easy over the direct wired connection. This is perfect if you have both a Windows laptop and an Apple MacBook, and want to jump between the two. It's ideal for classroom use too when multiple teachers are presenting to a big screen at once.

7. Dell Thunderbolt Dock WD22TB4: Best swappable

The Dell Thunderbolt Dock WD22TB4 is a great option for IT departments that want to plan ahead for changes. This is thanks to a swappable module that allows for variation to the setup with greater ease.

This model looks fantastic with that sleek black finish, and also plays very nicely with Dell laptops. In fact, this can offer ExpressCharge for Dell laptops for an 80% charge in just one hour, or 35% in 20 minutes.

Ports this offers include -- on the front -- two DisplayPorts, USB-C, two USB-A 3.2, one HDMI 2.0. On the back you have more, including two USB 3.2, one USB-C, and one USB-A with power share. All that means you can output at up to 5,120 x 2,880 although you are limited to 60Hz. 

This isn't the cheapest option, but with lots of functionality, some smart specific features, and that great look, it's certainly an appealing option.

• Best Laptops for Teachers
• Best 3D Printers for Remote Learning

Whether you're a newly minted teacher or a seasoned veteran, it's important to know which computers, monitors, webcams, headphones, and other education technology hardware are best for your particular classroom or remote teaching circumstances. That's why Tech & Learning has compiled links to our popular edtech hardware reviews in a single article that teachers can easily consult for their edtech hardware questions.

This page will be updated as new reviews are published, so check back frequently!

To learn more about the best software tools for teachers, visit our Best Tools For Teachers hub and Tech & Learning's guide to Google Education Tools and Apps.

Computers and Peripherals

What to Know About Buying a Chromebook
If you're considering buying a Chromebook, this guide will help you find the ideal one to suit your needs.

Best Chromebooks for Schools
A Chromebook can make education better for students and teachers by keeping everything simple while also being priced affordably for school and district.

Educator Edtech Review: Acer TravelMate P4 Spin 14 Notebook
Educator Frank Pileiro looks at the best features of this versatile convertible laptop, including cost, build, specs and more.

Best Digital Pens For Teachers
Tech & Learning takes a close look at the top digital pens for education.

Best Desktop Computers For Teachers
There are more great desktop computers for teachers now than at any previous time. But how to choose? Tech & Learning reviewed the top desktops computers from HP, Apple, Acer, Dell and Lenovo, looking at affordability, sound and graphics quality, security and much more.

Best Laptop Docking Stations For Teachers
Whether the priority is price, ease of use, number of ports or 4K capability, we help teachers explore the top options for laptop docking stations.

Best Wireless Keyboard and Mouse for Teachers
Tech and Learning looks at the latest and best wireless peripherals for education.

What to Know About Buying a Laptop for School
We look at key features of laptops—display, speed, connectivity and pricing—to help you make the best choice.

Best Laptops for Teachers
Pick the ideal laptop for your education needs from our laptop reviews.

Best Laptops for Elementary and Secondary Students
Whether your priority is performance, battery life, cost, or security, Tech & Learning breaks down the details of the best laptop computers for elementary and secondary students.

Best Laptop Cases for Teachers
Protect your most precious teaching technology with one of these best laptop cases reviewed by Tech & Learning. From the best overall to the best for longer travel and more, one of these top laptop cases is sure to fit the bill, while our Best Deals widget will help you find the best prices.

What to Know About Buying A Tablet for School
Considering a tablet computer? We examine all facets of your purchase to help you make the best decision.

Best Tablets for Teachers
The best tablets for teachers let educators stay mobile while remaining connected to the wealth of useful smart teaching tech available online.

Best Tablets For Students
Tech & Learning's hardware guru Luke Edwards gives you all the reasons to buy (or avoid!) the best and most popular tablets for students.

Best Monitors For Teachers
What matters when choosing a monitor? We looked at display size and quality, screen resolution, response time, and more, in order to rate the best monitors for teaching and learning.

Educator Edtech Review: ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 Wireless Display
The compact ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 Wireless Display device allows screen sharing from any device and includes an integrated whiteboard, digital signage, and notifications.

Best Document Cameras for Teachers
We reviewed six of the most popular document cameras for classrooms, rating them for affordability, compatibility, connectivity, features and more.

Best Ereaders for Students and Teachers
Digital readers are a great way to build a large library in a small space. Tech and Learning reviews the best ereaders for education, looking at the best overall, most affordable, various display sizes and the best public-library supported device.

What is Pocketalk? The Translation Tool Explained
Pockettalk is a translation device that operates in real time to help educators, students and families communicate across language barriers.

Canon MAXIFY GX4020 Wireless MegaTank All-In-One Printer
Educator Frank Pileiro looks at the key features of the Canon Maxify GX4020 printer and whether it works well in a classroom environment.

Best 3D Printers For Schools
Tech & Learning looks at the best 3D printers for schools, including the top options for beginners and remote printing.

Gaming Systems

Best Gaming Systems for School Esports Programs
Tech and Learning reviews the top education gaming desktops, laptops, handheld gaming devices and accessories.

Headphones and Webcams

Best Headphones for Teachers
The best headphones let teachers hear their students and focus on their lessons, while making remote teaching and remote learning better for all.

Best Headphones for Students
Tech & Learning tried out the top over-the-ear, in-ear, and wireless headphones for students, rating for affordability, sound quality, noise cancellation and battery life.

What to Know About Buying a Webcam
A complete review of what teachers need to know before they invest in a new webcam.

Best Webcams for Teachers and Students
The best webcams can help make the remote learning experience clearer and more compelling for both teachers and students.

Projectors and Whiteboards

Educator Edtech Review: BenQ Board Pro RP04
Frank Pileiro reports on how the BenQ Board Pro RP04 interactive whiteboard will perform in the classroom setting

Best Projectors for Schools
We dived into the pros and cons of five of today's top projectors for education.

Educator Edtech Review: Panasonic PT-CMZ50 Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector
The Panasonic PT-CMZ50 ultra-short throw laser projector, ideal forlarge audience settings, offers high-quality bright images, virtually no shadowing, interactivity and collaboration.

Best Interactive Whiteboards For Schools
We rated the best interactive whiteboards, which feature multiple touch points, high quality 4K displays, free apps and more.

STEM, Robotics and Drones

Best Coding Kits for Schools
Tech & Learning reviews six of the top coding kits for education.

Best Robots for Schools
The best robots for schools help make education about coding, math, and engineering fun and engaging for students of all ages.

3 Tips For Teaching With Robots
Advice from an award-winning STEM educator about how to teach with robots in the classroom.

What to Know About Buying Drones for Schools
Consider purpose, programming capability, sixe, pricing and features when you’re in the market for a drone.

Best Drones for Schools
Did you know that drones can be a the core of an exciting STEM lesson incorporating coding and engineering concepts? We found the best ones for education.

Kaibot: How to Use It to Teach
Kaibot is a coding educational robot that teaches kids how coding works.

VR and AR Systems

Best VR Headsets for Schools
Tech & Learning reviews the top eight virtual reality headsets for schools. Find out the pros and cons of each, as well as the best deals of the day.

Best VR and AR Systems for Schools
The magic of virtual and augmented reality can make learning more immersive than ever. We rate them according to ease of use, sturdiness, company support, compatibility and more. Learn which VR and AR systems will work best in your school or classroom.

Teaching With the Apple Vision Pro
Educators discuss the potential for teaching with the Apple Vision Pro.

The best laptops for teachers can help educators stay digitally connected with all the powerful teaching tools available while still remaining mobile. Connected doesn't just mean to the internet, as a smartphone or tablet offers, but also connected with the ports of a laptop that allow you to output to interactive whiteboards, input document cameras and plenty more.

Enter a classroom, plug in or connect wirelessly, and you can have all your prepared materials at your fingertips right away. Laptops allow educators to run slideshows, hold quizzes, share videos, and even power AR experiences.

Finding that sweet spot between price and features is the key. To get this right, it's worth thinking about performance first -- how much power do you need? If you aren't running AR or editing video then you likely won't need a graphics card or the most powerful processor, so could save some money there.

Portability is another consideration as the smaller a laptop is and the longer its battery life, the more you may pay. If you can instead invest in a laptop bag that holds your charger and makes carrying the weight easier, that might work out better.

Security is also important so consider what the operating system offers -- do you need Windows, Mac, or Chrome for your school setup?

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

• How to Setup Google Classroom
• Best Tools for Teachers

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 has a gorgeous design with a 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 a 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 laptops for students not only work for in-class use but go beyond the school for use at home and more. That means the ideal laptop will be portable yet also pack enough power -- and battery life -- to keep up with a wide range of tasks.

Of course exactly what you need is worth thinking about as it could save you money. If you're not using this as a video-editing station or high-powered gaming rig, then you likely won't need to spend top dollar on the most super speedy machine.

You might want a Chromebook that helps you save on costs while doing all you need at your Google-based school. Or perhaps you want a Windows machine that won't break the bank but still has a good enough screen to watch movies on? Or maybe you simply have to go Apple and -- despite what you might think -- there are also ways to get a Mac affordably too.

Think about the types of apps you're going to need to run, then make sure you have the right operating system to suit that. It's also worth thinking about portability -- does the model have enough battery to last the day or will you need to factor in carrying a charger with you? And does your laptop need to be tough or should you think about buying a case too?

Below are some of the best laptops for students out there right now so you can find the ideal digital buddy to suit your needs.

• Best Laptops for Teachers
• Best 3D Printers for Remote Learning

1. Dell XPS 13: The best laptops for students top pick

The Dell XPS 13 is one of the best laptops for students out there right now. This is thanks to a well-balanced combination or portability, power, design, and pricing. It is essentially the Microsoft Windows laptop equivalent of a Mac, with a slightly less steep price.

