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Apple technology is giving medical professionals the power to positively change the way they deliver healthcare. iOS devices come with a broad range of clinical apps that can support your day to day operations, and can ultimately change the way you engage with your patients, fellow clinicians and Trusts.

The App Store features over 40,000 apps that are changing the world of healthcare. Medical professionals can now use apps to provide faster, more personalised care both inside and outside of a hospital. Patients are also empowered to manage their own health outside the hospital with suggested apps, and medical researchers can now gather robust and meaningful data from larger, more varied populations.

We have listed some key apps which can help clinicians streamline their workload and provide more humanised patient care.

PatientTouch makes healthcare collaboration smart, mobile and simple with secure messaging, voice-over IP communications, and a consolidated view of alerts.

By connecting frontline clinicians to their patients and their care team, the PatientTouch app improves safety and efficiency, while reducing costs. Ultimately, the PatientTouch system allows you to spend more time on direct patient care.

Kainos is designed to give healthcare providers and carers secure access to patient information, regardless of the location. The app supports easy integration with other clinical systems using healthcare interoperability standards and is accessed using mobile apps that have been developed exclusively for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch.

The new platform is available on-premise, hosted in the cloud and is designed to meet the requirements of an increasingly diverse healthcare market, from large hospitals through to community and emergency care providers.

Formerly known as Vitalpac, CareFlow Vitals is our market leading electronic observation and decision support system designed to improve patient safety and outcomes.

It monitors and analyses patient vital signs to identify deteriorating conditions and provide risk scores to trigger escalation pathways.

Custom apps are applications you create and tailor yourself using the FileMaker Platform. These apps are the perfect replacement for paper.
Organize contacts, track medicines and stock, record events, and much more. The same app works on your mobile device, computer, the web, and in the cloud.

Want to understand more about upgrading to a modern device?
Speak to our healthcare team today, and learn about how Apple devices can transform your healthcare environment.

Delivering better care with more powerful technology

 
Why upgrade to iPhone?

The security on iOS devices means that NHS have full protection over their staff devices.
The stable and secure design, combined with the periodic software updates, will enable hospitals to be protected against security threats.
 
NHS staff can also easily access documentation and reports in real time from their iOS device, which speeds up everyday tasks and frees up more time to spend on patients.

We have listed below some of the supporting functionalities of an iOS device, which can help to improve overall productivity and efficiency for healthcare clinicians.
 

iOS with Cisco Collaboration Cloud allow users with VoIP to connect to their company’s phone systems with the iPhone. This brings significant cost savings for organisations because they aren’t using the cellular network and reducing their roaming charges.

It will remove the need for many users to forward calls from their desk to mobile numbers, and leverage additional apps that allow connectivity to key features. It will also mean that healthcare organisations have compliant mobile policies.

• Productivity gains for clinical staff
• Improved connectivity and reliability
• Secure real-time collaboration

Office 365 empowers health teams to work together with the right tools and solutions, allowing healthcare workers to securely share ideas and improve quality of care.

Office 365 can increase the effectiveness of their improvement processes, coordination of treatment plans, and enable research projects.

• Streamline communication & collaboration
• Make information easier to find and share
• Strengthen privacy, security, compliance

Apple Financial Services (AFS)

Trusts can get 20% more with your capital budgets with Device as a Service using Apple Financial Services (AFS). This flexible leasing programme is stress free and can be tailored to any deployment requirements.

AFS enables clinicians to effectively manage their technology lifecycle plans and provides expert advice around how to extract the most value from used devices.

Want to understand more about upgrading to a modern device?
Speak to our healthcare team today, and learn about how Apple devices can transform your healthcare environment.   

Reduce your workload with a brand new classroom assistant

It is a commonality across schools that teacher workload is too high. Teachers are forced to spend too much time on administrative tasks around data management, rather than focusing on the most important element of the profession; teaching.

With only 40% of their time actually dedicated to lesson planning and delivery, schools are recognising a need for change.

Teachers need access to tools that can help them to streamline their workflow and reduce their overall workload. There are so many tools with iPad at a teachers disposal that can provide valuable insight into
student’s progress and seamlessly collaborate.

The tools can provide instant feedback on school work, guide students through a lesson and keep the class focused on the task, as well as share information and documents with pupils, staff and the parents across the school.

Technology now has the ability to transform the way schools can approach reducing teacher workload. Admin time can be significantly reduced for both teachers and other staff at the school by implementing and utilising education technology effectively.

With this in mind, we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite apps for you to use in the classroom to help reduce teacher workload, so more time can be focused on delivering lessons that students will never forget:

Classroom: Your new teaching assistant

Requires iOS 11.3 or later. Compatible with iPad

Classroom turns your iPad into your very own teaching assistant. Through the use of Classroom you can guide your students through a lesson as well as monitor their progress. This app also gives teachers the capability to launch the same app every students iPad. Alternatively, you can launch different apps across each iPad if your students are working in groups.

