Bring Your Own Device
We live in a world full of advancing technology and our aim with this scheme is to ensure that our students become technologically fluent in a safe and secure way. We will be using the approach of Blended Learning to achieve this.
Blended learning combines the use of technology with more traditional classroom methods. This approach means that the devices will be used to enhance learning but our key message to pupils is to always pay more attention to the teacher, not the technology, in the classroom.
Pupils will receive any necessary logins and information through their form tutor, and will be fully briefed on safety and security throughout the year. Teachers will give instructions on subject specific usage throughout the year as pupils become familiar with their tablet devices. Typical examples of lesson use would be graphing and drawing applications in maths, vocabulary practice in language and video analysis in practical subjects like music and art. Students will also be able to use their device to access DPR (for homework and curriculum progress) and Google Classroom (for year and form announcements).
Buying Your Device
We have worked directly with device manufacturer, ASUS, to build a custom specification Chromebook device. This device has been built to meet the demands of an educational setting, taking account of the power and performance of key hardware but also its durability. Unlike consumer units ordinarily purchased from a high street or online store, this device has been vigorously tested for an educational setting. Tests include drop testing; input-output port durability testing; hinge open and close cycle testing and pressure testing on the lid and bottom of the device. Whilst these tests don’t offer a guarantee against breakages, they do give peace of mind that these devices are built for an educational setting.Â
The negotiated cost also includes a manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years. This is a unique feature of the custom specification on offer.Â
Albion Computers, the Alban Academies Trust’s chosen reseller for this device also offer accidental damage cover and an extended battery warranty (of 5 years) for the device and the opportunity to enter a financial repayment scheme when purchasing.Â
Our chosen device
The custom specification device which will be sold by Albion Computers is the ASUS CR1104FGA. A sleeve style case will be provided with the Chromebook as part of the bundle available to purchase.
Technical Specification
Processor: Intel® N100 Processor
Memory: 8GB LPDDR5 on board RAM
Display: 11.6″ HD (1366 x 768) 16:9 Gorilla Glass Touch Screen
Storage: 32GB eMMC
Battery: 10-13 Hours life
Interface: 2x USB Type-A ports, 2x USB Type-C ports, with display and power delivery support, 1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack, 1x Micro SD card reader
Additional Features: Front Facing Camera: 720p HD and World Facing Camera. Rubberised edges.
Weight: 1.45kg
How to purchase the device and costs
Albion Computers have created a school specific portal where you can purchase the device bundle through a single payment or set up a finance agreement with a third party.
Please visit https://store.albion.co.uk/verulam/  to access our school’s dedicated store.
The cost of the device bundle, which includes a sleeve style case is ÂŁ373.20.
This price is valid for orders placed before 21st June 2024 and for delivery in early September 2024.Â
Through the portal you will also have the option of purchasing 5-year accidental damage cover and/or an extended 5-year battery warranty for the device. Cover is provided by the device manufacturer, ASUS. Costs for this cover are:
Accidental damage cover (5 years) – ÂŁ38.40
5-year battery cover – ÂŁ28.80
It is important that you review the policy details available at time of purchase.Â
Both warranty and accidental damage claims are logged and handled through ASUS and not directly with the school or trust.