Usefully, it's possible to spec this laptop to the level you need, with even the more basic and affordable end offering plenty of power for tasks, such as video editing. Everything is encased in a beautifully slim and light metallic build that makes this very portable and robust enough to withstand moving between classes.

There are 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 breaking the bank.

Some people may want more ports except this helps to keep the design minimal and the portability to a maximum. A superb all-around laptop that's difficult to beat.

2. Acer Aspire 5: Best laptop for students on a budget

The Acer Aspire 5 is a more affordable option than many and still delivers plenty of laptop bang for your buck, making it ideal for both elementary and secondary students. The great build quality means this device is rugged enough to withstand a day of being lugged about classes, yet it is also lightweight thanks to its chassis.

More expensive options are available in this range if you want to get more grunt and don't mind paying a bit more, for gaming for example. Usefully, this laptop packs in a battery that goes for a good six-and-a-half hours on a charge and the display is plenty big and clear enough at 14-inches. 

The machine is 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 for students

The Google Pixelbook Go is a Chromebook that caters to the high end, packing in lots of powerful features and a top-build quality that is reflected in its price. As such, this is more suited to the elementary school end of the student spectrum. 

The Hush keyboard is a standout feature, offering near silent typing that makes it ideal for the classroom. This build quality extends throughout the unit, resulting in a durable machine that's ideal for young student use.

This highly portable 13.3-inch Full HD screen laptop lasts a full day on a charge, aka 12 hours, ideal for those who don't want to carry a charger. And since it's a Chromebook, it integrates perfectly with schools running Google's education-focused platforms.

4. Microsoft Surface Go 3: Best pure Windows 2-in-1 laptop for students

The Microsoft Surface Go 3 is a great way to get a pure Windows experience from the manufacturer of both the software and hardware. As a result, this is a powerful-yet-portable laptop that doubles as a tablet, using the optional Touch Cover keyboard case to let you type. Yup, you'll need to pay for that in your initial setup to use this as a full laptop rather than a tablet alone – presuming you don't already own a keyboard that you can use with it, of course. 

The touchscreen display is large and clear with its 10-inch, 1800 x 1200 resolution setup. It's also super portable, easily slipped into a bag, so it's great for elementary students on the move. Although with a five-hour battery life, you'll likely need to carry a charger to get through a full school day.

This does feature a stylus, making it great for note taking or even sketching. Beyond pure work, this is also powerful enough to run Minecraft, and it'll do everything securely thanks to Windows built-in security.

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

The Apple MacBook Air M2 is one of the best laptops you can buy and, as such, the price reflects that. But 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 high as you'd expect from Apple, with a metal frame that can withstand the rigors of daily use. Yet this is slim and light enough to slip into a bag without being noticed, much, even when walking about the school halls all day with it. Plus that battery life is good for a day so you shouldn't need to carry a charger with you.

The high-resolution display lets you watch movies on here while the webcam and multiple microphones let you record yourself at high-quality -- ideal for video calls or vlogging. 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 for students

The Acer Chromebook 314 is a low-price laptop that does everything needed for most secondary and elementary school students. The big brand name means it's well-built for longevity and quality, while the Chromebook OS makes it agile and ideal for schools running G Suite for Education.

The well-sized 14-inch display offers clarity and brightness, if not quite the highest resolution compared to some. But the keyboard and trackpad are both responsive and fashioned to last, and connectivity is decent with dual USB-A and USB-C ports plus a MicroSD card slot.

Chromebook battery life is famously great, so don't expect to carry a charger around. Also, at this price, it's an ideal candidate for districtwide purchases in bulk so even more savings can be made on this highly capable student laptop.

7. Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon: Best lightweight and portable laptop

The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Carbon is a great choice for anyone who is moving between classes in the day as it's made to be very portable; it's lightweight and slim enough to slip into a book bag. Despite the form factor, this still crams in a super 13.3-inch QHD display with 100% sRGB color and 11th Gen Intel processing power – more than enough for most students. Although for graphics, that Intel Iris Xe GPU may be lacking.

The battery life is the only gripe as this is decidedly average. You may need to plug it in during the day, which means carrying a charger and detracts from that portability. That said, you may find it does the job if you're not using it constantly – expect up to 15 hours.

The carbon build makes this military-grade tough for taking knocks and drops, and it also protects the high-quality keyboard, which provides a very intuitive typing experience. 

• Best Laptops for Teachers
• Best 3D Printers for Remote Learning

If you've asked "How can I extend my laptop battery charge for the school day?", then you've landed in the right place to find the answer. The key here is that the aim is to get the most out of your battery without it costing you anything extra.

This applies both to educators and students who would like to carry just their laptop during the school day and leave the charger block at home. By extending your battery life that could be possible, meaning less to carry and more space in your bag.

These top tips aim to get you the longest battery performance out of your laptop, no matter the make or model, so that you can work as you need but without battery anxiety being another thing on your mind.

Extend My Laptop Battery Charge

Turn down that screen brightness

One of the biggest drains on the battery life of a laptop is the screen. This is thanks to it not only producing enough brightness to be viewed in daylight but also the dynamically refreshing display that's always updating and changing. 

While some situations, such as brightly lit spaces, may require a lot of screen brightness, you'll likely find that in most places, especially indoors, you won't need full power. By simply turning down that brightness you're going to conserve lots of battery power to get you lasting longer through the day.

It's worth noting that while many laptops do automatically adjust brightness to suit the ambient light where you are, this will offer more brightness than you may need. So popping it into the settings and manually turning it down is always a good move if you want to max out that battery life.

In the same vein, by using darker backgrounds and 'dark mode' when available, you can save more battery too.

Turn off unnecessary connections

If you want to stay connected it's going to cost you in battery life. Of course that can't be helped in many situations where WiFi is needed. But if you're working on a Word document, for example, you could go offline and save battery life as your laptop isn't working to send and receive signals when it's not needed.

If you've got a device that also has 3/4/5G, then this is also worth turning off when possible as it too will use up lots of battery life to keep you connected. Bluetooth will also drain some battery, so be sure to leave that off when possible.

If you want to stay connected online and save battery, try connecting to the internet using an Ethernet cable. Some laptops have ports for this but most don't anymore. This is where an adapter, which can be bought affordably, is a great option. Not only will this save you on battery-chewing WiFi but it will also mean you have the fastest and most stable internet connection.

Close tabs and windows

Another part of the computer that drains a lot of battery is the main processor, which does all the 'thinking.' If this is constantly working then the battery will be in a steady state of depletion. One common way this happens is having a lot running at the same time.

If you're in a web browser and open multiple tabs, or if you have several programs open and running at the same time, your system is going to be under strain. This not only chews through battery life but will also slow everything down as more strain is put on that processor.

So a simple way to speed up your computer and save battery is to close each program when you're done and then move to the next one. If you have a lot of tabs open at once and don't like to shut it all down, then you can use a program such as Session Buddy for Chrome, which lets you save all the open tabs, so when you next open the browser you can carry on as you left off.

Stay up to date

One of the priorities in updates for mobile device software is often battery life efficiency. These can help to make a big difference. So if you're not properly updated, you could be wasting battery unnecessarily. 

The most important update is for the operating system itself as everything runs within this and it can be how the biggest battery savings are found. Updates are often automated but be sure to check and make sure this is the case so that you are always running the most efficient setup.

Keep cool

An overheated laptop is an overworked laptop. The hotter everything gets, the more strain the machine has to work under. In many cases this will mean that the fan kicks in to cool down the processor in order to make sure it doesn't get damaged. That fan requires physical movement that, you guessed it, chews through battery life.

To keep cool you can follow the above steps on software controls by keeping minimal programs open. But you can also keep the laptop physically cool by making sure it stays out of direct sunlight. When possible, it's best to place the laptop on a cool and hard surface too. So on a desk as opposed to on a lap, for example.

• How Can I Get Better Video Without Buying a New Webcam?
• How Can I Get a Faster WiFi Connection Without Spending Anything?

In this age of education from home, having the right equipment can be the difference between teaching and missing a teaching moment. Google’s Pixelbook Go is a masterful piece of design, engineering and manufacturing that can be a self-contained remote teaching machine, but its price makes it a hard sell. 

At 0.5- by 8.1- by 12.2-inches and 2.3-pounds, the Go is a Chromebook that’s small but not underpowered. Even with its small AC adapter, it still has a travel weight of 2.7-pounds. That’s not only a lot smaller than Dell’s Chromebook 3100 but more than half a pound lighter than HP’s Chromebook X2. Its rugged magnesium alloy case feels good in the hand and its ribbed back makes it easier to grasp and harder to drop. 

Available in matte Just Black and Not Pink (an attractive shade of peach), the Go feels solid, well-made and fits nicely on a desk for video lessons or conferencing with a class, other teachers or parents. The 13.3-inch display is big enough to use without an external monitor and is not only touch sensitive but is made of super-tough Corning Concore glass. 

If you want an active stylus, the Pixelbook Pen costs $99, adds pressure sensitivity and is available in silver or black. It requires a AAAA battery but there’s no place on the Go system to stash it.

HD OR HIGHER RESOLUTION

For students and teachers used to Wide-XGA resolution, the display’s full HD resolution of 1920 by 1080 will be an eye-opener with detailed images just-about jumping off the screen. The screen looks great, is bright and vibrant but its hinge swings back to only about 135-degrees. In other words, the display doesn’t fold flat or fully over to create a tablet, as the Dell Chromebook 3100 can. 

