Remote Education Amid A Pandemic
You’re probably aware by now of the unprecedented change in the education system in 2020 amid the coronavirus pandemic. But what you might not know is the chaos created by the COVID-19 shutdown has opened the door for tech companies like Apple and Microsoft to develop further their remote-learning devices, applications, and other resources.
The iPad giant launched a remote-learning resource site created to give educators, parents, and students tips about remote teaching and learning, respectively. Apple has also improved its iCloud collaboration capabilities by allowing users to share entire folders and edit software (like iWork) even when you’re offline.
Apple has worked tirelessly to update its educational tools in this challenging time for those who work or attend elementary, high school, or university-level educational facilities. Schools around the country now have access to the second generation of the Schoolwork app. This app lets teachers manage assignments and information over the cloud. With the app, teachers can check students’ progress and share information and materials remotely.
Technology Rental Request for Educational Facilities
Apple Dominating in Distance Learning
The tablet market saw a “renaissance” in the second quarter of 2020 thanks to the spark in remote education and work-from-home trends due to the global shutdown.
According to a report by Canalys:
- Worldwide tablet shipments reached 37.5 million united, a 26% year-over-year increase.
- Apple’s iPad shipments grew by 20% during the same period, with 14 million units shipped. With this, the iPad giant assumed 38% of the tablet market share during the 2nd quarter.
- Behind Apple, in the tablet market, Samsung, Amazon, and Lenovo also saw a steep increase in shipment volume.
The recent success of Apple and Lenovo in the tablet market demonstrates that having a tablet offering, as a mainstream PC vendor, is an invaluable foot in the door when it comes to remote learning and working consumers.
In recent years before 2020, the tablet market had faltered. Still, due to the rise in remote work, learning, and leisure during the coronavirus shutdowns, the tablet market has seen a surge like no period in recent memory.
The resurgence in the tablet market was also facilitated by financial incentives for retailers and carriers and manufacturers ramping up production of these devices that are particularly useful during the coronavirus era.
iPad 4 Release Date and Expectations from the 10.8-inch Apple Device
There will be a product unveiling at Apple’s September 15th event titled simply “Time Flies.” While it’s uncertain exactly what this WWDC-Esque event entails, but we have some theories.
Reports say the iPhone 12 release event isn’t slated until October, so what will we see?
While initial reports claimed the event would be focused on the iPhone 12 alongside new iWatch and iPad hardware, it is now clear that “Time Flies” won’t feature the iPhone 12. Instead, the focus will shift to the 10.8-inch iPad and new details on the latest iWatch. However, there is still some speculation as to what exactly this means.
Will the 10.8-inch iPad be the new seventh-generation iPad, or is this a refresh of the iPad Air model, perhaps an iPad Air 3?
Some other expectations for the latest iPad include nixing the “Home” button, and bezels are assumed to be slimmer like the iPad Pro. It is also rumored that the Touch ID fingerprint could move from the home button (which will be nonexistent) to the power button. Experts also predict the latest iPad model would drop the Lightning port connection in favor of a USB-C connection and skip a generation of chipsets by offering some form of the Apple A14 chipset.
But how much will it cost? Rumors suggest the device will have a starting price of $649.
Update 9/15/2020: Check out all of the latest product releases from Apple’s Time Flies event today: Apple Event 2020: “Time Flies” with 2 New iPads, Apple Watch, and More!
When Will Schools Reopen?
Schools throughout the country remain closed this fall, and it’s unclear when they’ll reopen — or how the education system will change when they do reopen. In response to this, Apple updated its software that is used inside of schools, like it’s Classroom app, for times when students can start returning to school. This application allows teachers to monitor what students are doing on their devices.
Lack of internet and access to devices could lead to an “educational breakdown”
As educational institutions around the country shift to distance learning, teachers fear that students without access to the internet, or support to get their own devices, could be left behind.
One teacher from New York said at least 45 of the roughly 400 students at her school haven’t logged on to her school’s online program a single time.
The FCC estimates that 21 million people in the United States don’t have broadband connections with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps. More than a quarter of these people live in rural areas where broadband isn’t available because there simply aren’t enough customers.
Access to the internet, afford a computer, and the knowledge to use the internet properly are all issues that contribute to the digital divide in this country. These issues are particularly problematic for the millions of students whose schools have converted to completely online education.
Some schools offer live video streams, while others post assignments online and expect students to access content and assignments — but if students can’t log on to view their tasks, how are they supposed to get their education?
Technology Rentals can be a cost-effective option for schools to provide devices and internet to students who can’t afford it.
If your district hasn’t provided devices for its faculty or your students yet, an option many schools are going with is tablets or laptop rentals for remote learning.
Our most popular remote learning products are:
To learn more about schools’ remote learning, check out: Education Associations want remote learning for schools in high-risk counties.
Remote Learning Rentals with Rentacomputer.com
Are you looking to equip your students, teachers, and/or faculty with remote learning devices? You’ll have peace of mind in knowing Rentacomputer.com has provided remote learning rentals to a number of school districts during these difficult times. If you’re interested in having remote learning devices delivered to your teachers, staff, and students during the coronavirus outbreak, Rentacomputer.com and our Tech Travel Agents like Randy Moore can help equip your institution of learning with the necessary devices and technical support to keep the school year running smoothly.
Rentacomputer.com has a large stock of equipment that is ready to deliver that includes laptops, iPads, tablets, smartphones, WiFi hotspots, teleconferencing equipment, and more. Not only can we deliver your rentals, but we also offer custom configuration and setup so you know everything is in working order.
Furthermore, Randy can answer any questions you have about office equipment rentals–in any capacity, for any type of office. Contact Randy today at 1-800-736-8772 ext. 225 or fill out a fast, easy online quote form. You can also connect with Randy on LinkedIn!
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*Check out our Remote Learning Rates page
*While supplies last. Two-month minimum required. Minimum of (25) units per order, free shipping to one location for order. Sales tax where applicable. Rates only valid for educational institutions.
