A Preview of 2024, Part II: Extending the Life of EdTech with OPS

In part I of this series, we reviewed the significance of EDLA certification for the future of EdTech. Educators in 2024 will soon become accustomed to doing much more in the classroom with Android 13 versatility, tightened security over school data and the ability to launch essential Google apps natively instead of through a browser.

Today, we’re discussing the next logical step – finding a way to upgrade the screens that are already in-service to be just as powerful and adaptable as any 2024 model. Schools, and really any other organization that operates on a tight budget, had to decide between replacing their hardware or making due with aging tech. Clearly, there was room for a third option.

Keeping Up with Advances in EdTech

Interactive displays in the classroom have revolutionized teaching methodologies. As students have gotten more active, many more have taken ownership over their preferred learning path. Teachers have been freed up to show, not tell, as they have long advised their students.

In a 2023 EdWeek article on the teacher sentiment, 73% agreed that their school’s EdTech investments have truly paid off in terms of measurable outcomes.

Interactive tech in particular has shown tremendous value in engaging students and fostering the kind of collaborative learning environments that get results. We have seen over and over how teachers who were initially reluctant or even skeptical about interactive displays have turned into their biggest champions.

It’s understandable then that administrators and teachers agree that a piece of EdTech that works should work as long as possible. Responding to their feedback, we began to explore alternatives to replacement. Specifically, they have been eager to hear about extending the life of their existing displays.

The arrival of OneScreen OPS with Android

This month, we introduced a new plug-and-play OPS (Open Pluggable Specifications) module that replaces the brain of a perfectly good screen with the most up-to-date tech. Those who are considering updating their screens with OneScreen OPS tend to say that one of these four factors are the primary reason for the switch.

1 Lowering school costs while improving ROI

Cost-effectiveness is always a winning proposition. With limited budgets allocated for educational resources, schools and institutions must carefully manage their expenses. Purchasing new 2024 models of interactive displays can be a significant investment, while the OPS approach allows educators to upgrade their existing displays at a fraction of the cost.

2 Expanding what’s possible in the classroom

Another key advantage of OPS integration is the increased versatility and interoperability that comes with Android 13. OneScreen OPS modules are designed to be compatible across a wide range of interactive display models. Educators can now connect seamlessly to a range of learning apps without depending on school IT to create APIs as workarounds. Additionally, the OneScreen OPS modules often come with integrated features, such as advanced processors, heightened security and connectivity options. This makes it easier for educators to run resource-intensive apps and multimedia whenever they need it.

3 Working on a simpler, customized interface with less passwords

The attraction of interactive displays is that they are simple to use in the first place. The challenge for manufacturers is to find the right balance of simplicity and options. The more you are able to do, the more you have to learn. The OneScreen OPS solves this through single sign-on (SSO) and customizations. Those who use the display most can customize the interface to highlight the most valuable tools and sign into many of them at once. This simplicity factor encourages teachers to do more with less. The benefits of the latest EdTech should be easily accessible to all educators, regardless of their technical proficiency.

4 Minimizing the environmental footprint

As educators, there is an inherent responsibility to promote sustainable practices in the classroom. Opting for OPS modules instead of disposing of perfectly functional displays reduces electronic waste and contributes to minimizing our environmental footprint. By extending the life of interactive displays through OPS integration, teachers actively participate in the circular economy, promoting a greener approach to education technology. OneScreen OPS modules help schools stay as current as possible with ever-evolving educational apps. Students need practice on the kind of technology that will be relevant in the workplace.

Greater Access for Greater Success

As the demand for interactive displays continues to grow in classrooms worldwide, educators face the challenge of providing cutting-edge technology within limited budgets. Integrating OneScreen OPS modules into existing displays enables teachers to extend the life of their equipment and embrace the benefits of newer technology without the need to purchase brand new models. With cost-effectiveness, increased versatility, sustainability, and seamless integration, OPS modules are becoming an effective choice among educators. By utilizing OPS modules, teachers can enhance their teaching capabilities, empower student learning, and ultimately create a dynamic and engaging educational environment.

In our final article of this series, we will go into detail on what’s possible and which outcomes you can expect from the EDLA certified classroom in the year ahead.?