Inside, the Go has a fully up-to-date Chrome computer that not only updates itself, but has a Titan C chip to encrypt data, it’s on a par with a PC’s Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and Apple’s T2 chip. In other words, the Pixelbook Go will fit right into the IT landscape of just about any school and be secure enough for those teaching from home. 

The $850 Go I looked at came with some of the best components available, including a Core i5 8200Y low-voltage processor that runs at between 1.3- and 3.9GHz. There’s also 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage space. If that’s too expensive, teachers and schools can get the $650 base system with an Intel M3 processor, 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. There’s also a $1,400 flagship system with a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and a whopping 256GB of storage that carries a Ultra High Definition screen capable of 3840 by 2160 resolution.

USB C HUB REQUIRED

With two USB C ports and a headphone jack, the port selection is skimpy but adequate. The first thing you’ll need to do is get a USB C hub that includes connections for sending video to a projector or big screen, old-school USB 3.1 and wired LAN ports. Still, the Go has the one-two connection punch of 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, which worked well with my wireless LAN as well as keyboards, mice and external speakers. 

The system’s keyboard has comfortable 19mm keys and is one of quietest on a notebook that I’ve seen (or heard), a big benefit when the clackity-clack of typing comes through on a video link. It also has backlighting for teaching by the light of a projector and a huge 5.2-inch touchpad. 

Audio is covered by a pair of built-in speakers that can get surprisingly loud and a pair of microphones at the top of the screen that use active noise reduction making it good for a parental video conference in a library or remote teaching with the dog barking in the background. 

The Web cam sits at the top so it has a good view of your face. Its angle can be adjusted by tilting the screen and it can show up to HD resolution at 60 frames per second. The camera, however, lacks a privacy cover.

PERFORMANCE POWERHOUSE

All this adds up to a top-flight system that should blow away most of the other computers at school. It scored 777 and 1,387 on GeekBench 5’s single- and multi-processor suite of tests and 29,498 on the Octane measure of computing. This is roughly twice the performance potential of HP’s Chromebook X2. 

With all that power on tap, the Pixelbook Go’s 47 watt-hour battery pack powered the system for 13 hours and 10 minutes of viewing a variety of YouTube videos. That’s nearly an hour longer than the runtime of the HP Chromebook X2 was capable of. If you’re in a power pinch, the Go’s battery can grab two hours’ worth of charge in just 20 minutes between classes. 

With a one-year warranty, the mid-range $850 Pixelbook Go that I looked at might be eclipsed in education by the $650 M3-based system. Still, if you crave one of the best conceived, built and outfitted Chromebooks available, look no further than any of the Pixelbook Go models. They’re ready for anything teachers, students and the needs of remote learning can throw at it.

The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia announced today it has received a $5 million contribution from Aileen and Brian Roberts, and their family, to give laptops to Philadelphia students so they can begin learning from home by mid-April.  

According to a 2019 School District survey, only about half of third-through-12th-grade students have the equipment they need to begin participating in online lessons. This gift from the Roberts’ will support the purchase of 50,000 Chromebooks which will help level the playing field and ensure that all students who attend the 220 District-led public schools across Philadelphia have the tools they need to learn at home.   

The 50,000 new laptops will be distributed along with the estimated 40,000 laptops already in school buildings to students and families. Once the equipment is received at the School District headquarters, it will be dispensed between April 13 and 17. During the interim two weeks, the laptops will be prepared for the students and the Philadelphia School District teachers will be trained to support distance learning.   

Students and their families who don’t already have internet access can get it through any Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Philadelphia. Comcast is currently offering low-income families who don’t already have internet service two free months through Internet Essentials. 

Lenovo™ (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is introducing its new portfolio of technology for education at the 40th annual Future of Education Technology Conference® (FETC) in Miami. New solutions include the Lenovo VR Classroom 2, as well as laptops and tablets specially tailored for learning and teaching. 

Lenovo education technology experts are also presenting insights on new experiences and trends at FETC®, including the development and benefits of esports in education, as well as smarter classroom orchestration. 

Lenovo is introducing VR Classroom 2, a solution that allows teachers and administrators to integrate virtual reality lessons into their curriculum. 

Lenovo VR Classroom 2 is a complete solution for teaching with VR, providing fully integrated hardware, content, training, and support designed specifically for middle schools and high schools. The solution comes with a new headset and content management system, as well as diverse curriculum-mapped experiences, including STEM, virtual tours, and career exploration. 

Online ­and­ onsite training plus all-in-one support­ take­ this VR education solution to the top of the class. Optional hardware, accessories, and professional development are available. 

The Lenovo VR Classroom 2 will be available in Spring 2020. 

An all new Lenovo 10e Chromebook Tablet is the latest addition and a tool for K-2 students to begin their education journey with problem-solving games, assessments and hands-on learning apps.

Highlights of 10e Chromebook Tablet:

• Specifically designed to withstand the rigors of a classroom environment with rubber bumpers and a super tough DragontrailTM Pro Glass that meets MIL-STD-810G testing
• Powerful but efficient MediaTek processor that conquers daily classroom tasks
• ·Versatile detachable keyboard folio case with anchored and water-resistant keys1
• Eight years of auto-updates2, world-facing camera, Universal Stylus Input support and access to tons of creativity tools and learning apps. 

The latest ThinkPad™ 11e Yoga™ is  thinner and lighter than ever (19.9mm and 3.1 pounds).

Highlights of ThinkPad 11e Yoga:

• Durability of ThinkPad Education design specifications that meets MIL-STD-810G testing with rubber bumpers and Corning GorillaTM Glass
• Powerful Intel® processor that meets the needs of any students or teachers
• Versatility of Pencil Touch Technology allowing students to use a No. 2 pencil to interact directly with the screen, and an optional garaged active pen when more precision is required
• Optional World-Facing Camera making it easier to record and take pictures and videos in all modes

Lenovo is also refreshing the 2nd generation of 100e, 300e and 500e Chromebooks and 100e, 300e Windows with the latest processors. 

Pricing and Availability:

Lenovo 10e Chromebook Tablet will be available from March, starting at $269.
ThinkPad 11e Yoga Gen 6 will be available from February, starting at $699.

Chromebooks:
Lenovo 100e 2nd Gen Chromebook will be available from now, starting at $214.
Lenovo 300e 2nd Gen Chromebook will be available from now, starting at $319.
Lenovo 500e 2nd Gen Chromebook will be available from now, starting at $399.

Windows:
Lenovo 100e 2nd Gen will be available from now, starting at $299.
Lenovo 300e 2nd Gen will be available from now, starting at $349.

See a demonstration of Lenovo’s technology for education at booth #2400 during FETC in the Miami Beach Convention Center January 14-17, 2020.

The next generation school Windows systems from HP will be out in the spring and include the ProBook x360 II G6 Educational Edition, a system that combines security, sturdiness and advanced design. To start, the Windows 10 system’s 11.6-inch screen can flip over the keyboard, transforming it from a traditional notebook into a tablet. Powered by a 10th generation Intel Core i3 or i5 processor, the x360 G6 EE weighs just over 3-pounds yet performs like a bigger system and has passed many of the stringent Mil-Std 810G tests for ruggedness, like being dropped and spilled on. The system has a second-generation Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and its firmware changes are verified and encrypted to avoid being hijacked.

At the Tech & Learning Leadership Summit that took place December 2019, leaders in technology and education shared innovative ideas used to reduce device loss and theft across a variety of populations. This ranged from ensuring educators knew how to integrate tech into learning to speaking to important community members to get them on board. Here's what they discussed. 

Ideas for providing device ownership

Across the board, leaders agreed that providing device ownership helps reduce loss and theft. Here are some ways this takes place in districts across the U.S.

Etching

Etch student names on the bottom of devices.

Personalization

Allowing students to personalize their devices both with background wallpaper and on the outside of the computer. 

Jenith Mishne, Director of Education Technology in Newport-Mesa Unified School District (USD) takes personalization to a whole new level. She provides time, accessories, and stickers for students to use to personalize their device. However, she offers this word of caution: Make it clear only the backside of devices can be bedazzled.

1:1 Take Home Programs 

1:1 take home programs were found to reduce damage of devices. 1:1 provides a better sense of ownership which means better care. 

Home Use

The consensus was that it’s a myth that kids aren’t responsible enough to take devices home. If schools and districts put the right systems and structures in place, students can be responsible enough to use devices at home and bring them back to school.

Summer Use

The end of the school year is often a drag for school technology staff who have to scramble to collect and store all student devices. This isn’t a problem in Newport-Mesa USD. Mishne simply doesn’t collect devices at the end of the school year. Students can keep the devices. This also helps address summer slide issues as the students can have access to technology even when school is out. If a device needs a repair, no problem. Students can make an appointment to bring their devices in. Students at the school keep the same laptop from year to year. This increases the feeling of ownership which reduces chances of loss.

Integration into learning

Leaders found there was a reduction in device damage if educators knew how to meaningfully integrate technology into learning. Using it not just as a substitution for paper or worksheets, but as a tool to transform learning.  When teachers do that, students are more responsible for devices. The issue however, is that districts must properly support teachers with integrating technology. It also must be an expectation included in evaluation of the teachers. 

Out-of-the-box solutions

Adam Phyall, Director of Technology and Media Services at the Newton County School System Covington, Georgia implements several effective out-of-the-box solutions to reduce theft.

