Top Trends in Managed Devices in the Classroom

Classrooms are no strangers to the adoption of mobile devices. With devices like tablets and monitors being ubiquitous in classroom settings, teachers can now deliver more immersive learning experiences to students. 

However, as adoption grows, certain trends emerge in the realm of managing classroom devices. 

As a principal, administrator, or a member of your educational facility’s logistics or purchasing departments, it’s essential to keep up with these trends. By knowing the latest developments and issues in classroom device management, you’ll make more informed decisions about which technological solutions to incorporate in your facility. 

Learn more about the top trends in shared device management in classrooms. 

1. Higher Demand for Uninterrupted Power Supply.

There doesn’t need to be a power outage for schools to feel the effects of an interrupted power supply. With uncharged devices, teaching and learning workflows can be disrupted. The disruptions can lead to delays in the completion of tasks, learning materials, and other classroom-related activities.

As a result, there’s a higher clamor for solutions that keep shared devices in classrooms charged and ready for use. To keep devices operational, schools have resorted to charging solutions in numerous forms. 

Among them is the Bretford Cube Cart Mobile Charging Cart. This charging cart accommodates various devices and features Smart Agile Power technology to ensure safe and reliable charging. 

2. More Agile and Portable Power Solutions

As we speak, more and more schools are incorporating more outdoor and out-of-classroom learning methodologies. As a result, administrators are in a mad scramble to find portable and agile charging solutions. 

Portable and agile charging solutions allow students and teachers to keep their devices charged and ready for use wherever they are in or out of the classroom. Because of this, the barriers and limitations presented by wall-mounted outlets are eliminated. 

Unfortunately, agility and portability often come at the expense of robustness and vice-versa. However, with Bretford charging carts like the Mobile Charging Cart and the Cube Micro Station, teachers and administrators can keep devices charged while on the go from one classroom to another. 

The Micro Station is engineered to maintain Chromebooks, laptops, and tablets charged and prepared for use. Also, its minimal footprint and compact design make it easy to carry and transport on campus. 

Meanwhile, the Mobile Charging Cart boasts high-capacity charging and storage with industrial-grade wheels for easier transport. 

3. Outlets Beyond the Ones on Walls

As mobile devices enter educational environments, the demand for additional outlets to charge these devices escalates. 

In classrooms and learning spaces, tablets, laptops, and Chromebooks are essential tools for teaching and learning. For this reason, the availability of charging stations becomes critical.

As students and educators alike rely more on these devices for accessing educational materials and engaging with interactive learning platforms, the need for robust charging solutions emerges. This is where solutions like the Cube Mobile Charging Cart and Micro Station come in.

These solutions keep devices secure with industrial-grade locking mechanisms and can accommodate more than a dozen devices at once. Their capacity is a godsend for any classroom that struggles with outlet availability. 

4. BYOD Policies 

BYOD (bring your own device) policies have become increasingly prevalent in schools. Fairly new, BYOD policies allow students and even teachers to use their personal electronic devices in the classroom.  

There are several advantages associated with allowing the use of personal devices. First, BYOD policies promote flexibility and convenience as individuals can use familiar devices that they are comfortable with. The result is increased productivity and efficiency as users have access to tools and applications that they are accustomed to using.

Second, BYOD policies can lead to cost savings for organizations, as they may not need to invest in providing devices for every employee or student. Instead, individuals bear the cost of purchasing and maintaining their devices.

However, despite the benefits provided by BYOD policies, the risk of uncharged devices still looms. Fortunately, charging solutions like the Cube Mobile Charging Tower are innovative ways to provide device owners with in-classroom charging options. 

The Cube Mobile Charging Tower offers convenient access to power in various settings. With eight AC outlets, it enables simultaneous charging of multiple devices such as Chromebooks, laptops, and tablets.

5. Newer Ways To Monitor and Secure Shared Classroom Devices

Device sharing and recording have become crucial aspects of managing classroom devices. Due to the costs of devices like Chromebooks, tablets, and monitors, efficient management and tracking of device usage now occupy higher spots in every administrator’s priority list. 

As we speak, traditional monitoring strategies are still the norm, and these strategies include: 

• Manual sign-out sheets
• Asset tags and labels
• Physical checks and audits
• Spreadsheets and inventory lists

While these approaches have benefited school administrators in the past, they do little to streamline the monitoring and tracking process. For tracking to be more efficient, there must be one secure physical location for shared classroom devices. 

Secure lockers can fulfill this role sufficiently. However, for anyone looking for the added benefit of device operability, charging carts are superior options. 

Charging carts like the Cube Mobile Charging Cart and Micro Station can house multiple classroom devices. By keeping all devices in one secure place, these solutions are conducive to faster and more efficient monitoring. 

With these solutions, school administrators no longer need to resort to lengthy inventory sheets and constant physical checks. 

Bretford: Classroom Device Management That’s Ahead of the Curve

As more classrooms rely on technology to deliver immersive learning experiences, challenges and trends arise. Fortunately, that is where we come in. 

Our innovative charging solutions can address various pain points in managing classroom devices. From device security to mobile charging and monitoring, our solutions are conducive to meeting your educational institution’s evolving mobile technology needs. 

Future-proof how you’re managing classroom devices. Contact us at Bretford and get a free quote today.