“How can I trust my pupils to focus on the task at hand, and not launch different apps on their iPad?”
There is a feature on the Classroom app called ‘Screen View’, which allows teachers to view what is on each students iPad screen. You also have the power to lock or pause all iPad screens if there is a need to refocus the class, or focus on one particular element. At the end of the lesson, there is a capability to log all students out of Shared iPad so they can begin focusing on their next task.

“I have lots of files to share with the class. How easy is it to transfer files to each student via iPad?”
It’s now easier than ever to share files with your pupils. With just one tap, you can Airdrop any file to any iPad in the classroom. Teachers can then ask students to Airdrop their files to them in order to present their work at the end of the lesson – no more worrying about losing students work or important files! They can now be stored in one central location.

Schoolwork: A new base for you and your students

Requires iOS 11.4 or later. Compatible with iPad

This app is designed to help reduce teachers workload, and maximise every student’s potential. You can collaborate and provide instant feedback, tailor instructions to suit student needs, and more effectively organise assignments to automatically appear on students iPad’s. You can also keep track of each student’s progress, which will allow you to tailor the teaching needs to suit them.

Within the Schoolwork app is a feature called Handouts, where you can share a homework assignment, present collaborative documents including web links and photos, and even a specific link to an activity app.

Need some help getting started? Take a look at Apple’s teacher’s guide to the Schoolwork app for iPad – you can get yourself set up and using the app in no time! (https://www.apple.com/uk/education/docs/ getting-started-with-classroom.pdf)

“What’s the difference between Schoolwork and Classroom?”
Classroom allows you to manage the pupils in the class, whereas Schoolwork allows teachers to view the progress of each pupil. Classroom allows teachers to see the capability and performance level of each pupil within the group, and Schoolwork compliments this feature by give teachers a live view of how students are performing and managing the group task as individual performers. Another way in which the two apps compliment each other, is that through Classroom you can lock students in to view a particular screen, and Schoolwork allows you to highlight the content you want students to focus on.

Showbie: The Paperless Classroom

Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPad and iPhone

The Showbie app is fast, easy and extremely effective for assignments and student feedback in your classroom. Through this app, you are able to assign, collect and review student work from thousands of compatible apps. You can even have your pupils complete assignments with Showbie’s built in tools. You can also mark classwork using an Apple Pencil directly onto PDF’s and images… record voice notes for verbal feedback or language exercises… and even create individual digital student portfolio’s to add their work to.

“The school parents love to see examples of their children’s work in the classroom. Can this app help me share classroom projects with them directly?”
The collaboration doesn’t end with the students; you can also extend it out to the parents as well. This app allows you to invite school parents to view their children’s work, and keep them up to date and informed of classroom activity and homework tasks.

Seesaw: The Learning Journal

Requires iOS 9.0 or later. Compatible with iPad and iPhone

Seesaw is a digital portfolio that inspires your students to do their best work and saves a lot of time in teacher workload. This app is used in over 200,00 classrooms, and 1 out of 2 schools in the US.

This is an evolution of what would have previously been a ‘scrapbook’, where work can easily be damaged or misplaced. By creating a digital portfolio with Seesaw, this can be a space where students have the ability to express themselves, reflect on their learning and develop something that they’re proud to show to their teachers, parents and classmates.

Teachers can also collect student responses to classroom tasks, which means they have less papers to carry home each evening, and translate their notes, comments and captions into over 50 different languages – perfect for international or placement students.

“How can I find out more about the Seesaw app?”
You can visit the developers website here: www.web.seesaw.me . You can sign up free, and get more of an insight as to how teachers are using SeeSaw in their classrooms.

 
Speak to a specialist

Speak to one of our Education Specialists today, and we will talk top you in more detail about how XMA can help to assist you and your school with reducing teacher workload.

Email: schools@xma.co.uk
Tel: 01727 201820

 
Discover more

Speak to one of our Education Specialists today, and we will talk to you in more detail about how XMA can help to assist you and your school with reducing teacher workload.

Want to find out more about how iPad’s are being used in classrooms across the world?

Watch Apple’s Real Classroom Stories here: https://www.apple.com/uk/education/real-stories/

Want to know about other ways you can introduce iPad into your curriculum?
Read our blog on Augmented Reality in the classroom

With much heightened activity around Brexit, this XMA update is written following the sizeable defeat of the Withdrawal Agreement Bill in the House of Commons and the recent instruction that the Bill might pass if the EU agreed to significant changes in the backstop arrangements.

XMA’s Brexit committee can take no comfort in the UK Parliament’s stated desire to avoid a ‘No-Deal’ scenario on 29 March and continues to follow government advice to make best preparations for such an eventuality.

