The ScreenBeam 1000 EDU Gen 2 is a smart device tailored for modern K-12 classrooms. It features intuitive wireless screen sharing and an integrated collaborative whiteboard application, which together boost teacher and student engagement for improved learning outcomes

ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 Wireless Display: Getting Started

I found getting started with the ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 Wireless Display very straightforward. When I opened the box everything was very neatly packed with a welcome guide on top that has a QR code to scan for directions on setting up the device.

The ScreenBeam device is surprisingly very small for all it can do; it's no bigger than a wireless access point you would see hanging from the ceiling in your classroom. It came with a power cable as well as a three-foot HDMI cable and magnetic mount. The ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 has several ports in the back: one ethernet connection, two USB 2.0, and one USB 3.0, as well as 3.5 mm audio out so it can connect to an external audio source.

Once everything was unpacked, I followed the included QR code to the Quick Start guide. A full manual is also available for more advanced setup. I connected the ScreenBeam to power as well as the HDMI on my display, and my wifi network. For use with an interactive display and the included interactive whiteboard software, I would also connect a USB cable from the back of the device to my display.

The ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 Wireless Display gave me a variety of options to display a device. Users can connect directly from any Miracast, Airplay, or Google Cast device. I could also connect it to my local wifi or an existing LAN connection on my school's local network.

Once set, all I needed to do was select the ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 receiver I was ready. Since the ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 is device-agnostic you can connect with any Windows 10/11, Android v4.2, Mac V10.10, iOS v9.0, or Chrome OS 2014, or newer devices.

ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 Wireless Display: Best Features

• The ability to wirelessly connect and display up to four student devices simultaneously regardless of the platform.
• The optional license purchase for Orchestrate by ScreenBeam, which provides more control over and monitoring of my student devices as well as the content being shared.
• The built-in and easy to use interactive whiteboard program, which utilizes the touch capability of an interactive flat panel.
• The included Central Management System (CMS), which not only manages and updates your fleet of ScreenBeam devices but also gives you the ability to use the central alert feature to send alerts to all ScreenBeam devices and displays across your campus, or to use as digital signage players to keep everyone up-to-date and display important messages.
• The option to extend or mirror your screen upon connection.
• Advanced network and security features.
• All the features and software are included with your purchase, including updates.

ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 Wireless Display: Pricing

The MSRP is around $500 - contact ScreenBeam for a local reseller for pricing.

ScreenBeam 1000 Gen 2 Wireless Display: Key Takeaways

The ScreenBeam 1000 EDU Gen 2 with its app-free screen sharing eliminates the need for any other hardware or software other than the device itself. The connection is seamless and fast with no noticeable lag. Teachers, students, and guests can use a variety of connection methods, including local wifi, Miracast, Airplay, and GoogleCast. Options are also available for peer-to-peer wifi direct and infrastructure connectivity.

The new Whiteboard by ScreenBeam app enhances collaborative interactivity without the need for other device connections. It runs directly on the ScreenBeam device and can be launched from any USB connected interactive flat panel.

Overall, the ScreenBeam 1000 EDU Gen 2 provides an affordable, centrally manageable, and user-friendly experience for teachers and students. I think that this device will make both teachers and IT departments happy with its simplicity and performance.

• Educator Edtech Review

The best wireless keyboard and mouse for teachers can mean connecting to near any device and using the setup with which you're comfortable. That can be a cable-free setting as well, allowing you to keep an eye-friendly distance from your display when working.

These allow teachers to move between classrooms and stay connected using wireless devices that suit them. This can include carrying a personal setup that stays connected to multiple devices across the school. Or it can be having a setup in each classroom that can be easily tidied away out of sight when not in use, and without a tangle of cables.

Battery life is the downside here, but barely. Since most of these will last for months or years on a charge, even that won't be something you need to spend much time worrying about.

It's worth looking for wireless keyboard models with mechanical keys, to give tactile feedback, with a full-sized layout for ease and finger protection. And on the wireless mouse, a scroll wheel and multiple buttons can be helpful additions to consider.

• Best Laptops for Teachers
• Best Tools for Teachers

The very best wireless keyboard and mouse for teachers 

1. Apple Magic Keyboard and Mouse 2: The best wireless keyboard and mouse for teachers overall

Despite this being named as a pair, the Apple Magic Keyboard 2 and Apple Magic Mouse 2 are generally sold separately. And neither is cheap. But as you can see from the design, both are very well made and, as such, are priced reasonably. 

