The Challenge
Initially aligning itself as an Apple school, Alta-1 encountered significant obstacles when transitioning to incorporate Microsoft 365 tools into its educational infrastructure. The school faced notable disparities and operational inefficiencies, as their existing devices failed to effectively support class activities, resulting in frequent data loss and limited integration with essential Microsoft 365 applications. These hindrances not only delayed student progress but also created barriers to efficient teaching practices. Alta-1’s Head of ICT, Simon Grant mentioned “A lot of things just did not work. There were quite a few problems with the equipment we had before. It was configured in a manner that would not benefit the class. It made it harder for students,” highlighting the urgent need for change.
Solutions IT Approach
To address the challenges impeding its educational objectives, Alta-1 sought the expertise of Solutions IT, a trusted Managed Service Provider (MSP) and the institution’s long time IT partner. Reflecting on the partnership, “Alta-1 works with very complex young people. They are very mindful of change and implementation of change so it has to be very, very carefully managed,” said Shelley Forbes, Alta-1 College Network Principal. “It needs to be strategic. It needs to be well mapped out and well planned.”
Collaborating closely with Solutions IT, Alta-1 strategically opted to transition to the complete Microsoft ecosystem, encompassing Microsoft 365 and Surface devices. Through meticulous planning and consultation, Solutions IT proposed a tailored solution involving the deployment of 800 student laptops, 180 staff laptops, and additional Surface Pros for mobile staff members. This comprehensive approach aimed to deliver an integrated technology solution that would enhance educational outcomes and empower students and staff alike to leverage the innovative Microsoft tools for more effective teaching and learning experiences.
The Result
The strategic alignment with Microsoft solutions brought about a transformative shift in Alta-1’s educational landscape. The introduction of Surface devices revolutionised the way students engaged with learning materials, promoting seamless collaboration and personalised learning opportunities across diverse environments. With the ability to access their Microsoft 365 accounts from any location, students could effortlessly retrieve documents from OneDrive and commence their work promptly, fostering increased productivity and engagement. Encapsulating the positive impact, Shelley shared, “The feedback from students has been really, really positive. I was in Katanning recently and the students there were telling me how fantastic it was to be able to just have the device where you can just write on it.” This underscored the versatility and functionality of the Surface devices, providing a tangible demonstration of how technology could be harnessed to optimise the learning experience and empower students to achieve their academic goals.
Why Solutions IT?
Solutions IT emerged as a key partner in Alta-1’s journey for change, offering unparalleled expertise, strategic guidance, and seamless integration of Microsoft solutions within their educational framework. “At the beginning of the year, we had Heart Days where we had Microsoft and Solutions IT in attendance to be available to work with staff for any obstacles or hurdles they may have experienced over the summer break,” said Shelley.
By leveraging Solutions IT’s support, Alta-1 was able to navigate the complexities of change management effectively, ensuring a smooth transition to a more robust and tailored technology ecosystem. Solutions IT’s commitment to providing end-to-end solutions that enhance educational outcomes underscored their dedication to empowering educational institutions to unlock the full potential of technology in shaping impactful learning experiences for students. “I’ve just been so encouraged by the change that we have engaged with, and I know that while we’re only at the beginning of our journey, the fruit is yet to come, and I’m excited to see where that goes,” Shelley added.
