CLASSROOM TECHNOLOGY
Navigating classroom technology: a sustainable approach to EdTech integration
A
s schools increasingly integrate technology into classrooms, managing and sustaining these digital tools becomes a growing challenge. From device accessibility to energy consumption, schools must balance the benefits of technology with eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions. In this Q&A, Cameron Eccles, LapSafe’s Account Manager and an industry specialist in classroom technology, shares insights on how schools can navigate classroom technology more efficiently, with a particular focus on sustainability and best practices for device storage and charging.
Technology is now at the heart of modern classrooms. What do you see as the biggest challenge schools face when integrating technology?
Technology has transformed education, making learning more engaging, interactive, and accessible. However, one of the biggest challenges schools face is ensuring that devices are available, charged, and properly maintained. Many schools have invested in devices such as laptops and tablets, but managing these
resources effectively—without adding strain on IT teams and budgets—remains a hurdle. Additionally, sustainability is a growing concern. Schools must consider the environmental impact of their technology, from energy consumption to electronic waste. Without proper strategies in place, device management can lead to increased costs and carbon emissions, making it crucial to adopt smarter, greener solutions.
Sustainability is a key topic for schools. How can they ensure that their use of technology is more eco-friendly?
Schools can take several steps to reduce their carbon footprint while still benefiting from digital learning. Here are three key areas to focus on:
• Smart Charging Solutions – Traditional charging methods can be inefficient,often overcharging devices and wasting energy. Smart charging systems can optimise power use, ensuring devices only receive the energy they need, which extends battery life and reduces energy consumption.
34
www.education-today.co.uk
• Efficient Device Management – Schools should have a structured approach to device storage, charging, and security. This not only prolongs the life of devices but also prevents unnecessary replacements, reducing e-waste.
• Responsible Procurement and Disposal – When investing in new technology, schools should consider devices with longer lifespans and repairability. Additionally, proper recycling programmes should be in place to dispose of old technology responsibly.
Energy efficiency is a major concern for schools. How can they reduce energy costs when using classroom technology? Rising energy costs mean schools need to be more strategic about power consumption. The way devices are charged plays a significant role in overall energy efficiency.
For instance, some schools still use ‘round robin’ charging, where devices charge one at a time, often wasting energy and leaving some devices without sufficient charge. Instead, adopting simultaneous smart charging allows all devices to charge at the same time, but in the
March 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