• Community relations: He speaks to key players in the community to let them know what is happening in the schools academically and how technology is supporting it. He shares with them how to identify a school device and discusses the significance these devices have in ensuring students are prepared for success. These key players include pawn shop owners as well as street organizational units (aka gangs) which community churches help to arrange. 
• Laptop carts: When Phyall discovered some kids had devices stolen out of bags from the YMCA, the district donated extra laptop carts to them. 

cross posted at The Innovative Educator 

Lisa Nielsen (@InnovativeEdu) has worked as a public-school educator and administrator since 1997. She is a prolific writer best known for her award-winning blog, The Innovative Educator. Nielsen is the author of several booksand her writing has been featured in media outlets such as The New York Times,The Wall Street Journal, Tech&Learning, and T.H.E. Journal. 

From our friends at TechRadar: The best laptop for kids will usually take the form of a rugged, cheap tablet… that is, if they’re to be used by young to school age kids. If you’re kid is in high school, you might want to go for a proper laptop, especially when it’s for school projects and homework.

If your kids don’t know their way around a Windows 10 or a macOS environment, on the other hand, the best Chromebooks are some of the best laptops for kids who need a simpler user interface. To make things better, these economical Chromebooks have large, durable displays that are great for getting schoolwork done.

Why this matters: Well-known computer manufacturers like Dell, Lenova, Acer and many others are designing and building Chromebooks and laptop computers specifically for K12 students. But prices and features vary widely, and it's critical to make the best use of your edtech dollars. To learn which Chromebooks and laptop computers provide the best of features such as battery life, storage, ruggedness and price, read the full report at www.techradar.com

One-to-one device initiatives are rife with challenges. From selecting, sourcing and securing devices to providing ongoing PD and support for instructors. Educating families and students on the appropriate use and care of devices is no small part of the task. 

To limit liability, districts often turn to legal counsel to assist in developing comprehensive expectations. This is where things can get sticky. While important, relying solely on dense legal documents to guide families and students can end up impeding compliance, as key concepts get lost in the legalese. Want to maximize the impact of your Chromebook or other device care communications? Think beyond the legal aspects of your message. 

1. Determine key message points. 

What are the messages you really want to hit home? Chances are they fall under some common umbrellas: Using your device. Repair and replacement responsibilities. Digital Citizenship. And, of course, caring for your device. To reach more families and students with core messages, consider creating a user-friendly document around each topic.

2. Develop user-friendly documents. (And make them easy to find.)

Make your message easy to read and you very well may see compliance soar. Try infographics, simple FAQs and well-designed web pages. Another valuable tool for reaching students: video. 

For most topics, a pledge with clear, limited bullet points and signature lines works well. Your device care pledge, for example, can ask students to state that they will: 

- Never lift my Chromebook by its screen 

- Never throw or slide my Chromebook

- Make sure my Chromebook is securely closed before carrying

- Avoid placing pressure or weight on my Chromebook

- Always use the provided protective case; or

- Purchase and use a protective case 

Whichever format(s) you choose, create documents that are short, simple, visually clean and easy to read –  and make them easy for families to find on your district and school websites. 

3. Provide resources to decrease damage. 

Issuing a protective case along with student devices can help cut costs and save staff time. Looking for a less-costly option? MAXCases EdgeProtect cases – new for the 2019-2020 school year – are a great way to add protection that’s thinner, lighter and less expensive than older types of cases. Other options include work-in cases, which provide “always on” protection, or protective sleeves that slide easily into backpacks and safeguard devices among books and binders. Request a free sample to find a great fit for your devices. 

4. Consider recommending that families purchase a protective case. 

Not every district is fortunate enough to have the funds to provide protective cases. If this is your situation, it may seem unfair to suggest that families purchase them. To the contrary, you could very well be doing them a tremendous favor. Making families aware that there are protective cases available at great values can help save them the time, stress and costs that come with a damaged device. MAXCases can help, with a wide range of options available for fast and easy purchase on amazon. 

5. Reinforce key messages. 

When it comes to communication, one-and-done rarely works. Repetition makes messages stick. Once you’ve created your user-friendly documents, make them work for you all year long. Provide them to your PTO, superintendent and principals to include in their emails. Send them as reminders to teachers and staff. If you’re concerned about overkill, create a messaging calendar to track your outreach efforts. You very well may see compliance increase and repairs decline. 

Brought to you by MAXCases, a U.S.-based company dedicated to serving the education market with protective cases and accessories for iPads, Chromebooks, laptops, tablets, and other popular mobile devices. Combining extensive testing and customer feedback, MAXCases offers superior performance and style, U.S.-based customer service, and customization options to accommodate special requests. For more information, visit www.maxcases.com . 

From our friends at TechRadar: While you’re getting ready to go Back to School, you might find yourself in the market for a Back to school laptop. And, buying a laptop for school comes with its own particular questions you’ll need to think about before you buy. 

Whatever type of laptop you’re considering getting for school, you might want to check out these tips to ensure that you don’t pick something too quickly. It’s easy to forget an important consideration when you’re faced with something that seems on the surface like it’s the perfect choice.

Why this matters: With more and more students (and teachers!) using a laptop computer for both school and home, there are more laptop computer models than ever offering the latest features. But which features matter the most?  And which are worth paying more for? Understanding the laptop features that are most important for you and your students will  enable you to make the most of your purchases. For the complete report on ten key features of laptop computers for back to school, visit  techradar.com

One of the best ways to measure the latest and greatest gear for the classroom each fall is to roam the exhibition floor in June at the annual International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference and Expo, which took place in Philadelphia this year. 

There were over 600 exhibitors in the expo hall, featuring everything from projectors and 3D printers to robots, apps, online curriculum, and more. Laptops are always a popular product—they may not be the most exciting products in the expo hall, but they’re one of the most essential. What follows are some of my standouts:

For Creators

Microsoft Surface Studio 2

The Surface Studio 2 is designed for creation and gaming as well as for mixed and virtual reality. It sports a 28-inch, beautifully vibrant touch screen that can be adjusted at an infinite variety of angles due to the innovative Zero Gravity Hinge. Like any Surface device, it’s also compatible with the Surface Pen for creating art or virtual worlds. If you want to add to your creativity and productivity tool kit, you can add the Surface Dial. The Surface Dial gives users the option to create a customized radial menu of tools that fit their work and business productivity style. Just place the dial on the screen, and this menu appears. The user simply rotates it to change their tool choices and options. These features make this device a versatile standout.

Starting at $3,499.00

CPU Intel® Core™ i7-7820HQ | Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 6GB GDDR5 memory (with i7/16/1TB configuration) | Display: 28” PixelSense™ Display Touch: 10 point multi-touch Resolution: 4500 x 3000 (192 PPI) | RAM: 16 or 32 GB | Storage: 1TB or 2TB solid-state drive (SSD)

For Esports

Esports has made a big push into the education arena. One of the current “top dogs” in the gaming computer sector is Acer, Inc. The Acer booth at ISTE featured a giant screen for watching esports teams battling it out against each other just below. In this booth, the gaming devices of choice are the Acer Predator laptops and desktops. These machines are made specifically for gaming. Acer has carved its niche in esports by offering a variety of different configurations and options Acer also offers a variety of price points so schools can get started in esports without breaking the budget. If a school district doesn’t have the luxury of a dedicated room for esports, the Predator gaming laptops are very capable. Prices start as low as $729 for desktops and $1,299 for laptops—all the way up to over $6,000 for desktops and $2,499 for laptops. 

Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop - PH315-51-71FS
Retail: $1,299.00

CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-8750H processor Hexa-core 2.20 GHz | Graphics:  NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 with 6 GB Dedicated Memory | Display: 15.6" Full HD (1920 x 1080) 16:9 IPS | RAM: 8 GB, DDR4 SDRAM | Storage: 1 TB HDD

Acer Nitro 50 Gaming Desktop - N50-600-UR11
Retail: $799.00

CPU: Intel® Core™ i5-8400 processor Hexa-core 2.80 GHz | Graphics: NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 Ti with 4 GB Dedicated Memory | RAM: 8 GB, DDR4 SDRAM | Storage: 1 TB HDD

Chromebooks

This device category continues to feature more rugged and affordable designs for students and 1:1 programs, all the way up to business-class portable workstations. Convertible Chromebooks with pens are giving educators and students the best of both platforms. 

 Asus C204 Chromebook  

The Asus Chromebook C204 is a rugged, thinner, replacement for the Chromebook C202. It looks the same and still features the durability and rubberized chassis with corner bumpers. It’s rated to exceed military-grade MIL-STD-810G durability standards so it can withstand the pressures of the backpack as well as drops of 48 inches. The spill- and tamper-resistant keyboard is responsive and has good key travel. The screen is crisp and bright with an optional anti-glare, 178-degree viewing angle touch screen. The four-part modular construction makes this Chromebook very easy to self-service, especially if you qualify for the Asus Self-Maintainer Program.

Retail: $269.99

CPU: Intel® Celeron® Dual-Core N4000 Processor, 1.1 GHz (4 M Cache) | Display: 11.6" (16:9) HD+ (1366x768) 60Hz Anti-Glare Panel 45% NTSC (Touchscreen Optional) | RAM: 4GB | Storage: eMMC 16GB/32GB 

 Acer Chromebook Spin 11  

The Acer Chromebook Spin 11 is a great Chromebook for both students and teachers. It’s a rugged and capable convertible Chromebook that comes with a Wacom EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) Stylus that delivers impressive accuracy and pressure sensitivity. There are two cameras on the device—one at the top of the screen and the other right above the top row of keys on the keyboard. The 5MP webcam has an 88-degree wide viewing angle so users can watch the Chromebook screen to see what’s being recorded. Finally, this unit comes with a substantial hinge that will last a very long time.

