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Welcome to the world of technology in education! Whether you're a teacher or a school administrator, you play a crucial role in shaping your students' future.
The times are long gone when a classroom could have five computers for all kids to share. Students now need far more time and access to computers in school.
That’s because computers aren’t just augmenting education—they’re redefining it. In the following five ways, you can help your school buy the best computers to give your students a solid foundation for a technology-based future.
Computers in the classroom give students a dynamic and engaging learning experience, especially in complex subjects like math. Students who use computers can perform better at school because computers are very good at teaching abstract concepts.
For one, computers allow interactive, hands-on learning. Students can grasp challenging concepts through engaging simulations or exercises, helping them visualize ideas in ways that promote deep understanding and long-term retention.
For instance, in a science class, the use of software to create 3D models of molecular structures allows students to explore and manipulate these models in real-time. This interaction provides a tangible sense of the components' scale, proportion, and relationship.
Similarly, online math programs that offer step-by-step problem-solving exercises enable students to work through challenging problems at their own pace.
Unlike teachers, digital programs can provide immediate feedback, which helps students correct mistakes and improve their problem-solving abilities.
Many students are visual learners, and computers provide visual aids that help them understand complex material better than reading it in books.
For example, a history teacher might create a digital timeline to map historical events. If you’ve watched the History Channel, you know how it helps to visually track timelines and understand the context of historical events clearly and engagingly.
Similarly, a geography teacher could use videos to showcase natural phenomena like volcanoes, providing students with a vivid representation that books alone cannot convey.
These visual tools improve understanding and inject excitement into learning, transforming it from a task into an adventure. They make learning more engaging and less abstract, encouraging students to explore subjects with curiosity and enthusiasm.
In this age of short attention spans, that’s a huge plus.
Using educational software, teachers can design lessons that cater to the individual needs of each student and help them progress at a pace that best suits them.
This is a significant shift from the one-size-fits-all approach that has been the norm for ages. Educational technology (Ed Tech) allows teachers to create individualized lesson plans that align with each student's unique learning style, strengths, and areas for improvement.
For instance, adaptive learning platforms can assess a student's current understanding of a subject and adjust the difficulty level of problems or the pace of instruction accordingly. This ensures that students are neither bored by material that's too easy nor overwhelmed by concepts that are too advanced.
To maximize your investment, get computers with the right hardware and software specifications. These will determine the computers’ ability to run educational software smoothly, as well as their longevity and relevance in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.
The table below shows recommended hardware specifications to consider when purchasing computer devices for your school:
|
Specification |
Desktop |
Laptop |
Tablet |
|
Processor |
Intel i7/AMD Ryzen 7 |
Intel i7/AMD Ryzen 7 |
Quad-core/Octa-core |
|
Memory (RAM) |
16GB |
8GB |
8 GB |
|
Storage (SSD) |
256GB |
256 GB |
128GB |
|
Display |
24” or larger |
15” or larger |
10” or larger |
|
Battery Life |
N/A |
8 hours |
8 hours |
If you’re on a tight budget, get a computer with an Intel Core i7 processor and a smaller screen, such as 14” HP laptops. You can also purchase cheaper brands, such as Lenovo or HP, as opposed to an Apple model.
The current software versions at the time of writing are Microsoft Windows 11 and macOS 13 (Ventura). Software programs and applications are updated frequently, so check to ensure that you buy computers with the latest version.
Always keep computer software updated to minimize security risks and ensure compatibility with any other device you’re likely to use.
At PCLiquidations, computer pricing is a major factor, especially for public schools. We have a wide range of computers at different prices to meet your needs and budget.
If you’re unsure what type of school computers you should buy or what will fit your budget, talk to our highly knowledgeable team for recommendations.
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Expert Tip: Buy extended warranties or service plans for school IT infrastructure, including computers and related devices. That’s the best way to safeguard your investment and ensure the long-term usability of school computers. |
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Computers in schools play a role beyond typing up assignments or running educational software locally. They're the gateways to vast online resources for students, such as Khan Academy’s popular math and science classes.
Even specialized platforms teach everything from coding to electronics design and foreign languages. One of the popular ones is TinkerCAD, which teaches students the fundamentals of electronics, coding, circuits, and more.
