Congratulations on establishing a choose-your-own-device (CYOD) program. As your educational institution evolves to further integrate computers into the learning experience, we believe CYOD will help you streamline collaboration, harden security and free up IT’s time to support learner engagement initiatives.
Emphasize “Choice”
From the perspective of students, faculty and administrators, one drawback of your program might be that it doesn’t offer the unlimited variety of bring your own device (BYOD). To offset this, Lenovo suggests populating your portfolio with a variety of the latest modern devices, including the latest 'hybrid' PC+tablet computers. You can also customize each user’s options according to their job role. Data intensive roles such as course developers and records managers require business-grade desktop PCs. While faculty and students will need more compact, rugged, multimedia equipped tablets and ThinkPads. Independent of usage though, you should consider the following when it comes to building your device portfolio:
- Most education institutions may not be thought of as commercial enterprises, but procuring business-grade devices for support and admin teams will give them access to better technical support services, security features and connectivity options. For example, ensure that all users can connect efficiently to displays and projectors because devices have the right connection ports. Or benefit from prioritized technical support and on-site servicing available with our business-grade PCs.
- For students and teachers, provision with devices built specifically for education use. These have enhanced collaboration features and are toughened for classroom use. For example, laptops with keys that are mechanically anchored so they can't be removed. Convertibles that promote interactive learning with touchscreens, multiple cameras and digital pens. Lenovo has a range of education devices suitable for any budget, both for Windows and Chrome operating systems.
- Audit user roles to get user input on preferred device types. Today there are many types of device available, each with their own advantages for different roles - whether hybrid devices for interactive classroom learning, simple notebooks for schools on a budget, or powerful workstations for courseware developers and IT labs. Ensure you have the latest information from leading PC providers on what's available for your institution.
- For classroom users, we recommend Windows 10 in S Mode - a special version of Windows 10 which prevents users from downloading programs outside of the Microsoft Store. By preventing installation of non-verified programs, it also has the effect of speeding up the device so that it loads faster - and stays that way. For administrators or courseware developers, or labs using specialist software, Windows 10 Pro is still the right choice. Either way, both Windows 10 in S Mode and Windows 10 Pro have a range of learning and collaboration tools that every education institution should consider.
How Can You Improve Your Program?
New technology, users and industry challenges force you to continually evolve. Here are a few tips from Lenovo:
- Ensure that classroom users have devices that are optimized for learning.
- Procure business-grade devices for other users to ensure they have the highest level of support services and security features.
- Review the portfolio annually to determine your refresh needs. Make sure it includes device options for every user.
