Top 10 Education Technology Devices for Hybrid Classrooms - Hybrid Learning in 2021

Schools are slowly beginning to adjust back to an in-person learning environment, but to do so safely requires patience and creativity. Today’s classroom are filled with technology, from more common tools like interactive white boards to emerging tech like augmented reality, not to mention tablets and laptops

During this unique time, ensuring that all students and faculty have the dependable technology they need is crucial to their advancement and education. As you begin to plan for the 2021-2022 school year, consider supplying one of our top 10 devices for education to your students and educators.  

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Laptops and Chromebooks for Education

1. Evolve Maestro E-Book

If you're looking for an entry level notebook specifically designed for education, look no further. This secure and reliable device is an all-in-one solution powered by Windows 10 Pro or Windows Education Licenses. Connectivity comes in 2 options: WIFI only or LTE/WIFI combination. Certified with every major US cellular carrier, you can ensure your students have the internet access required to attend class and complete their assignments, from anywhere at any time.  

2. Dynabook Tecra A40-G

You may be asking yourself: Who is Dynabook? Dynabook is a personal computer manufacturer that was created and run by Toshiba until 2019, when they were purchased by Sharp Corporation. With extensive experience and history in the personal computer market, Dynabook continues to churn out devices with a premium level of reliability and productivity.  

The Tecra A40-G is a budget-friendly, entry level PC with all the features a student will need. These devices are custom-build to allow for any personalization your school might need, such as increased memory, and unlike other 1:1 devices the lead time with Dynabook is very minimal. With up to a 12.5 hour battery life, your students can make it through their entire day of class and homework without needing to recharge. A large display and touchscreen capabilities are key features for your students, while the 1 year standard limited warranty is beneficial for your school's administration. This device runs higher than your average Chromebook, but the additional features and advanced built are worth it.   

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3. Lenovo 300e Chromebook 2nd Generation

If your school uses Google Classroom, this device might be for you. With a Chrome operating system, access to Google classroom has never been easier. This resilient device has a versatile 360-degree hinge,  bends into 4 modes for customizable engagement by your students, and is even drop and water resistant. The touch screen technology allows for a more hands-on learning experience and up to 10 hours of battery life means students can focus on their education all day long. 

4. HP Chromebook 14 

If you like the Chrome operating system of the Lenovo Chromebook, but prefer a larger screen or are partial to the HP brand, this Chromebook may be right up your alley. This device is well-loved by schools due to its powerful processor, fast and secure operating system, and access to thousands of Android apps directly on the desktop. With its full HD display and R3 graphics, your students will view their online classes and learning tools in crystal clear images. Not to mention, with a 1 year limited hardware warranty you can be sure that your students are getting the best out of their device.  

Tablets for Education 

1. Lenovo IdeaPad Duet

Unsure if your students will prefer a laptop or tablet? Let them choose for themselves with the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet. The unique design of the IdeaPad includes an detachable keyboard that is ultra-portable and connects to the device using magnetics. This device has a verified boot that helps keep files virus free and automatically runs updates in the background to keep your students safe and their school work uninterrupted. Students can login with their Google account and can access all their school apps directly through the Google Play Store to ensure productivity wherever they go. This portable device is the best of both worlds and your students are sure to love it.

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2. Microsoft Surface Go 2

This higher-end device may be a bit more costly than other tablet options, but for good reason. As a Microsoft manufactured tablet, the Surface Go is native within the Microsoft Suite and runs on the Windows Pro 10 License. With premium features like ambient light sensors, stereo speakers, and enterprise-grade protection, this device will give your students a high-level learning experience.  Your students can connect a detachable keyboard when writing papers, and use the build-in kickstand to prop up the device when on class video calls. Overall, this device should exceed your expectations. 

3. Lenovo Tab M10 FDH Plus (2nd Gen) 

If you're looking for a budget-friendly tablet without sacrificing quality, check out the Lenovo Tab M10 Plus. Operating on Android Pie, your students can access millions of applications within Google Play. Don't want them to view certain things? Kids Mode allows school administration or student's guardians to manage what they can view and for how long. With high quality visuals, increased screen-to-display ration, and premium speakers, your students will have all the immersive tools they need to learn.  

Devices for Faculty and Educators

1. Lenovo ThinkPad T14 AMD 

This Windows operated device will allow educators to teach and lesson plan confidently wherever they happen to be. Between the rapid-charging technology, long battery life, and high speed, staff can save time and be more productive than ever before. To ensure your sensitive data is safe, this device has an optional PrivacyGuard which keeps any passersby from viewing your screen and the laptop is tested against 12 military-grade requirements ensuring that no drop or spill will harm it. Save time, be more productive, and increase security all through this one device.

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With the largest screen size out of all our options, the Tecra A50 is specifically build with an emphasis on productivity and performance. During this unique time, the needs of a classroom are always changing so dependable devices for your staff is crucial to the success of your students. Running on a Windows operating system, this Dynabook laptop is perfect for schools who utilize Microsoft 365 and Teams, as it is native within the environment. Additionally, with a 10.3 hour battery life your teachers can conduct class, grade papers, and lesson plan without needing to worry about charging the device.   

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 8 

The ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a certified by Intel® for mobile performance and delivers long-lasting power, no matter where your staff is. Increase productivity with always-on responsiveness that can go from sleep to browsing the web in 2 seconds. These devices can be WWAN configured with LTE to ensure that your staff has reliable internet access on the go.  Like the ThinkPad T14, this device is tested against 12 military-grade requirements to ensure that the device will still run even after leaving it in your freezing car overnight or knocking your fresh cup of coffee onto it. You and your staff are sure to love this ready-for-anything device.  

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