Retail: $352.11

CPU: Intel® Celeron® N3350 1.1 GHz | Display:11.6” AHVA Touchscreen (1366x768) (HD) | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 32GB eMMC 

Dell Chromebook 3100 Education  

Dell’s 3000 series Chromebooks are durable and have configurations that can meet a variety of needs and budgets. Like many Chromebooks, they’re tested to meet or exceed MIL-STD ruggedness standards. The tamper- and spill-resistant keyboards are mounted from the top so they can be replaced easily. These units also have an advertised battery life of 14 hours to get users through an entire day. There are two USB-C ports to support both battery charging and high-speed data transfers. All ports are ruggedized with internal brackets to withstand the rigors of the school day.

Starting at $249.00

CPU: Intel® Celeron™ N4000 Processor (2 Core, 2.6GHz, 4M cache, 6W) | Display: 11.6” HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare Non-Touch (touch available) | RAM: 4GB | Storage: 16GB eMMC

Laptops

Microsoft Surface Go

A standout laptop at ISTE was the affordable, but very capable, 10-inch Surface Go. Starting at $399, the Surface Go is an excellent balance between tablet and laptop. The pen is just as good as the one that comes with its “big brother” the Surface Pro, including pressure sensitivity and programmable buttons. The Surface Go is a great solution to use as an interactive SMART Board replacement when used in conjunction with a wireless projector connection or flat-panel display. Add the type cover and a wireless mouse and you have a complete Windows 10 laptop.

 Retail: $399

CPU: Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y | Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 615 | RAM: 4GB – 8GB | Screen: 10-inch, 1,800 x 1,200 (217 ppi; 3:2 aspect ratio) PixelSense touch display | Storage: 64GB eMMC – 128GB SSD

Dell Latitude 3300

The 13.3-inch Dell Latitude 3300 for Education laptop is a well-designed and rugged device for users who still prefer to use Windows devices but don’t want to break the bank. The Latitude 3300 is designed and built to withstand the day-to-day needs of today’s modern learners who need a rugged device for various environments, yet it’s powerful enough for collaboration, creating, and consuming content. The Latitude 3300 has an advertised battery life of just under 17 hours (time varies with usage), so it can definitely fit into any school’s 1:1 program for a full day’s use.

Retail: starting at $619.00 

CPU: Intel® Pentium™ 4415U Processor | Graphics: Intel® Pentium® 4415U Processor w/Intel® HD Graphics 610 | RAM: 4GB DDR-4 Non-ECC | Screen: 13.3-inch HD (1366 x 768) Anti-Glare Non-Touch | Storage: 64GB eMMC

HP Envy 13t

The HP Envy 13t is lightweight and has a stylish all-metal chassis and very good performance. The Envy 13t can be configured in a variety of ways to support both staff and students. A recent update includes the option to kill the webcam for privacy, as well as a fingerprint reader for extra security. Although this is a relatively thin device, it’s not short on ports. There are two standard USB 3.0 ports and two USB-C ports, one on each side. There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack and a microSD card slot. Another great feature is the quality and action of the keyboard. The key travel is excellent for a thinner device. These features make the Envy 13t a very versatile laptop.

Retail: starting at $779.00

CPU: Intel 8th Gen. Core i5 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 620 | RAM: 8GB | Screen: 13.3-inch, 1080p | Storage: 256GB

Frank is the Supervisor of Technology for the Linwood Public Schools in Linwood, NJ. He is an advisor to Tech & Learning magazine where he writes about educational technology, and reviews new educational technology products. Frank also speaks at the local, state, and national levels about educational innovation and instructional technology.

www.dellemc.com/k12 ■ Starting at $619 ($892 review unit as configured)

The 13.3-inch Dell Latitude 3300 for Education laptop is a well designed and rugged device for teachers who still prefer to use Windows devices but don’t want to break the bank. The device for this review came with 4 GB of RAM (upgradeable to 8 GB), a 7th Generation Core i3, 2.3 GHz processor (upgradeable up to Core i5), 128 GB solid-state hard drive, 1080p touchscreen, Dual Band AC wireless, and USB Type-C charging. It also sports all of the necessary external ports such as HDMI, two USB 3.0 and C ports, micro-SD, 3.5mm audio, and RJ-45 port. 

The Latitude 3300 is designed and built to withstand the day-to-day needs of today’s modern learners who need a rugged device for various environments, yet it’s powerful enough for collaboration, creating, and consuming content. It has an advertised battery life of just under 17 hours (the time varied with my usage), so it can definitely fit into any school’s 1:1 program for a full day’s use.

The device starts up and logs in quickly and seems very responsive to everyday classroom tasks and collaboration. The solid-state hard drive starts programs and accesses data very quickly. The track pad can be adjusted to meet the user’s individual needs. 

One feature that makes this unit stand out is the available support package. Dell SupportAssist is an automated support feature that gives users 24/7 access to technicians as well as onsite service for both hardware and software issues. The system automatically detects hardware and software problems and sends system alerts by email when they occur. For any school that needs to manage a fleet of computers, this can be a time- and money-saving feature. 

Although the Latitude 3300 has several hardware configurations, the most creative features are in its design and build. This laptop is lightweight and durable. The case and components are not flimsy and the shell does not feel like cheap plastic but has a nice look and feel, with rubber trim for drop resistance. The computer runs fairly cool and is well ventilated. The touch screen is bright and responsive in a variety of lighting scenarios. 

This unit is designed to be used in and out of the classroom, with the right ports and collaborative features for use in a variety of learning environments. Plus, it can stand up to the rigors of the backpack and the locker. Add in the optional SupportAssist features to make your school technician’s job a little easier, and you have a winning combination. 

The Dell Latitude 3300 bridges the gap between a solely cloud-based computer and a networked Windows PC. This product can meet both the cloud and standard Windows environment needs of any student or teacher. Its rugged design, long battery life, configuration, support options, and price make it an excellent option for schools.

OVERALL RATING:

The Dell Latitude 3300’s rugged design, long battery life, configuration, support options, and price make it an excellent option for schools.

TOP FEATURES

• Rugged design.
• Lightweight & durable.
• Long battery life.

Just in time for back-to-school season, Apple has refreshed two of its most affordable MacBooks for 2019. 

MacBook Pro 13-inch with Touch Bar

The $1,299 starting model of the 13-inch MacBook Pro has been updated with an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, and finally gains the Touch Bar, Touch ID functionality and T2 Security chip of its more premium siblings. This starting model also now features a True Tone display. The rest of the Pro's specs remain largely unchanged, with the laptop housing 8GB of RAM, a 128GB SSD and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645.

The main differences now between the entry-level MacBook Pro and pricier model is two Thunderbolt 3 ports versus four ports, faster performance and more powerful Iris graphics.

MacBook Air Gets True Tone

Apple's latest MacBook Air also got a price drop and minor spec bump. The laptop now starts at $1,099 and has gained a True Tone display. This model also packs an 8th Gen Core i5 chip, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of SSD storage and Intel 617 graphics.

College students can snag these laptops for even cheaper, as the new Pro costs $1,119 for school-bound buyers while the starting Air costs just $999 via the Apple Education Storestarting today. Both laptops also include a free pair of qualifying Beats Studio 3 headphones.

With the arrival of these new entry-level Macs, Apple has stopped selling both the 12-inch MacBook as well as the previous generation MacBook Air. The death of the 12-inch MacBook is no surprise, though many Apple fans still prefer the older MacBook Air due to its deeper-travel keyboard.

Apple is rumored to abandon its divisive Butterfly keyboards by the end of the year, so those who yearn for those classic MacBook keys may want to wait a few months to see what shakes out. 

To find out which 13-inch MacBook is best for you check out our MacBook Pro vs Air (2019) face-off.

cross posted at laptopmag.com

From our friends at TechRadar:

You’re probably on here because you’re asking yourself, “What is a Google Chromebook?” You’ve probably seen the term Chromebook thrown around on the internet, and you might be wondering what exactly they are, and how they differ from traditional laptops.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a Chromebook is, list the pros and cons of these devices, and hopefully help you decide whether or not a Chromebook is the right device for you.

Why this matters: 

Understanding how Chromebooks differ from other laptops will help educators and administrators decide if Chromebooks are right for their digital classrooms. Operating system, software capability, security, and battery life are all key factors in determining the best laptop for student use. To learn more about the basics of Chromebooks, read the full article.

Chromebooks are popular with schools, because they're easy to use and difficult to infect with viruses. Starting at $329 ($349 as tested), Dell's Chromebook 3189 runs Google's operating system, but also bends back into tablet and tent modes so students can easily use the touch screen, show classmates what they're working on or interact with Android apps when Google updates its OS to support them. Though this 11-inch laptop doesn't have the strongest performance or brightest screen, the Chromebook 3189's durable chassis, strong audio and all-day battery life make it the best Chromebook for young students. 

The Pros
Flexible configurations; Good speakers; Solid battery life

The Cons
Dim screen; Poor multitasking performance

Verdict
A good choice for young students, Dell's Chromebook 3189 is a flexible 2-in-1 with a durable chassis and strong audio.

Visit Laptop mag for the full review including design, durability, performance, battery life, purchasing links and much more.

The 13.3-inch Dell Latitude 3300 for Education laptop is well designed and rugged device for users who still prefer to use Windows devices but don’t want to break the bank. The device for this review came with 4 Gb of RAM (upgradeable to 8 Gb), a 7th Generation Core i3, 2.3 GHz processor (upgradeable up to Core i5), 128 Gb solid state hard drive, 1080p touchscreen, Dual Band AC wireless, and USB Type-C charging.  It also sports all of the necessary external ports such as HDMI, 2- USB 3.0 and C ports, micro-SD, 3.5mm audio, and RJ-45 port. 

