As of March 2022, over 17,000 Covid-19 cases were reported from New Zealand schools and early learning centres. Nearly 4500 were students, and 700 cases were teachers and support staff.
It’s been challenging for teachers and students in Auckland, with 88 per cent of schools currently dealing with the virus. Although this isn’t too surprising since the Auckland region has the highest number of Omicron cases nationwide.
Several schools like Western Springs College, Papatoetoe High School, and Nelson College are moving to rostered learning to cope with staff shortages.
As schools nationwide cope with the increasing number of Covid-19 cases, the need for reliable remote learning devices has never been more urgent.
While education institutions have rapidly evolved in recent years, Microsoft remains true to supporting students and educators with technology designed to deliver better learning experiences.
Windows 11 was designed and built during the pandemic to address the challenges schools face in remote learning. The Operating System is more powerful, yet simplified, clean, and fluid, aimed at making communication and collaboration between learners and educators easier.
Enhancing learning through Microsoft 365
Educators can give students the potential to unlock their creativity while providing a simple and secure experience across all learning ages and levels.
Equip students for success using Microsoft 365 in the classroom, which includes applications they’re already familiar with, like Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote. The new edition is optimised for the new era of digital and remote learning, making it easier to collaborate in virtual classes.
Windows 11 is designed for hybrid learning by embedding collaboration tools within software applications, making it easier for students to engage and connect with their classmates, replicating interactions like in a traditional learning environment.
Build collaborative virtual classrooms with Microsoft 365 - which includes Microsoft Teams. In Windows 11, Teams is more accessible, being built into the core of the new OS and integrated into the taskbar, making it easier and faster for educators to connect with their students and colleagues.
In a typical classroom, most students still use textbooks and notebooks to write notes, but this may not be as effective, especially for remote learning. With OneNote, students can make personalised notes on their device, an alternative to tedious pen-and-paper notetaking, allowing them to draw, annotate and include illustrations to supplement their learning.
Secure and distraction-free environment for students
With the return to remote learning, due to the increasing number of Omicron cases in the community, educators can have peace of mind knowing students are safe from threat actors with Windows 11 OS.
Microsoft has improved their security protocols to prevent student devices from being compromised. Especially with the rising numbers of cyberattacks in the last two years, Windows 11 ensures students remain secure no matter where they're located.
Microsoft has also released a new, secure and cloud operating version of Windows 11 built for education – Windows 11 SE makes learning more accessible to every student.
Windows 11 SE is built for educators who need a simple, streamlined interface OS with customisable and restricted app control access, creating a distraction-free environment for students.
Easy for IT to deploy and manage
With Windows Autopilot and Intune, schools can preconfigure new devices, getting them ready for students to use straight out of the box. IT managers don't need to worry about the long and time-consuming process of setting up Windows OS on students' devices.
Windows Autopilot is a faster, more reliable way to deploy Windows OS and applications on new devices. Schools can also personalise the device in advance by adding the school logo or applications students need for learning.
A variety of styles fit for all learners
Windows 11 devices are built for education and are sensibly priced to accommodate schools at varying price points from vendors such as HP, ASUS, Lenovo, and Acer.
They’re sturdy and durable, made to withstand the rough and tumble of everyday student use.
Whether the curriculum calls for digital inking technology, 2-in-1 laptop and tablet devices, or touch screen, there is a Windows device that will fit any student’s needs.
Get Windows 11 devices with DaaS for Education
PB Tech’s Device-as-a-Service (DaaS) for Education programme covers several powerful Windows devices perfect for all educators and learners.
DaaS for Education is an innovative new way for education providers to revolutionise device management and spread out the cost of device ownership.
The service can be adjusted to suit the needs of any school, giving you the ability to equip educators with the right device for the computing power they need. Talk to our education specialists today to learn more.