The mouse stands out as a minimalist dream of a smooth glass-topped joy to hold. Accuracy is excellent on most surfaces, and the touch-sensitive scroll works well as do the mechanical dual button clicks. With battery life that goes for months and charges using an Apple Lightning cable, it couldn't be easier to use and pair with Bluetooth.

The keyboard is equally impressive, with a solid metallic frame that keeps everything compact and is strong for carrying about, while remaining perfectly spaced for typing, even for long periods. The mechanical keys are excellent for feedback while the butterfly action creates a satisfying re-spring feel. Numbers and F keys are all included, and everything charges via the Lightning port to keep going for months on end.

2. Logitech MK360: Best quality keyboard and mouse on a budget

The Logitech MK360 wireless keyboard and mouse gets you all the quality you'd expect from this brand, but without costing too much. As such, you get a super compact design that makes this setup ideal for popping in a bag between classes. The ease of setup and connection continue to make for simplicity of use, and those programmable F keys make personalization a must.

The battery life is superb, with a good three years of use on the keyboard and a year on the mouse before you need new batteries. The mouse is nice and portable yet has a height that makes for a comfortable hand rest even for longer periods of use. Dual keys and a scroll wheel give you plenty of control, while the detection of movement works across most surfaces.

A terrific setup even when you don't consider how affordable this combination is.

3. Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900: Best keyboard and mouse for Windows users

The Microsoft Wireless Desktop 900 is an ideal setup for anyone who uses a Windows device. With special deals for educational pricing, this is a great option to look at when buying on the school- or district-wide level. Complete with a USB dongle, this is good to plug-and-play with most Windows devices without the need to setup. That makes it ideal for moving between machines and rooms in school.

Running on replaceable batteries, the life between changing these is a good two years, and with the batteries included, it's a great deal. The keyboard itself is a classic full-sized layout with resistance on the push, which is liked by some but not all. It's still compact and highly portable, with the USB dongle tucking away inside the mouse. A solid build that works well and is made to last. Although the auto power off setup that turns on when key presses are detected can waste power in a bag.

4. Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse: Best premium setup for multitasking

The Dell Premier Multi-Device Wireless Keyboard and Mouse is a terrific setup that does a lot to justify that higher price. The build quality, for a start, is fantastic, with a metallic finish on the solid keyboard and ergonomically comfortable mouse. This not only adds strength for portability and longevity but also looks great as a bonus and feels nice to the touch.

Despite being Dell, this setup is both Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi compatible across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. It can even be connected to three devices at the same time, allowing you to jump between gadgets while staying in control – ideal when presenting to the class across devices. All that and this has a stunning battery life of up to 36 months.

5. Adesso Tru-Form Wireless Ergo Mini Keyboard and Mouse: Best for ergonomic comfort

The Adesso Tru-Form Wireless Ergo Mini Keyboard and Mouse offers you all the comfort of an ergonomically designed keyboard and mouse while still remaining portable. This rare combination means you won't have to worry about strain injury if using these for long periods – this even has a built-in wrist rest for added comfort.

This Windows-only setup uses replaceable batteries that last up to six months. But it's the built-in scroll-wheel on the keyboard that's a stand-out rare addition – great for touch typists. The keyboard uses a membrane for quiet typing that's built to last long term. A very accurate mouse with side buttons, built-in track wheel, and USB dongle connectivity make this a really appealing setup that helps justify that price.

6. Logitech MX Mechanical Combo: Best portable all rounder

The Logitech MX Mechanical Combo is not only a great option for portability -- if you go for the smaller TKL option -- but is also an all round winner for so many reasons. Firstly, quality is premium here, with tactile and quiet mechanical switches fronted by those wonderful MX Keys. 

You also get a pretty long battery life of up to 70 days, Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity, an 8,000 DPI seven button MX Master 3S mouse, plus a MagSpeed Wheel and emojis built right into the keyboard. 

In addition, there's adjustable tilt on that keyboard for comfort and write protection. This setup really does it all and can be portable too. The catch? It's pretty pricey -- but you do get that Logitech peace of mind knowing it's going to last.

7. RedThunder K84: Best budget gaming keyboard and mouse

The RedThunder K84 wireless keyboard and mouse setup is built for gaming yet doesn't command the usually high price that goes with a setup of that type. 

