Schools get high-tech with Dell

Three new schools, created under the last government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) scheme, have invested in a managed service solution from Dell to engage with students more effectively.

The Derbyshire schools – The Bolsover School, Springwell Community College and Heritage High School – have embarked on a 10-year deal that will see Dell provide back-end solutions as well as new IT resources in the classroom. The deal with Heritage High School was funded through £1450 per pupil capital allocation, with an ongoing revenue charge per annum.

Technology implemented in the schools includes tablet devices, netbooks, laptops and desktop PCs. Dell has also provided the schools with equipment from competitor Apple, as it conceded that for certain purposes, Apple's products satisfy the students' needs better.

As part of the agreement, all three schools also have an onsite Dell technician, helpdesk and remote assistance available for support. In addition, the schools will see two technology refreshes delivered by Dell over the 10-year contract period.

Dell said that it set out to implement training procedures that would improve teachers' skills using ICT, and give them more confidence when using technology. In addition, the Dell is providing a single sign-on facility for all students and staff across the various services offered by the schools.

In addition, Dell is providing a fully managed datacentre for delivery of central ICT services, an ICT Service Desk and a central Operations Management Control Centre.

"The internet is helping to support learning and communication between learners and their teachers between home and school, and between students – something that has taken off more since the Dell systems have been installed at The Heritage High School," said Don Spencer, headteacher at The Heritage High School.

"Handheld devices, mobile phones and recording equipment are also seen in the classroom and contribute to the deep learning experience. It is an exciting place to be."