You might ask, don’t most students already have access to the internet at home or through their phones? Yes, but what about the ones who don’t?
Ed Week explored this question in a study and found that 6% of respondents said less than 50% of their students had home internet access.
Similarly, a Pew study found that teens living in low-income households are less likely to have a computer or gaming device. The image below shows the results of that study in detail.
Computer access study courtesy of Pew Research Center
Plus, access doesn’t translate to constructive use. Students also need guidance in using online resources safely and responsibly. Done right, it encourages independent learning and enhances their creativity, critical thinking, and research skills.
Here are some examples of useful online resources for schools:
Many of those resources are free, but your school may need to buy subscriptions for premium or institutional packages.
There’s a heated conversation among teachers about whether computers actually help students learn better.
Having laptops in class allows access to virtually any kind of information or resources that students need to excel. But, does it also make students more distracted, less active, and disconnected from the real world?
One study on the impact of laptop use in classrooms showed that the answer to this is both yes and no.
When students are guided and supervised to ensure strictly course-related computer use, higher levels of learning and engagement are reported. However, unsupervised usage leads to increased distractions, especially because of social media.
The study revealed that students who use laptops for non-educational purposes during class, like checking email or playing games, show reduced comprehension and poorer performance. This distraction isn't limited to just the laptop user; it extends to peers in the vicinity as well.
Significantly, the study also shows that access to technology in school must be equitable. All students should have access to laptops, software subscriptions, and other resources, otherwise, technology for school use can become a double-edged sword.
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Action: To counteract these potential downsides, your school should establish clear guidelines for device use in the classroom. Define specific times when laptop use is appropriate and when it's not, and implement software that limits access to non-educational content during lessons. Teachers also need training on how to effectively use technology as part of a structured, balanced approach. |
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Schools play a vital role in teaching students how to use technology and navigate the internet. This early exposure to technology helps them develop familiarity and proficiency that later translates into personal and professional success.
According to the World Economic Forum, some of the top skills of the future are AI, big data, design, and user experience (UX). These are all digital competencies your school can teach with the right computer and IT resources.
Here’s where students can learn these vital skills:
Incorporating these skills into your curriculum enhances digital literacy and prepares your students for a future where technology and innovation are at the forefront of professional success.
Teachers today are reporting an interesting finding: students have no idea how technology works.
Despite growing up around computers and mobile phones, many students are having a hard time with computer fundamentals like file directories, command-line consoles, and computer memory.
Check out this Verge article to see how teachers have been reporting difficulties explaining concepts that should be second nature, such as how to save files and install applications.
Students need help to prepare them for the future, which will invariably require more complex computer skills. They may know the ins and outs of TikTok, but they also need to learn cybersecurity, graphics, networking, research, and more. As the Verge article says,
… the issue is likely not that modern students are learning fewer digital skills, but rather that they’re learning different ones. | The Verge
In today's world, mastering computer skills isn't just an advantage; it's a necessity. Schools play a crucial role in readying students for a future where technology reigns supreme.
For those students with an eye on direct tech careers, schools can ramp up their offerings with advanced classes such as coding, web design, game design, electronics, or digital graphics.
The chart below from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics best shows how important it is to equip students with digital skills. As you can see, software development has the biggest projected growth for the next 10 years.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Schools have a pivotal role to play by laying a solid foundation of digital literacy and providing specialized pathways into tech fields. Most school curriculums today integrate STEM and computer science, but more needs to be done.
For starters, educators should foster an environment where technology is seamlessly woven into the learning process. This encourages students to apply their digital skills across subjects.
Similarly, collaborative projects, tech clubs, and partnerships with local businesses and tech companies provide practical experiences and exposure to real-world applications. This requires that schools invest not just in computers, but modern IT infrastructure as well to support all these initiatives.
Computers used for teaching advanced computer classes demand robust specifications. When buying computers for your school from PCLiquidations, get computers with at least an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM.
A powerful processor allows the computer to run multiple applications easily. Since it’s usually impossible to upgrade the processor, always get the most powerful and latest model you can afford.
Also consider integrating more learning accessories, such as 3D printers, laser cutters, VR devices, and electronics kits. These help students design, prototype, and create physical and digital projects.
