Author: Alison Kelly

Over the course of Term 3, 2022, Tranby undertook a review of our learning devices and systems. Current research into the use of computers in education identified three key factors we needed to consider:

• Portability – allowing the learner to take their learning out of the classroom and using technology to support teaching and learning in different ways;
• Flexibility – providing students with a mix of devices from a desktop or laptop to a tablet offers them the best possible options that allow for personalisation of their learning experiences; and
• Digital Ink – being able to ‘write’ with a pen-like object helps the learner with deeper knowledge processing. People who type notes or documents have the same level of recall of facts and figures as a person who writes, but a person who writes can process the information at a deeper level, making their learning richer.

Based on the above, we decided that a tablet or a 2-in-1 device would best suit the needs of our students. Google Chromebooks, iPads, Microsoft tablets, and 2-in-1 devices were evaluated. It was apparent that the Chromebooks would not meet our immediate or future needs. Upon comparing iPads and Microsoft, we felt that the Microsoft option would allow our middle-primary to Years 11 and 12 students the best of a tablet and desktop experience. Due to its application-based system, the iPad would not suffice all our needs. Upon evaluation, as a school, we selected Microsoft Surface as our new device (and this is being rolled out as per the table below).

From 2023, students in Early Learning (K – 2), will still have access to Apple iPads as we feel that the application-based platform works well for our younger students. Students in Years 3 – 6 will transition to a Surface Go with a keyboard, digital pen and bumper cover. Students in Years 7 – 12 will transition to a Surface Pro with a keyboard, digital pen, and bumper cover. Roll out of these devices are detailed in the below table.