Gadgets for teachers: Holidays are winding down, and the countdown is already on for the back to school. It’s the time when millions of students are eyeing their favourite backpacks, but with them, teachers also need to plan for the year ahead and then get organised as best they can to avoid being found unprepared. In addition to studying the lesson and methods to keep the kids’ attention, teachers need to look carefully at what devices and tech accessories may be helpful for their work. Not least because deals on computers, tablets, keyboards, and hard drives abound these weeks, here are some must-have items and tips to ensure you are prepared for any eventuality. Keeping one crucial aspect in mind: just like students, schoolteachers also have an extensive list of promotions and discounts available for purchasing electronic gadgets, with reductions ranging from 10% to 50%.
Apple iPad Air
Whether you are a student, teacher or parent, the iPad is always a good buy because it remains the best tablet on the market. Considering that the latest models are the most powerful and capacious but also the most expensive, the choice between iPad Pro, iPad Air, or iPad depends almost entirely on your budget. One of the most cost-effective options is not to look at the latest models but at those from a year earlier. One example is the iPad Air 5 with a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, Apple M1 chip, 12MP rear camera and 12MP FaceTime Camera, 8GB of RAM and 64GB of storage (which is little, but enough if the device is only used for school). Ideal for viewing notes and using apps to plan lessons, the iPad is one of the first purchases to put on your agenda.
Acer Chromebook Plus 514
The potential choice to find the right laptop is complex because the offer is so vast. Before opting for a particular brand or model, the most important factors on which to base the choice must be considered: portability because a lightweight device is needed, autonomy because the battery must ensure several hours of battery life, the display because it must reduce eye fatigue from work that requires continuous long sessions in front of the monitor, and finally performance because power and speed of execution are primary aspects.
Ultimately, the budget counts, so we can look to Chromebooks, the PCs based on Google’s operating system designed to take advantage of the entire suite of Big G services. Among the many models, the Acer Chromebook Plus 514 may be a solution: it runs ChromeOS and integrates Google’s latest AI features, has a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display, Intel Core i3-1215U processor, 8GB RAM and 512GB storage. It has a 10-hour battery life, dual speakers, microphone and webcam, and weighs 1.43 kg.
Logitech MX Keys Mini
We often focus on devices but end up needing the necessary accessories to work well. The MX Keys Mini Logitech combines a portable-sized keyboard and mouse made of recycled plastic parts and backlit keys. Compatible via Bluetooth with Windows, Mac, iPad, Chrome, and Linux operating systems, it can be found online at a bargain price, and the comments of those who have bought it are the best guarantee to dispel any doubts.
Lenovo Hub Usc-C 7-in-1
We’re used to switching between smartphones and notebooks, then using a tablet, wearing headphones and earphones, adding external monitors to our PCs, and so many other devices that need the power plan to avoid finding them drained when we need them. That’s why an accessory like this one from Lenovo is ideal for keeping productivity high at home, at school, and in any other environment (when travelling). Available in black, it’s small enough to be carried in any backpack and not too expensive.
WD 5TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive
Our days now go by with managing avalanches of data, including text, audio, image and video files that weigh a lot and are destined for the cloud. We even pay a monthly subscription to secure more space. Another solution which allows you to have all your data safe from prying eyes is the old-fashioned external hard drive. An option that can save us from nasty surprises and offers endless storage, as does the 5TB model from Western Digital. Which costs just over €100.
Bluetooth trackers
They were not designed with school in mind because the primary target audience is travellers. However, even a teacher who has to manage many different devices and accessories can rely on a Bluetooth tracker to keep track of one or more objects. From Apple AirTag to Tile Mate, there are many options, and all are easy to use, as one simply attaches a tracker to the device and finds out where it is via the app. Small, water-resistant and with a range of over 75 metres, Tile Mate can be purchased for less than €20.
