UCD – a strong value proposition for your school

The first step is to justify the value in one device. It’s about more than replacing most of the other technology in the classroom because you’ll be able to explain that this is a step change that will help future-proof classrooms for the medium term. 

While a UCD looks disarmingly like a large flat-screen monitor, it’s what is packed inside that turns this one device into something like a silent teacher aide. Our Newline devices combine:

• Full PC capabilities – full open platform, agnostic connectivity
• Cameras, microphones, and speakers for two-way communication
• Phone connectivity
• Sturdy infrared touchscreen with optical bonding ‘whiteboard’ capability

In one efficient and uncluttered device, teachers can retain control of the ‘edtech ecosystem’ – a blanket term for the digital teaching aides used in a lesson and make the most of all the resources and creativity available. And no special training is needed – one plug ‘n play power source, no cables, and full portability and adjustment if mounted on a stand. 

• Changeable sizing – enlarge or reduce any image
• Export screen capture to email or save to anywhere
• Full video conferencing on Teams, Zoom, and others
• Inbuilt teaching apps and access to Newline’s app store, or use the school’s library of apps
• Hard connections HDMI and USB C if needed, or anyone can cast wirelessly to the device
• Teachers can broadcast wirelessly to a student’s device – in the room or remotely

What takes Newline devices to the next level as a wise investment?

Health and safety priorities in the classroom are always a top priority. Our Newline Q+ screens offer:

• TUV-certified antimicrobial coating – constant cleaning between users is not needed
• An advanced blue light regulating technology – Newline creates a blue light filter from the source, adding KSF Phosphor substrate to the LED backlight. 
• Optical bonding technology – the touchscreen is hard-bonded to the back screen, so if there’s an impact, the glass won’t shatter and the screen is sturdy to move and touch. This also greatly enhances the touch and writing quality.
• 2 x 20W speakers, a 15W subwoofer, microphones with an 8m pickup range, and 4K, 178O viewing all offer extremely high quality for accessibility to the furthest corners.
• Ergonomic menu position on screen.
• Devices can be used continuously for up to 10 hours daily with no burnout effect.
• Data and privacy are protected via embedded Android 11 OS, and Android Safe Mode.

While new technology does emerge at speed, the design intention is that Newline UCDs are built to absorb software updates while making the most of proven, long-standing quality standards, and robust hardware and software. 

Lowered cost of ongoing support 

The cost of ongoing support for classroom technology is an important factor but one that’s tricky to cost into a business case, due to its complexity and subjectivity. But you can say with confidence that a UCD solution like the Newline Q+ can help reduce your IT support team’s workload by reducing requests for replacement cables and peripheral devices, assistance with connection difficulties, and last-minute panic calls. 
 
When you add everything up, we expect that Newline’s benefits and cost of ownership over its life will compare favourably to the benefits and costs of purchasing and supporting multiple disparate classroom technologies.  With the backing of FUJIFILM Business Innovation Australia’s well-known educational support and expertise, school managers are assured of strong, continuing service relationships and strategic advice when needed. 

The information here could help you to overcome any objections right up front. While Newline is a leader in UCDs, the market is growing exponentially, because the common-sense approach of combining seven devices into one is just a logical progression in technology.

Grant applications – answering criteria

UCDs are strong contenders for funding grants to upgrade teaching and learning technology. You may be asked some fairly common questions, such as:

• How does the technology provide value for public money?
  - The Newline Q+ series represent extremely good value. They’re built for maximum durability and are compatible with multiple apps and personal devices. When used correctly, expect over 50,000 hours of useable life, even using the display up to 10 hours per day.
  - One UCD replaces the need to purchase or upgrade up to seven pieces of peripheral multimedia devices and connections.
  
  
• How will users benefit from this technology above others?
  - Because it’s instant start plug ‘n play, there are no tech delays in getting lessons started. Students are engaged and interactive from the very start and can access equality in learning, no matter where they are.
  - Teachers find the controls very intuitive – they’re designed to look and feel like their laptops. With the broadcast and cast functions, teachers retain control over the presenter(s), content, and access at all times. 
  - Demand for IT support staff will be minimal. With wireless connectivity, there are no cables to be lost, peripherals that don’t connect, or software that requires complicated processes. 

If your school is considering furnishing new classrooms with edtech, or upgrading old devices like projectors or interactive whiteboards, it’s worthwhile investigating how a Unified Collaborative Device solution could take care of multiple procurement activities, and open a world of new possibilities for teaching and learning for your staff and students.