The Latitude 3300 is designed and built to withstand the day-to-day needs of today’s modern learners who need a rugged device for various environments, yet is powerful enough for collaboration, creating, and consuming content. It has an advertised battery life of just under 17 hours (the time varied with my usage) so it can definitely fit into any schools 1:1 program for a full days use.

The device starts up and logs in quickly and seemed very responsive to everyday classroom tasks and collaboration. The solid state hard drive starts programs and accesses data very fast. The track pad can be adjusted to meet your individual needs. 

One feature that makes this unit stand apart is the available support package. Dell SupportAssist is an automated support feature that gives users 24x7 access to technicians as well as onsite service for both hardware and software issues. The system automatically detects hardware and software problems and sends system alerts by email when they occur. For any school that needs to manage a fleet of computers this can be a time and money saving feature. 

Although the Latitude 3300 has several hardware configurations, the most creative features are in its design and build. This laptop is lightweight and durable. The case and components are not flimsy and the shell does not feel like cheap plastic, but has a nice look and feel with rubber trim for drop resistance. The computer runs fairly cool and is well ventilated. The touch screen is bright and responsive in a variety of lighting scenarios. 

This unit is designed to be used in and out of the classroom, with the right ports and collaborative features to be used in a variety of learning environments. Plus, it can stand up to the rigors of the backpack and locker.  Add in the optional SupportAssist features to make your school technicians job a little easier and you have a real winning combination. 

The Dell Latitude 33300 bridges the gap between a solely cloud based computer and a networked Windows PC. This product can meet both the cloud and standard Windows environment needs of any student or teacher. Its ruggedness, battery life, configuration and support choices and price makes and excellent option for schools.

It isn’t fancy, but the Dell Chromebook 3189 is durable and long-lasting, so it should last a kid through a school day, even if they’re clumsy. You won’t use this laptop for multitasking, but it’s just right for a classroom.

Students will need a robust set of tools for the new school year, such as the touchscreen in the Dell Chromebook 3189. Once Google brings Android app support to this Chrome OS machine, its touchscreen will help users make the most of photo-editing apps, such as Adobe Photoshop Express. 

Starting at $329, this notebook lasts more than 9 hours on a single charge and offers a durable chassis that’s ready for the classroom. It’s a 2-in-1 with a touchscreen, making it easy to use Android apps the way they were originally designed. And its MIL-SPEC-tested design means that little clumsy hands can drop the 3189 without causing too much damage. The Celeron processor isn’t powerful, so the Chromebook 3189 is best for tackling a single homework task at a time.

For the full exhaustive review and for purchasing links and suggestions, go to tomsguide.com and search on the product name.

"Today's computers need to be able to do much more than the primitive number-crunching of old. They need to support a huge range of software, given that several courses have special requirements, as well as the standard office packages – although that said, Google's Chromebooks and the associated Google Docs suite are extremely good (and free) substitutes if you don't want to pay for Microsoft Office."  — Source: T3.com 

Read More 

WHY THIS MATTERS:

Laptop computers are a crucial tool for students and teachers alike, but choosing from among the many options available may be daunting to even the most tech-savvy user. This guide offers detailed specifications, reasons to buy and links to best pricing. 

Acer has announced a new suite of 11.6-inch Chromebooks for education customers. All have durable designs that are MIL-STD 810G compliant and intended for education.  They include:

Acer Chromebook Spin 511 (R752T) has a convertible and durable design featuring an Antimicrobial Corning Gorilla Glass touch display and is powered by Intel Celeron N4000 and N4100 processors. It has an MSRP starting at $379.99.

Acer Chromebook 311 (C733) provides a spill-resistant keyboard that can route up to 11 fluid ounces of water out of the chassis in a traditional and durable clamshell design. It powered by Intel Celeron N4000 and N4100 processors and has an MSRP starting at $299.99.

The convertible Acer Chromebook Spin 311 (R721T) and traditional clamshell Chromebook 311 (C721) are new durable Chromebooks powered by the 7th Gen AMD A-Series A4-9120C APU with Radeon™ graphics. They both feature a school-friendly keyboard that is difficult to tamper with and is serviceable by local IT departments. The Chromebook Spin 311 (R721T) has an MSRP starting at $349.99 and the Chromebook 311 (C721) has an MSRP of $279.99. 

The new Acer 11.6-inch models will be available to commercial customers in North America starting in April.

Sprint (NYSE: S) is working with Google (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and CTL to create the all-new CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint featuring Sprint’s built-in LTE technology. The CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint integrates with Google’s G Suite for Education as well as G-Suite Basic, Business and Enterprise editions, and allows users to connect virtually anywhere without the need for a Wi-Fi connection or mobile hotspot. 

With a secure, always-on, high-speed Sprint LTE internet connection, users will have immediate access to email, documents, databases, mobile teleconferencing and more, from virtually any location.

CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint for Students

Part of this launch is a CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint specially packaged for schools that will connect students with online education resources without the need for Wi-Fi access. Students will have full access to the Internet and all the latest online web and flash-based education tools from virtually anywhere with Sprint LTE. Equipped with a battery designed to last an entire school day, students can browse, explore and create using the CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint. Sprint’s LTE connection also keeps students connected, even when Wi-Fi is not available at home allowing them to complete coursework and research outside the classroom. The CTL Chromebook NL7 LTE with Sprint starts at $299 with Sprint’s $15 monthly unlimited LTE data plan.

Features

For more information, visit: https://smallbusiness.sprint.com/chromebook-gives-you-unlimited-opportunities/ 

Acer today announced that it is accepting entries for its Acer STEAM Lab Makeover for K-12 schools in the United States. The winning school will receive 10 Aspire 7 laptops and 10 Acer Windows Mixed Reality headsets, valued at $13,000.

STEAM Labs help students explore connections between science, technology, engineering, arts and math, and delve into emerging fields like 3D modeling and design, electronics, digital media and fabrication.

Schools may submit entries now through Aug. 31, 2018 and the winner will be announced in early September by a random drawing of all valid entries. To enter, applicants must Tweet @AcerEducation with the hashtag #AcerGivesBack along with a brief statement describing why their classroom deserves to win a makeover and how the makeover would make a difference at their school. The statement may also include a Twitter post, picture or video attached to the entry Tweet.

The Aspire 7(A715-71G-71NC) features an Intel Core™ i7-7700HQ processor, a 1TB hard drive, 15.6-inch Full HD display, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics, 8GB of DDR4 memory, a wide range of ports and advanced connectivity with 802.11ac wireless LAN and Gigabit LAN. It is available for $899.99 (MSRP).

The Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset with wireless motion controllers pairs with the Aspire 7 and is available for $349.99 (MSRP). It immerses students in the virtual world, while allowing them to interact with others in the physical realm without removing the headset – all that’s required is a flip up of the headset visor.

Entry details, rules and regulations for the Acer STEAM Lab Makeover may be found on the contest website.

Acer America today announced that two new Chromebooks – the Acer Chromebook Spin 13 and Acer Chromebook 13 – will both be available through the channel to commercial customers in North America starting in September. The Chromebook Spin 13 is priced starting at $749.99 and the Chromebook 13’s pricing starts at $649.99.

Both models were designed for business customers and feature an all-aluminum design with a Full HD+ 13.5-inch display in a 3:2 aspect ratio.

[What’s New: New Tools for Schools]

Convertible Chromebook Spin 13 Availability and Price

The Chromebook Spin 13 (CP713-1WN) is a convertible model with hinges that allow it to be opened a full 360-degrees. It includes a Wacom EMRstylus for note-taking, sketching and interacting with the display.

It will be offered to channel customers beginning in September in several configurations:

• The CP713-1WN-385L - 8 Generation Intel Core i3-8130U processor, 8GB LPDDR3 memory and 64GB eMMC storage for $749.99 USD and $1,029.99 CAD.
• The CP713-1WN-55HT - 8 Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8GB LPDDR3 memory and 64GB eMMC storage for $849.99 USD and $1,149.99 CAD.
• The CP713-1WN-59KY - 8 Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 16GB LPDDR3 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for $949.99 USD and $1,299.99 CAD.

Chromebook 13 Availability and Price

The Acer Chromebook 13 (CB713-1W) has a traditional notebook design for keyboard-heavy tasks. It will be offered in several configurations to channel customers beginning in September:

• The CB713-1W-36XR has an 8 Generation Intel Core i3-8130U processor, 8GB LPDDR3 memory and 32GB eMMC storage for $649.99 USD and $899.99 CAD.
• The CB713-1W-56VY has an 8 Generation Intel Core i5-8250U processor, 8GB LPDDR3 memory and 32GB eMMC storage for $749.99 USD and $1029.99 CAD.

Nearly 1 in every 16 students in the United States drops out of high school before receiving their diploma. Some drop out to help struggling families; others struggle because of their family situation or lack thereof. Some start families of their own, earlier than they expected, and must prioritize work over school in order to provide for their children. Still others simply aren’t well served by the traditional education system. Whatever the reason or reasons, the result is predictably consistent.

The digital revolution—which requires that workers have an ever-growing grasp of technology for employment—has accelerated this divide. Fortunately, the same digital revolution has given rise to creative solutions for students who may not fit into the traditional education system.

GOAL Academy High School, a free, public alternative school in Colorado, works to provide a technology-driven solution to the high-school dropout problem.

As a blended learning educational model, most of GOAL Academy’s classes take place online. GOAL does provide brick-and-mortar drop-in buildings for students to meet in person, but most of the learning occurs remotely—through technology.

