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iOS 10 is Budget Risk for Schools

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ipad2On September 13, 2016, Apple will release iOS 10 and will stop providing updates for iOS 9.  While iOS 10 is reported have some great new features, the real story for schools — particularly those with iPad programs — is the impact on existing devices and budgets. ZDnet remotes that as many as 40% of existing iPads will become obsolete — a statistic that will certainly push many schools to consider accelerating new iPad purchases and/or move to other devices.

With the release of iOS 10, the following devices will no longer receive iOS updates:

  • iPad 2
  • iPad 3rd Gen
  • iPad Mini
  • iPhone 4s
  • iPod Touch 5th Gen

Schools committed to using iPad 2s, and iPad 3s through the 2016-2017 school year now face the prospect of increased security risks and loss of application support.

Apple is shortening the lifecycle of its devices.  Sold from March 2011 through March 2014, schools may find their devices becoming obsolete in less than their planned 3 year lifecycle.  Looking forward, this trend will impact lifecycle planning and budgets for schools with iPad classroom and 1:1 programs.

Chromebook Solutions Featured at Google Apps for Education Summit

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Google Apps for Education New England SummitCumulus Global (www.cumulusglobal.com) announced that the company is sponsoring the Google Apps for Education New England Summit, being held this weekend at Burlington High School in Burlington, MA.  As part of the company’s participation, Cumulus Global CEO Allen Falcon will conduct a workshop entitled, Google Apps and Chromebooks: Building a Successful 1:1 Program, that will discuss the many facets of planning and management a one-to-one Chromebook program.

“As with any educational technology plan, deploying Chromebooks to individual students requires planning beyond device selection,” stated Allen Falcon, CEO of Cumulus Global.  “In the session, we will discuss many facets of successful 1:1 programs that impact teachers, administrators, and students.”

Google Apps and Chromebooks: Building a Successful 1:1 Program will discuss device selection, device management, curriculum integration, professional development, and expanded use of Google Apps.  The session will also discuss budgetary and financial options.

More information about the Google Apps for Education New England Summit is available at http://ma.gafesummit.com/, by following #gafesummit on Twitter and Google Apps for Education Summits on Google+