Both the keyboard and mouse are ergonomic and designed for longer stints of use, ideal for gaming clubs in school and beyond.

The mouse has a decent 3,200 DPI with its honeycomb optical setup as well as LED rainbow lighting. The keyboard is a 75% setup, making it highly mobile while still offering 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connectivity, long battery life, and ABS-keycaps with a ten million keystroke lifetime.

An impressive setup for a really low price.

• Best Laptops for Teachers
• Best Tools for Teachers

To close the digital divide school districts across the country have paid for internet for students and provided hotspot-enabled devices to students in need. But a number of school districts -- from Rhode Island to California to Texas and in between -- have gone a step further and used pandemic-related funding to invest in infrastructure to bypass internet carriers, in some cases becoming their own internet service providers. Some have laid down broadband cables while others are beaming connectivity into student’s homes with cutting-edge technology. 

In some areas these practices were in place prior to the arrival of Covid-19, but efforts intensified and accelerated due to the increased need for connectivity during the pandemic and a growing realization of their potential for cost savings. 

Why Can it Be Better Than a Hotspot? 

“A hotspot solution is quick--get this to the students or the family. And they can turn it on, press the button: Boom! They have internet,” says Angela Siefer, executive director at the National Digital Inclusion Alliance. “Is it a little bit unstable sometimes, yes. Kind of expensive, yes. But it works right now.” 

If you build your own network, after the initial investment, the cost will be lower, the connection should be more stable, and you are in control, Siefer says. “When you're working with someone else who's providing this really essential service to your students, you rely upon the decisions that they make, the priorities that they have, which may not be your priorities,” she says. 

What Technology is Used? 

Schools are providing direct internet access to students in a variety of ways. In some cases,  they are running their own fiber optics cables to specific areas; in others, they are using antennas to beam internet signals over short distances on airwave spectrums licensed by the FCC. 

In the Murray City School District of Utah, efforts that began before the pandemic to connect more than 4,500 students have recently intensified. The district’s technology coordinator, Jason Eyre, explains this is done using LTE radios that transmit internet signals to students. “It's a technology that the FCC has called Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS),” Eyre says. “It's a specific type of LTE that's made available to businesses and community people.” 

In San Antonio, Texas, the city has begun to provide internet access to 20,000-plus students utilizing small cell antennas. In many areas they had to place antennas where the signal would not be blocked by trees. “The technical challenge is how do you either penetrate through the canopy or how do you go over that canopy to provide that signal,” says John Rodriguez, assistant IT director for the city. They were able to solve this issue by mounting the antennas on school buildings, city-owned radio towers, and other city buildings and properties with high elevation spots. 

How Much Less Expensive is It? 

Rodriguez estimates that providing internet access by using small cell antennas can cost as little as $4 per student per month as opposed to $20 per month with a discounted rate from a commercial carrier. Connectivity is also better overall. “It's a very robust service, it can be much better than you would get from a carrier, simply because you're focusing bandwidth within that neighborhood,” Rodriguez says. 

But administrators should be aware that currently bandwidth purchased with the E-rate discount can not be used for these type of programs. “The E-rate does not allow you to provide services off of your campus,” Erye says. “So we've had to buy additional bandwidth and make sure that we route our LTE network through that bandwidth so that we're not taking subsidized circuits and providing off campus services there.” 

Educators are hopeful this restriction may be lifted in the future.

Is It Just for Students?  

Oftentimes, internet provided by school districts is limited to students with a school-issued device, but student-centered internet is serving as a model for municipalities that want to take more ownership of their own community bandwidth capabilities. 

Candelaria Mendoza, Smart City Coordinator for San Antonio, says that at the same time students stopped going into classes many of their parents lost their jobs. “People were being laid off and needed to apply for Workforce Development, and if you don't have a computer, if you don't have internet access, how are you doing that?” Mendoza says. 

Siefer says if more of these programs could eventually provide access to households, it would help everyone. “Students need supportive adults in their lives,” she says. “And those adults need internet access. So this really gets at that bigger household problem.” 

If I Want To Implement This in My District, What Should I Do?  

The Murray City School District of Utah was able to launch its program thanks to help from the state and is now serving as a model for similar efforts in Utah. 

Erye recommends that school officials look for resources beyond their districts. “Don't go out at all by yourself if you don't have to,” he says. “Look to service centers, look to statewide organizations, and start a little bit bigger than yourself if you can. If you can't, there are solutions, such as cloud computing and other things you can buy ‘off the shelf,’ so to speak.” 