“Our school doesn’t function the same way a brick-and-mortar school does,” noted GOAL Executive Director Rich Mestas. “There’s not a teacher standing in front of 30 kids with a whiteboard in front of them or a blackboard in front of them teaching them how to do things. It doesn’t work that way in our school. We’ve got to come up with some pretty unique and inventive ways, using tech, so that we can actually reach these kids. We start with the laptop in everyone’s hands.”

Not surprisingly, then, GOAL Academy’s technology needs are rather complex. To put a laptop in everyone’s hands means deploying thousands of laptops and their attendant applications across the state of Colorado for staff, students, and faculty. Each of these groups has different requirements and objectives. And these objectives aren’t merely academic: students receive individually crafted, social-emotional support and mentoring from paraprofessionals and social workers, all of whom also navigate remote learning models.

The team deployed 4,000 Lenovo N22 Windows devices for students and ThinkPads for school staff.

GOAL Academy’s emphasis on individualized, data-driven success requires that its technology function for students from a diverse range of abilities, backgrounds, and knowledge bases. For example, GOAL educates ESS kids who may need specialized adaptive aids as well as English as a second language (ESL) students who may need a specialized translation software package. Microsoft Office 365 Education and Intune for Education offer tools that facilitate learning for all students.

GOAL Academy’s commitment to innovative technology and ability to deploy strategic, effective IT has been a lifeline for those who might have otherwise stayed lost in the cracks of a very complicated system. It has achieved remarkable success through a creative and evolving approach to technology and education that includes both academics and a focus on social-emotional growth. In fact, not only do GOAL’s students graduate with a high school diploma, but the vast majority graduate with work specialty certificates in hand. Since 2008, GOAL has graduated 4,108 students, and has, as a result, contributed an estimated $4 billion in economic impact to Colorado’s economic future.

if you don't pay attention, I'll steal this tablet right out of your pocket!

Many critics of contemporary schooling practices have noted that, if a teacher from the 19th century was magically transported into a typical classroom today, she would feel very comfortable with how things look. The room itself would be very familiar.

(Whether that teacher would be comfortable with today's students is another matter entirely, given that they probably look a little different than they did 'back in the day' -- to say nothing of how they might act and some of the opinions they might have!)

Contrast this, such critics note, with the situation of a surgeon from the 19th century teleported into an operating room today -- he would be bewildered, and perhaps disoriented, by all of the technology on display.

Few would deny that, in many fundamental and obvious ways, technology has revolutionalized medicine and healthcare.

Why hasn't it done so (yet) for learning and education?

One way that critics illustrate and reinforce this question is to share pictures of 'typical' operating rooms in the 19th and 21st centuries, alongside pictures of 'typical' classrooms from both centuries. The classrooms in such examples usually do look quite the same, with a teacher standing at the front of the room and neatly lined up rows of students intently (if metaphorically) drinking from the fountain of the teacher's knowledge. The chief noticeable difference (again, apart from the students themselves -- and the teachers as well) is that there are now computing devices of some sort on display in the 'modern' classroom, sometimes (depending on the country) lots of them, although the room essentially looks and functions the same way. The arrangement and nature of these ICT devices don't fundamentally alter the architecture of the room, nor what occurs inside it. In others words, the changes are additive, not transformative. (It is of course possible to provide pictures of some of today's 'innovative' classrooms that complicate this simple and popular narrative, as well as to ask some fundamental and important questions about what such pictures may obscure and what they illuminate, but I'll ignore such inconvenient complications here.)

Side note: Over a dozen years ago I visited the launch of a computer lab at a school in Cambodia. The headmaster had proudly transformed a room formerly used for sewing instruction into a 'technology lab', with a new PC atop each desk in place of the 'old-fashioned' technology of the sewing machine, with neat rows of students facing forward toward a teacher who was energetically shouting instructions.

Let's also put aside for a moment whether all of this technology 'makes a difference' (as well as perhaps more relevant questions about how and under what circumstances ICTs have an 'impact'). Let's ignore discussions about whether or not today's classrooms are a legacy of a 'factory model of education' that once existed but is no longer useful, or about the potential need to re-think school architecture in the age of ICT. Let's also ignore related 'big picture' issues around policymaking and planning.

Let's focus instead just on the technology itself.

Many regular readers of the EduTech blog are no doubt familiar with scenes of ICT equipment sitting unused in schools, locked away in computer labs or even still resting peacefully (and undamaged!) in unopenedboxes. Often times, getting teachers and students to use such equipment, let alone to use it 'productively', can be a rather tall order, for all sorts of reasons. Nevertheless, education ministries, local educational authorities, and schools around the world are buying lots of technology: PCs, laptops, tablets, projectors, and lots of other devices and peripherals.

What are they doing to make sure that this stuff doesn't get stolen?

No matter how strategic an investment or policy on technology use in education might be, and whatever side of the fence you find yourself on related to whether or not ICTs in education are 'worth it', there is little disagreement that such purchases are indeed *never* worth it if the equipment itself is stolen. You can't use this stuff if it isn't there. (Nor, it should be noted, can you use this stuff if it is there but not usable or accessible, but that's another issue.) Increasingly, the most valuable parts of a education system's IT infrastructure will not be found in the physical equipment itself, but rather in the data transmitted across and stored in the system at various levels and places. That said, as numerous recent news reports from countries around the world demonstrate (here's one from South Africa, for example), securing the equipment itself remains a rather important and acute challenge for many schools and education systems.

For what it's worth, and based on conversations with government officials, IT personnel, vendors, teachers and headmasters and visits to hundreds of schools rolling out ICTs over the past decade in scores of countries, rich and poor, and in urban, rural and suburban environments, here are:

Ten common (and a few uncommon) approaches to preventing the theft of computers, laptops and tablets in schools around the world

1. Lock it down and/or chain it up (physically)

For all of the (important) talk, policymaking and planning related to computer security within education systems, of preventing things like data theft, identity theft, and unauthorized access to networks, systems and data (all areas where almost all education systems could do *much* better, in my experience), in lots of places there is still also a lot that needs to be done to combat the old fashioned kind of computer theft: when people just pick up something that doesn't belong to them and walk away with it.

One obvious way to help prevent this sort of thing is pretty straightforward, and so most schools do it to varying degrees -- they buy and install lots of locks, of various types, in various places. For example, it is quite common to see schools do the following things in order to protect ICT equipment from theft:

• Lock the door to the room where ICT equipment is kept.
• Lock the windows and/or put bars on them.
• Designate a special storage room for ICT equipment. Store equipment there when it is not in use -- and lock the room!
• Install (and use) specialized physical locks for desktops and laptops and other equipment (e.g. locking desktop PCs to the desks on which they sit).

One argument often made *against* the purchase and use of devices like laptops and tablets in schools has been that the small and portable nature of such devices make them especially vulnerable to theft. This holds true for smaller devices as well: phones; interactive voting devices, or 'clickers'; probeware and sensors that can be connected to such devices, etc. Fair enough! But such things are presumably not going to go away nor become less useful any time soon (nor presumably will the increase in size). Within classrooms, charging stations for laptops or tablets can also serve as secure storage for a variety of devices.

It is worth noting that chargers themselves may be attractive targets for theft -- as well as non-ICT equipment that is vital for the use of computers in many places (the fans and air conditioners that help keep computer labs cool, for example).

Less attention is sometimes paid to the security of devices while they are in transit within the school. Some schools transport laptops or tablets between rooms using a dedicated mobile carts (sometimes referred to as COWs, or 'computers on wheels') which can be locked -- and lock up the carts in a separate room when they are not in use. (One side note about COWs: Because these things can be used by thieves as a convenient means by which to take lots of your laptops out of your school quickly, you may not want to store them near the entrances to the school -- and you may want to consider ones where the wheels can be locked.)

2. Lock it down and/or chain it up (electronically)

In addition to physical measures to prevent theft, a variety of electronic measures are possible.

At a basic level, requiring the people log into machines before they can be used is almost always a good idea. There are many ways this can be done, which provide different levels of security (at the level of the operating system, the BIOS, etc.).

It is possible to create electronic 'ring fences' around schools (or parts of schools), so that if computer equipment leaves this area, it no longer functions (in whole or in part).

It is also possible to remotely disable computers, should they be reported stolen (provided they connect to the Internet somehow, of course). Alternatively, it is possible to require that the computer connect to the Internet or a network at certain intervals in order to keep functioning fully.

Such measures don't always really prevent the physical theft of equipment, of course, but they make the equipment itself much less valuable, in that it can't be used once it is stolen. Of course, there are potentially ways around such electronic 'locks', depending on how good they are and the sophistication of the thieves. And: Thieves who are unfamiliar with such measures may not be deterred from stealing equipment in the first place (even if there are later unable to use or re-sell it).

3. Hide it -- or at least obscure it

No matter how many (or how few) physical or electronic/digital 'locks' you have on equipment, there are a number of simple and low cost ways to make theft less likely. Storing equipment in inaccessible (or less accessible) places (like a locked computer room) is of course one example of this, but there are many others as well. Simply closing the shades (and not placing equipment near windows) can help. Places tablets in desks or laptops on computer carts when they are not in use can help. Leaving empty computer boxes stacked outside the school after new equipment is delivered essentially advertises to potential thieves that there is something in the school that might interest them -- don't do this!

There are many other potential signals to thieves that computers are in the school -- and where they might be. In many hot climates, the presence of air conditioners attached to windows for some rooms, but not others, may suggest where the computer room might be. Bars on the windows and locks on doors can send similar signals.

If you have a choice, not locating school technology labs or computer storage rooms on the ground floor or near the front entrance of the school can be a wise choice.

(Side note: In some schools and district education offices, the rooms which were previously used to 'safely store' textbooks -- which may as a result have gone unused in some cases -- have been converted to 'safely store' computers -- which, as with the textbooks previously, then also remain unused.)