Choosing the right computers is just the beginning. A school-wide commitment to embrace Ed Tech is important to ensure your students get the best start for a tech career.
Computers can work magic in school administration. They maximize efficiency when it comes to maintaining records, managing schedules, and communicating with parents and students.
Traditionally, teachers dedicated at least 18 hours a week to non-instructional duties, including administrative work and communicating with parents.
Integrating the best computer technology in non-teaching duties, such as digital grading, attendance tracking, and lesson planning tools, can save substantial time.
If you’re purchasing computers for administrative school work, your needs will be different from those of students. You’ll want to get a more high-end computer that will last longer and be more reliable.
If you can afford it, we suggest getting one with the latest processor, like Intel Core i9 10900K, Ryzen 9 3900X, or better. For memory, get 16GB or more (you can upgrade this in the future). Pair it with a vibrant display, such as Apple’s Retina display.
For storage, get computers with solid-state drives (SSDs), which are 10–20 times faster. Hard drive technology is now outdated and is slowly being phased out.
Another important factor is ease of use. Unlike students, school administrators and teachers may find it hard to adapt to the latest technology. Computers should have an operating system that is user-friendly and intuitive, such as Microsoft Windows and Apple’s macOS.
The other factors to consider when buying computers for school administration depend on your needs. If you opt for laptops, for example, battery life and other portability features are crucial.
We also recommend that you prioritize security and long-term durability to make the most out of your investment. PCLiquidations.com offers a wide range of computers at different price points. If you would like help with finding the right computers for your school, talk to us and we’ll help you choose.
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Pro Tip: Schools aren’t known for their generous budgets, so get computers that require minimum maintenance. Some brands can get obsolete in as few as three years, while some can be used for 10 years or more. For the same reason, get the most recent models you can afford. |
Your school may not have the budget for the most modern computers, or one that allows you to buy all the IT equipment you need. Luckily, there are other ways to get funding and donations to ensure your school has enough computers and related equipment for all students.
You can ask around for organizations that donate computers to schools. For example, computer charities, such as Computer Aid, Tech for Success, and CAEI, donate computers to eligible institutions for free or at a small handling cost.
Similarly, partnerships with technology companies such as Alphabet (Google) and Meta can yield donations, discounts, or grants aimed at enhancing digital infrastructure in schools.
Locally, you can partner with businesses who can donate used or new computers and equipment as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Collecting financial contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations is a challenging but worthwhile way of acquiring computers for your school.
Here’s a summary of some ideas on successful fundraising events for a school:
Most of our customers struggle with their computer budgets, so we’ve become experts at helping schools find affordable computers. Let PCLiquidations help you find computers at the right price.
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Volunteering your time and skills is another valuable way to help your school integrate technology into the classroom.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
Your time and skills are valuable resources. By volunteering, you’re not only helping the school but also making a positive impact on the students' education and future.
In today’s digital age, computers for school work are not a luxury but a necessity. They not only make learning more engaging but also prepare students for a tech-driven future.
If you’re a teacher or school administrator looking to equip your classroom with computers, PCLiquidations.com is a great place to start. We offer a wide range of affordable, refurbished computers perfect for educational use.
Our friendly team is here to guide you through the process of choosing the best computer models for your school. Remember, by investing in computers for your school, you’re investing in your students' future.
1. Promethean World. (2023, March 24). State of Technology in Education Report 2022-23. https://www.prometheanworld.com/microsites/state-of-technology-in-education-report-2022-23/
2. The Future of Jobs Report 2023. (n.d.). World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/in-full/
3. Buentello-Montoya, D. (2023). Computers as a tool to empower students and enhance their learning experience: A Social Sciences case study. Education Sciences, 13(9), 886. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13090886
4. Simões, S., Oliveira, T., & Nunes, C. (2022). Influence of computers in students’ academic achievement. Heliyon (Londen), 8(3), e09004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09004
5. The Future of Jobs Report 2023. (n.d.-b). World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023/in-full/
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Top 10 fastest growing occupations. Retrieved April 4, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/emp/images/growing_occupations.png
7. Kurtz, H. (2024, February 16). A profession in crisis: findings from a national teacher survey. EdWeek Research Center. https://www.edweek.org/research-center/reports/teaching-profession-in-crisis-national-teacher-survey
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