Amina Fazlullah, policy counsel at Common Sense Media, says the pandemic has really highlighted the digital divide and homework gap, and there is much more enthusiasm for fixing these problems then previously. “My advice is to take advantage of this moment,” Fazlullah says. 

Every school should develop a detailed and high-quality assessment of student, school, and teacher needs, and share that data with policy makers. “I think there are going to be folks within the local, state, and federal governments who are able to actually push changes in policy,” she says. 

Why Are More Schools Considering It?

Jennifer Covington, superintendent of the Murray City School District, says that beyond the technical challenges and price points, these types of programs can be vital for increasing educational equity. “Technology will never replace good teaching, but technology enhances good teaching, and our students, every single one of them no matter what their background is, deserve to have the ability to have that equal playing field,” Covinton says. “I really think that school systems need to look at this because that educational equity divide with regard to technology is huge.” 

• 5 Things to Know About E-Rate Applications for 2021
• How Public TV Stations Are Partnering with Schools to Increase Educational Content for Students Without Internet

Applications for E-rate funding for fiscal year 2021 must be submitted by March 25. The FCC program, which provides discounts of between 20 and 90 percent for broadband access for schools and libraries, is considered particularly vital during the pandemic. 

Micah Rigdon, director of client services at Funds For Learning, a company that helps schools navigate the E-rate process, discussed what educators need to know regarding E-Rate applications this year. 

1. How is The Pandemic Impacting the Process? 

The pandemic has made calculating the funding your school qualifies for more difficult. “The E-rate program provides discounts based on the number of students who are eligible for The National School Lunch Program,” Rigdon says. “It's been more difficult for a lot of schools to determine their discount rates this year because they're not getting the same responses as they do in a typical year because every student right now is being offered free or reduced lunches through the USDA.” 

The increased free-launch offerings are due to the pandemic but have had the unintended consequences of complicating funding calculations. As a result, schools that are having difficulty tracking this year’s numbers are permitted to use data gathered during the last school year on their applications. 

2. What Are Other Changes This Year?  

In the past, E-rate funding that went to equipment purchases was capped per school by the amount of students within that school and per library by its square footage. “Now the FCC is allowing applicants to determine that cap based on the total student population for an entire district instead of at each school site,” Rigdon says. This should be a welcome change for educators as it allows for far greater flexibility. 

3. Could E-Rate Help Pay for Students’ Home Internet Access?  

Currently, E-Rate funding can only be used to provide internet access at schools or libraries. With so much need for remote learning, many districts are helping to provide access to students at home so there is a strong push to change this stipulation. “We are seeing some headway that there could be a policy change at the FCC level,” Rigdon says. “President Biden has directed the FCC to consider how they can expand the program in that way. We now have a new acting chairwoman, Jessica Rosenworcel, overseeing the FCC commission and E-rate is one of the projects that she's paid special attention to. So, there is an opportunity for them to take a look at that and see how it can be expanded.” 

4. When Should You Submit Your E-rate Application? 

The submission window for E-rate applications opened January 15, but much as with filing taxes, people tend to file closer to the deadline (March 25), which isn’t ideal. 

“I would encourage everyone who can to get their information together and file their application early,” Rigdon says. “The E-rate program administrator has already started reviewing applications that have been submitted early in the window. So there's a greater opportunity to receive funding decisions, more quickly, if you file early. There's one website that every applicant has to use. So it tends to get bogged down with traffic toward the end of the filing in windows, so you can avoid some of that.” 

5. Why Documentation is Crucial 

“There are many program rules in E-rate that determine whether what you're purchasing is eligible for discounts,” Rigdon says. “It's one thing to follow all of those rules, but it's a whole other thing to be able to prove that you follow those rules.”

For example, there's a 10-year documentation requirement for E-rate, and applicants can be audited at any point in that timeframe, so it's important to be able to show that you completed the requirements and followed the rules. “Being able to prove that you did something the right way seven years later without documentation is very difficult,” says Rigdon. 

Further Reading

• How to Find an Education Grant
• New COVID Stimulus Package Offers Schools More Funding to Innovate

Although remote learning is having its day in the sun, the times is coming when kids and teachers are back in the classroom.  With the new emphasis on elearning, as well as the growing popularity of 1:1 classrooms, managing devices to facilitate learning will be key for a productive classroom.

