Remember
school computer labs? Those shared-tech spaces often had the ambiance of a
musty library and typically held a collection of also-ran computers that were
far from the leading-edge of personal computing.
Today’s
kindergarten-through-high school students – the so-called digital natives who
know how to use a touchpad before they use a spoon – have radically different
touchpoints with their tech.
Still,
budget-strapped school districts often find themselves investing in low-end
computers that don’t always hold up in classrooms or struggle to support new,
digital teaching methods. That’s why HP has built an affordable, durable and
fully functional learning PC – the HP ProBook x360 11 G1 Education Edition,
powered by Windows 10.
The device,
which was announced today, responds to a shift that is being recognized in
classrooms across the country. Classrooms are increasingly transitioning from
traditional lecture-based methods to “blended learning” experiences, where
technology is at the forefront and small groups of students rotate between
different stations on various subjects.
For
example, some might be doing projects on the floor with tablets while others
huddle around desktop computers or use laptops to collaborate online with
students at different schools.
Most
teachers say they are using technology in these ways every day with their
students, and they expect to step it up in the coming year, according to a
survey by Front Row Education.
“The education market is a strategic growth
area for HP,” said Gus Schmedlen, vice president, Education at HP. “We pay
close attention to the unique needs of students, teachers and schools because
they are enabling the next generation of inventors, leaders and future
employees to go beyond note memorization and master creativity, collaboration
and critical thinking.”
HP is a big
player in the education market, having shipped 4.8 million PCs into schools and
universities during fiscal year 2016, according to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly PC
Tracker (2015Q4 to 2016Q3).
Built for
Schools
Durability
was an immediate design priority because, with blended learning, students are
constantly transporting computers, increasing the odds of dropped equipment.
With that in mind, HP took steps to make the HP ProBook x360 11 EE the world’s
thinnest, most rugged convertible PC.
It’s
encased in hard, industrial rubber and its screen features optional
damage-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass. HP engineers put the computer through
its rigorous HP Total Test Process, which involved dropping hundreds of
computers from an elevation of up to 30 inches (about the same height as an
average school desk) to make sure they could take a beating.
The device
is built around Windows 10 Anniversary Update, which delivers a wide variety of
innovation for the modern classroom. This new operating system enables
educators to get up-and-running quickly, which is important because nearly half
of U.S. teachers serve as their own tech support in classrooms. And Windows 10
is considered the most secure OS from Microsoft yet, which can help schools
prevent costly network breaches. There’s even an app called “Take a Test,”
which includes simple yet secure features for modern test-taking.
“We
collaborated with Microsoft on the HP ProBook x360 11 EE because they are helping
to redefine classroom learning,” said Schmedlen. “Teaching has changed
dramatically over the past few years, and we believe we’ve created a solution
that will adapt and enhance the education of young minds everywhere.”
Designed
for Learning
But first
and foremost, HP designed the HP ProBook x360 11 EE to enrich student learning.
The new computer includes many of the features that are found in consumer or
business devices, such as Microsoft Office OneNote. But it also has some
student-friendly benefits as well.
“It is the
world’s only convertible laptop with a dual camera system, which HP calls
Explorer Mode. Explorer Mode is used for project-based learning and content
creation and uses an optional 1080p FHD camera embedded on the keyboard deck to
let students take video in tablet mode while viewing in real-time.”
There’s
also an active pen for math, note-taking, annotation and art. And the standard
touchscreen interface is easier than a mouse for young children to manipulate.
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