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Dell Connected Classroom Solution Unlocks Potential of the Digital Age for Canadian Schoolchildren

March 25, 2010 | Toronto | gci clients

Today Dell launched its Connected Classroom learning platform for Canadian schools with the support of  the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) at Sir Adam Beck Junior Public School. Dell’s Connected Classroom is designed to help schools integrate information and communication technologies (ICT) into every aspect of the learning environment. It combines products such as interactive whiteboards, education netbooks, tablet PCs, digital cameras and video conferencing with services, software and training to give educators and school administrators the practical framework and tools they need to transform teaching, and make learning in the digital age a reality for their students.
 
Today’s children have grown up with computers and the Internet, but many of them still have to disconnect from that familiar technology when they go to school. ICT usage in schools has not fundamentally changed the way children are educated. Most lessons are still taught by a single teacher standing in front of a class. In Canada, 95 percent of students have access to school computers but only about 60 percent of them use educational software. By integrating technology into every aspect of learning, teachers give students the means to learn at their own pace, interact with each other and explore the world around them.
 
Dell’s Connected Classroom uses a wide range of devices that help pupils connect, collaborate and learn. It helps teachers to personalize learning by offering different instruction techniques according to the individual learning styles of the pupils. With student response systems and software, teachers can determine immediately if students understand the subject matter. These systems can also be used to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills. Teachers can view all connected student workstations simultaneously in an adjustable thumbnail size. Students can work simultaneously on the interactive whiteboard and teachers can electronically capture notes from the class discussions and share them with the students for review. Secure access to the school network from any Internet-enabled device allows pupils to work anytime and anywhere from the classroom desk to the kitchen table.
 
A more advanced component of the Connected Classroom platform is the Virtual Classroom, which uses Unified Communications to allow students to participate in lessons when they can’t be in the classroom. Entire classrooms can be linked together so that they can collaborate on shared projects and lectures. Students can gain access to classes run by other specialist schools. Subject matter experts from universities, industry, arts and culture can enrich lessons through a webcam-equipped PC without having to travel to the classroom.
 
Dell brings this comprehensive solution to Canadian classrooms along with a number of leading global vendors, including Intel®, Microsoft, eInstruction, Aruba Networks, Mediatech, Crestron, Quest Software™ and Kensington as well as local suppliers.

The Connected Classroom includes:

• Purpose-built Latitude™ 2100 netbooks featuring Intel® Atom™ processors and innovations like optional touch screens that can be used with Web 2.0 tools. Plus, the new Dell Mobile Computing Station cart with Lapsafe, which allows IT staff to manage software and upgrades remotely from a central hub, significantly reducing cost and complexity. The Latitude 2100 netbook can handle the most robust applications, giving students versatility for more intense projects such as video editing and collaboration. For teachers, the
  
• Latitude XT Tablet is a high-performance device that is ultra portable and ultra intuitive. With multi-touch screen and pen, it permits greater teacher-student interaction. The unit is powered by the Intel® Core™2 Duo  processor.
  
• Dell projectors, interactive whiteboards from eInstruction and audio systems help teachers differentiate instruction for multiple learning styles, individualize lessons for each student’s needs, and encourage students to collaborate and communicate.
  
• Dell ProSupport technical support and remote systems management.
  

Additional resources:
Dell Latitude 2100 Launched
Dell Education Community Blog
Dell Latitude 2100 images on Flickr

About Dell:
Dell (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to its customers and uses that insight to make technology simpler and create innovative solutions that deliver reliable, long-term value. For more information visit www.dell.ca.  

For more information, please contact:
Leslie Taschner, GCI Group for Dell
(416) 486-5913
Leslie.taschner@gcicanada.com
 
Julia De Laurentiis Johnson, GCI Group for Dell
(416) 486-5911
Julia.delaurentiis@gcicanada.com