There’s no denying that many aspects of modern life are going digital. The past two years have further reinforced the trend as the pandemic made us realise we can learn and work anywhere thanks to technology! Moreover, with 75% of jobs set to require strong digital skills by 2030, it’s clear that today’s students must be tech-savvy to succeed in their future careers.
In this blog, we discuss how providing modern ICT equipment in schools helps students prepare now for the digital careers of tomorrow!
Essential digital skills
In a time when technology is everywhere, the value of digital skills can’t be understated. 83% of educators believe that technology is necessary in everyday life and should be integrated into lessons. Lacking these skills could therefore significantly limit students’ future careers.
In an era of kids glued to their tablets, you’d be forgiven for thinking students engage with ICT often enough! However, in the classroom, students can benefit from guided teaching to help them develop critical ICT skills for later life. When schools are equipped with modern laptops and tablets, pupils can develop essential digital skills through hands-on experience, including:
- communicating via email or platforms such as Microsoft Teams
- accessing information online and assessing its reliability and accuracy
- creating and designing documents, presentations, and spreadsheets
- typing quickly with few mistakes
- using the Internet safely
By providing modern ICT school equipment in classrooms, the latest tech is no longer an inaccessible luxury for students. This means that, with relevant teacher guidance, students can transform their fascination with digital technology into transferable skills for the workplace!
Coding’s value in future careers
Going forward, coding appears to be one of the most in-demand skills employers will seek. Right now, coding is the fastest-growing profession in the UK – and the demand for this skill could exceed the supply of trained coders. Thankfully, there are plenty of pieces of EdTech to get students familiar with coding in an accessible and fun way!
In coding lessons, students can learn how to create and edit software, websites, apps, and games. Therefore, in addition to understanding how to use computers, they’ll be able to instruct computers for desired outcomes. What’s more, coding lessons also give students a chance to practice their numeracy and writing skills!
To prepare students for potential careers in coding, schools should look no further than classroom-friendly coding robots. These bots rely on play-based learning to make programming far less dull than it might sound! Coding becomes much more dynamic than just commands on a screen, as many of these robots feature sensors such as gyroscopes, accelerometers, and compasses.
The need to equip students with the latest tech
Although the likes of iPads and laptops are commonplace in schools, don’t assume that any old ICT equipment will do. Outdated IT equipment can be slow and incompatible with modern software and hardware. It also narrows students’ digital horizons. For instance, a study from Brother UK revealed that 80% of teachers need better IT access to improve learning.
Of course, bulk-buying new EdTech sounds pricey – because it is! Thankfully, by leasing this equipment, schools can spread the cost without expensive upfront payments. This enables them to access modern ICT school equipment affordably. What’s more, leasing allows for regular equipment upgrades, so students can always access up-to-date technology.
Learn more about leasing modern ICT school equipment and EdTech by talking to our rental experts today!
iPads for Education from Utility Rentals helps schools, acadamies, colleges and universities across the UK to acquire Apple iPads through affordable and tailor made rental solutions.
Our team of tablet wizards are fully in tune with the requirements of the education sector and will work in partnership with you to make the process of getting and maintaining iPads for your pupils and staff refreshingly straightforward.