ScreenBeam Inc.'s Classroom Commander orchestration platform is now available for both Chromebook and Windows 1:1 classroom environments. 

The ScreenBeam Classroom Commander combines wireless display with student device orchestration to improve lesson flow and collaboration. Supporting up to 50 student Windows or Chromebook devices and a teacher Windows, macOS, iOS or Chromebook device, the platform frees teachers from the classroom display. Educators can move around and interact with students without interrupting instruction. 

Features include:

• Teachers can monitor student devices and active applications in real-time to keep the classroom focused
• During guided lessons, teachers can message a student or group, blank and lock the keyboard/mouse on a single student screen, multiple student screens or the entire class
• With teacher permission, students can display their work from their desks for the entire classroom to view
• Teachers using Window 10 devices can also annotate directly onto a student screen from the classroom display, even when student devices are not touch-enabled

The Classroom Commander Orchestration software is included with each ScreenBeam 1000 EDU wireless display receiver.

Availability and pricing

Classroom Commander with Chromebook and Windows support is free with the purchase of the 1000 EDU for$499 per classroom.  To learn more, visit Classroom Commander or 1000 EDU, or request a free 30-day trial.

Edtech in Action is a new series of articles from attendees and speakers of Tech & Learning's events. Click here to learn more about these events and to apply to attend.  

Initiative: EdCOT (Educational Classroom of Today) 

Where: West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District, West Windsor, New Jersey

It started with a simple idea: What would a first grade classroom look like if you utilized wireless technology to untether the teacher from the front of the classroom? 

The result was EdCOT (Educational Classroom of Today), an initiative that has been embraced by teachers, students and parents alike. It has empowered students to take control of their learning, improved communication with parents, and created a repository for student work that is easily accessible by teachers anywhere, anytime. 

The initiative was based on the idea that good elementary instruction requires flexibility. Instruction can take place in a large group, in a small group, and all around the classroom. Therefore, technology should support movement by the students and enable the teacher to create learning centers wherever students gather. We realized that we could take advantage of new wireless technologies to support a classroom that would allow teachers and students to work in a location based on instructional need, not the location of wires. 

Each EdCOT classroom was outfitted with a 65” LCD monitor, wireless digital media receiver, eight student tablets, one teacher tablet, and digital portfolio software. Combining the resolution, brightness and clarity of large monitors with a wireless digital media receiver means students can clearly see the shared screen of any device in the classroom. The setup is so simple to navigate that the first grade students manage its use when the teacher is absent.

Two significant outcomes of the initiative have been improved parent communication and increased student independence. One teacher shared that many parents have raved about the high level of information they receive about the class even though the teacher received half the typical amount of email from parents. Students often determined what tools they would use for an assignment, what format to utilize, and which assignments they wanted to share. Now, what started as a way to allow the teacher to move freely around the classroom has quickly grown into a free flow of information between parents, students and teachers, that is collaboratively managed by both teachers and students.

Rick Cave is the director of technology in the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District in West Windsor Township, N.J. E-mail: rick.cave@ww-p.org; Twitter: @rcave

Click here for more info and to apply to attend a Tech & Learning Leadership Summit.

ENA™ and CatchOn™ announce they have expanded their partnership with Kajeet®, provider of K-12 managed multi-network wireless and mobility solutions. 

ENA will offer Kajeet SmartSpot® devices, portable Wi-Fi hotspots, and Kajeet SmartBus™, a school bus Wi-Fi and technology solution. These solutions equip districts with educational, 4G LTE Wi-Fi that extends the classroom to wherever students need connectivity.

Kajeet will add CatchOn to its portfolio of solution offerings. CatchOn, a data analytics tool, provides district leaders a window into the efficacy of their technology investments and integrations. 

Juniper Networks(NYSE: JNPR) announced that the company has acquired Mist Systems, provider of cloud-managed wireless networks powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The deal will combine Mist’s next-generation Wireless LAN (WLAN) platform with Juniper’s wired LAN, SD-WAN and security solutions.