4. Take special care after hours, on weekends and during school holidays

It should be obvious that it might be useful to consider different approaches to security when school is in session, and when it is not.

During long holidays, many education systems physically repossess many devices in schools so that they can be stored safely in a central, secure location. At this time they can also do a number of other things, including take a general inventory, update software and load new content, as well as make any needed repairs.

It is perhaps worth noting that the transportation of equipment between schools and district/ministry offices for safekeeping can represent a particularly opportune time for thieves to strike, so plan accordingly.

5. Keep an accurate and up-to-date inventory

It can be easy for equipment to disappear if you don't have a record that you have it. Keeping accurate and up-to-date lists of your inventory can help you quickly identify when things may have gone missing. Also, the fact that you take such inventories regularly can signal to potential thieves within your schools or education system that you are paying attention!

Keeping track of serial numbers is standard practice in most places these days (and something that should always be done). Affixing bar codes to individual items and then using scanners to assist with the inventory process is increasingly common as well. (A side note about scanners: You might consider using a mobile phone app instead of buying separate scanners, which break down, go missing, or even get stolen themselves. One clever way for insiders to facilitate regular small-scale theft is to 'lose' the scanners, which makes it difficult to keep up-to-date inventories; by the time new scanners are procured and delivered, some of the equipment may be long gone.) RFID tags are increasingly in use in some education systems as well.

Note that this issue of inventorying can be complicated in practice in many instances by the phenomenon of schools keeping multiple sets of 'ICT ledgers'. I have visited more than one school that keeps an inventory list that it shows to the central ministry which only includes the equipment that was centrally provided, omitting equipment that was e.g. donated locally, purchased by parents, bought by the school itself and/or provided by local educational authorities. Schools may be disinclined to include equipment obtained via other means on the 'official' list, as they might worry that this would signal to the central authorities that they may not need additional equipment. I once spoke to a school IT administrator who kept separate lists that he showed to the parent-teacher association, the district education office, a local philanthropic donor, and the national education authorities. The actual master list was a closely guarded secret, only shared with the school principal.

In addition to taking physical inventories, you can take 'virtual inventories' at a distance as well. If, for example, a device hasn't logged onto the network for a long time, you might want to investigate.

Make sure that you keep your inventory lists in a safe place -- and have back-ups. If someone steals your list, you might be in trouble! (And: Do you really need to publish your inventory list on your school web site in a place accessible to the public?)

6. Watch over it closely

hey check this out, I think someone is stealing our pico projector!

People are an important part of any an approach to preventing the theft of ICT equipment of schools. Posting guards outside computer facilities is an expensive or drastic approach, but, where there are guards in schools already (for better or for worse), instructing them to pay particular attention to places where computer equipment is found is a rather good idea.

Installing security cameras can help (although even considering this sort of thing should bring up larger questions about 'surveillance' in schools), whether the resulting video feed is viewed within the school itself or at some remote location. Cameras that aren't actually connected to anything can even provide some level of deterrence. (I have been in schools where they took old web cams and pointed them at the technology room. "These don't actually work", an IT guy at a school once told me, "but the kids and teachers don't know this!")

As mentioned, conducting regular inventories can be an important way to help monitor equipment.

While it may not prevent the theft of equipment (especially if thieves don't know it has been installed on devices), tracking software ('find my phone' is one well known example of this general type of thing) can potentially help you figure out where the equipment it after it has been stolen.

Alarms (on doors, on equipment) can help alert people to where a potential theft may be in progress or has recently occurred.

Designating teachers (or even students) with special responsibility to make sure equipment is not stolen can be another useful, low cost way to help prevent theft. (If no one feels responsible for ensuring that equipment doesn't disappear, no one *is* responsible as a practical matter.)

7. Know who has the key(s)

Your security plan should include attention not only to where the equipment is, what it is, and who is looking after it, but also who has the keys (and master passwords) that can provide access to it. Change keys and/or passwords at regular intervals, as might be possible/appropriate/affordable. Have a policy about key possession, use and duplication and the access to master passwords -- and the storage of 'extra' keys.

Side note: A clever thief may use a key and then break a door only once he is leaving, as a way to throw suspicion away from people who have access to the keys. While a heist is in progress, a broken door would certainly suggest to passersby that something might be wrong.

The people who know best how to steal your equipment are probably those who work with it most often. Here's an exercise to try: Ask them where there are holes in the security procedures and systems. IT people are often especially good at 'hacks', both physical and digital. Ask some of them how to hack your security and then plan some related defensive measures. (Education systems in rich countries may hire an outside security firm to do 'penetration testing', i.e. engage a group that tries to steal equipment so that education officials can learn what isn't working and make any needed changes to their policies, practices and procedures. This remains relatively rare in most places, of course -- although, where related insurance is available, this might be a function that could be performed by the insurance company).

8. Make it look distinctive

Where countries procure very large numbers of educational laptops or tablets at a national or regional scale, ministries of education may wish to consider requiring the manufacturer, assembler or distributor to ensure that the devices looks distinctive in some way. (Maybe they have a red cover, for example, or a picture of national flag on them.)

Even where the equipment itself doesn't look distinctive, it is quite common for logos to be burned, embossed or etched into equipment marking it as e.g. property of an education system or school and/or for stickers (less permanent, obviously, but better than nothing) with the same message to be affixed to the equipment.

Side note: When the OLPC XO (the famous "$100 laptop") was first being marketed, some of the leaders of the sponsoring organization liked to note that the design of the little green and white devices was so distinctive that, if they were stolen and made available for re-sale in local markets, people would immediately know that these had been stolen from schools, as there was no other way to get them, which would help with theft prevention. (Based on anecdotal evidence, I believe that this was often actually been the case.) I have heard proponents of the use of iPads in schools in very poor countries where the devices were not sold in local markets make similar claims. (What making such arguments, OLPC folks sometimes referenced the appearance of postal trucks in the U.S. "No one steals postal trucks in the U.S.," went the argument, "because they are so unique and easily recognizable by everyone". I always thought that this was a clever comment ... even if the metaphor was often not immediately understood by policymakers in other countries who were not at all familiar with the distinctive jeeps used by the U.S. Postal Service with the steering wheel on the 'wrong side'!)

9. If you don't own it, they can't steal it from you

One way for schools not to have computer equipment stolen is not to own any of it in the first place -- or to own as little of it as possible.

In some more 'advanced' economies, leasing (not purchasing) equipment may be an option, and, as part of leasing arrangements, responsibility for security can potentially be transferred (at least in part) to the company that actually owns the equipment.

The growing trend in many education systems towards 'bring your own device' (or 'BYOD', sometimes this is referred to as 'BYOT', with 'technology' substituting for 'device) policies and approaches, where students and/or teachers bring their own ICT equipment to schools and use it, instead of using equipment provided by the school itself, can dramatically change the security dynamic when it comes to preventing the theft of such devices. If you own the device yourself, you may be much more incentivized to make sure that it is not stolen than if it belong to the school or education system! (BYOD policies don't necessarily lead to less theft in all circumstances, of course. In some circumstances, someone may be more willing to steal a tablet from another student than from the school itself.)

The difference between stealing a computing device that is being used in a school setting, as opposed to a computer that belongs to a school, may seem a semantic and legalistic distinction of little practical relevance, but it can be a compelling one to certain groups within educational bureaucracies. (The most important thing for teachers and students is that the equipment is there, not who owns it!) That said, it can be useful to note that who owns a particular device can impact whether or not it is stolen -- and who cares.

10. Educate your users and personnel

There are many additional measures that can be utilized to help prevent the theft of ICT equipment from schools that can be boiled down to one word: education. Training of IT personnel, school administrators and teachers -- and students too! -- about theft prevention and general related 'good practices' can help a lot. Posting signs supporting such messages can be useful. Including items related to security as part of standard 'acceptable use policies' is a good idea. (Standard in many education systems, AUPs serve as informal contracts of sorts, laying out rules for students, parents and teachers that must be agreed to in order to utilize ICT equipment).

Many other things can be done to help to prevent the theft of ICT equipment in schools, of course. All such measures carry with them various costs -- of money, accessibility, and usability. Schools and education systems have to consider important related trade-offs between prevention, policing, and accessibility. Given enough time and energy and smarts, dedicated thieves can probably find their way around all of these (and other) anti-theft measures. As with approaches to security in general, a multi-layered approach is typically best. A combination of measures, big and small, involving a variety of different people, incentivized in different ways to be part of the process, can help where any one single approach is insufficient.

Note: The image at the top of this blog post ("if you don't pay attention, I'll steal this tablet right out of your pocket!) comes from the Project Gutenberg archives via Wikimedia Commons. The image used at the end of this post of the locked gates at Harvard Yard is courtesy of Occupy harvard also via Wikimedia Commons. Both are in the public domain. The second image (of a locked door at the Tajjar Building in Pakistan provided by the Wikipedian Soban) also comes via Wikimedia Commons and are used according to the terms of its Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license. The image of two children outside a closed door ("hey check this out, I think someone is stealing our pico projector!") was provided by Deutsche Fotothek of Germany's Saxon State Library / State and University Library Dresden (SLUB) to Wikimedia Commons as part of a cooperation project. It is used according to the terms of its Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Germany license.

cross posted at blogs.worldbank.org/edutech

Michael Trucano is the World Bank's Senior Education & Technology Policy Specialist and Global Lead for Innovation in Education, serving as the organization's focal point on issues at the intersection of technology use and education in middle- and low-income countries and emerging markets around the world. Read more at blogs.worldbank.org/edutech.

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