Under the terms of the agreement, Juniper Networks will acquire Mist for aggregate consideration of $405 million, subject to adjustment, payable in cash and the assumption of outstanding equity awards. The proposed acquisition is expected to close in Juniper Networks’ fiscal second quarter, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Mist has built the world’s first AI-driven wireless platform and an AI-driven virtual assistant, Marvis, to simplify wireless troubleshooting and provide insight into client and network behavior. In addition, Mist uses patented virtual Bluetooth® LE technology in conjunction with Wi-Fi and IoT to deliver scalable and cost-effective location-based wireless services to customers, such as indoor wayfinding, proximity notifications, traffic analytics and asset tracking. All operations are managed via Mist’s modern cloud microservices architecture for maximum scalability, agility and performance. 

“Mist Systems is a great fit for Juniper and for our enterprise customers,” explained Rami Rahim, CEO of Juniper Networks. “Juniper and Mist share a common strategic goal. We believe in the Software-Defined Enterprise and Mist’s focus on bringing AI to IT is consistent with our core belief that we need to simplify operations and improve customer experience while lowering costs. With Mist, we are adding a market leading solution to complement our portfolio, drive the cloud transition within the enterprise and accelerate our enterprise growth.”

Another catchphrase bandied about by the nerdderati these days is 5G, the next generation of Internet access. This new standard will make data communications faster and easier for more devices than ever. While all the major carriers are promising new services at some point this year, Verizon is to the first to promote the promise specifically to schools. Beginning today through April 15th, the company is calling on the public to nominate a local middle school in need for the opportunity to become a Verizon Innovative Learning school. Winners receive in-depth and ongoing teacher training, curriculum guides, tablets and 5G data plans. Some also receive innovation labs outfitted with the latest equipment and connectivity. Advocates should tweet and/or reply to one of a series of videos posted to the @Verizon Twitter handle, highlighting impactful stories from the program, along with the school name and location, using #Humanability. —Kevin Hogan, Content Director

[Artificial Intelligence Harnessed for Personalized Language Learning]

K-12 schools are moving away from the traditional desks-in-rows classroom model to a learning environment better suited to collaboration. At the same time, a digital transformation is taking hold, increasing the amount of time that students engage in digital learning activities both at school and home.

In addition to the changing physical environment, the roles of teachers and students are changing as teachers becoming facilitators and students take ownership of their own learning as digital tools connect the curriculum to real life applications. Learning is expanding beyond the classroom to an open 24/7 model of access that supports student learning on multiple devices from multiple locations.

Increasing network capacity is just one of many challenges that IT teams now face in schools and districts to support anywhere/anytime learning. Some of the other challenges include:

• Supporting all user devices and often multiple devices per user.
• Delivering robust, data-intensive applications, and collaborative activities.
• Enhancing security of the network particularly student information.
• Simplifying network design, provisioning, deployment, and scalability.

To meet these challenges, IT teams in schools and districts should look for the following features and capabilities from their network solutions provider:

• An end-to-end model that features a robust wired network as the backbone. This is critical to delivering coverage and capacity.
• A robust wireless network that can support users in any location while giving IT the flexibility to prioritize certain types of traffic to support the most bandwidth-intensive learning tools.
• A simplified architecture that lets you grow and adapt the network without having to rip and replace infrastructure or add a new access point each time your needs change.
• The highest level of network access security, enabling IT to easily onboard devices, authenticate users, extend visibility, and manage security policies for both BYOD and school-issued devices.

This digital transformation is evolving as schools learn how to best support the acquisition of 21st century skills—preparing students for college and career. Embracing mobile, cloud, and related technologies are the most cost-effective ways for districts to provide both network coverage and a comprehensive digital learning environment that effectively and efficiently supports learning outcomes.

Focusing on the Mobile Network

Aruba, a Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) company, delivers an integrated wired and wireless portfolio in network management and security designed for digital transformation. Here is their recommendation for building a robust mobile network to meet present and future needs:

1. Increase wireless to optimize for mobile: Gigabit Wi-Fi is the foundation of digital transformation for delivering enterprise-grade wireless so mobile users can roam and collaborate while accessing applications and data.
2. Future-proof your wired infrastructure: The surge of wired devices and the increasing use of bandwidth mean that the wired infrastructure is as important as ever in delivering data up to 10 gigabits per second (GBps).
3. Predict network issues before they happen: IT needs granular visibility into the access layer of the user, device, and application level to insure protection and availability.
4. Secure the network with smart policy management: The Aruba ClearPass Policy Management Platforms leverage real-time, trusted, contextual data to allow IT to enforce trust on every user and device on the wireless, wired, and VPN networks.

Choose from the resources highlighted below to help your district scale their network coverage and security to support new digital learning demands for students and teachers.