Key elements

Logistics

Much of the sector are highlighting the extreme difficulties that would arise in a ‘no-deal’ scenario including XMA’s parent company and main distributor (Westcoast) whose lead courier into Europe – Europa, state, that if either the UK or EU customs were not ready, this could lead to significant delays at channel ports.  The majority of Westcoast’s and XMA’s import and exports come/go through Dover-Calais.  At present, the likelihood of such customs readiness is extremely low and hence customers will experience both shortages and delays in receiving goods.  Perishable goods are likely to get priority leading to greater delays for IT and consumables.

Many PCs and Servers are built to order in Eastern Europe and XMA are working with manufactures and customers to ensure forecasted products can be held locally in the UK.  Our parent company Westcoast have purchased increased warehousing space to accommodate such requests and XMA are advising all customers to forecast demand beyond March 29 and engage with your XMA account manager to ensure XMA can place appropriate forward orders on your behalf.  Post 29 March, XMA recommend that customers should attempt to order stock available in the channel and reduce their reliance on specific build to order devices.

Through our parent company (Westcoast), XMA are also stocking increased quantities of a wide range of products from major vendors that are realising their supply chain is likely to be disrupted.  Whilst all vendors have been engaged, all have an array of plans to minimise disruption.  However, many will involve XMA taking increased inventory which XMA are ready for.

As the OEM of Viglen Desktop PCs, Ultrabooks and Chromebooks which are assembled in the UK, XMA have established all known customer forecasts for 2019 and have pre-ordered components to meet projected demand plus anticipated additional demand in the event that supply constraints are experienced across Europe.

Ireland

Through Westcoast Ireland, XMA are able to deliver next day to the majority of the Irish Republic and Northern Ireland from the stock based in the UK.  Whilst XMA are working with Westcoast to anticipate increased stockholding in its Irish facility in Tallaght, Dublin – this will be limited and hence Westcoast have a strong engagement with their delivery partner Primeline to ensure goods are delivered either through Dublin or Belfast, whichever is speedier.  Delays are inevitable in their opinion though.

Much the above delays will lead to increased cost of delivery which Westcoast will incorporate into the cost of the product and pass onto customers.

Exchange Rates

This is the Brexit Committee’s biggest concern given the general indication is that the British ports and customs processes are not yet adequately prepared for a no deal Brexit. A small delay will potentially cause huge delays to goods deliveries in both directions and non-perishable goods will not be prioritised. As a result, we are looking to take the following steps:

Tariffs

XMA’s parent company Westcoast’s Data Governance Office are working hard with vendors to ensure commodity codes are accurate and stored so that all paperwork contain appropriate identification for customs to clear/obtain excise duty.  Whilst there are very few products and regions that are anticipated to bear tariffs and Westcoast have not identified any on WTO terms at present – this may not always be the case.  Accurate identification of goods will be critical and forms the basis of much of XMA’s / Westcoast’s work at present.

Paperwork

XMA and Westcoast will use outsourced freight forwarders to process paperwork/customs waybills.  Most of XMA’s / Westcoast’s key suppliers are readying themselves for the increased workloads.

Incoterms

XMA receive most goods Delivery Duty Paid.  If XMA become responsible for any duty or carriage – these will be included in the cost of the product and passed on to customers.  Customers should be aware of any changes of terms from their suppliers and XMA will keep customers informed of any agreed changes and their effect.

Contracts

All key contracts cover the UK and no vendor with an existing all of EU and EEA contract with XMA has yet proposed a constriction to the UK only.  All have expressed their intention to include the UK as a region on the existing contract

Whilst there is still much uncertainty, the significant short/medium term issue affecting XMA customers is delay at the ports.  This will be mitigated with a signing of the Withdrawal Agreement and will allow the UK to build more robust custom procedures where required in collaboration with the EU.  XMA will continue to lobby parliament through our parent company Westcoast.

For any questions or queries contact our XMA Brexit committee at approvals@xma.co.uk

Read XMA's next Brexit Committee Update

In recent years we have been seeing a rise in the use of 2-in-1 laptops or convertible notebooks, often referred to as detachable devices. There are many reasons for this growth, with the ‘detachable tablets’ being seen a fresh approach to the market and a more flexible and versatile device for working environments, as well as the added increase in the need for businesses and students to go portable.

Many buyers will be considering which device is best suited and why. Here we look at the newly launched Toshiba Portégé X30T which offers strong competition to this market.

The Portégé X30T uses a full-size port layout in a tablet-style freedom. Featuring Intel 8th Generation processors and ultra-fast SSD storage delivers the unthrottled performance you’d expect, making light work of heavy tasks. With proven physical security and durability meets military standards MIL STD 810G and has been tested to pass TUV HALT standards which simulate three years’ usage.

Other features include:

• Up to 15.5hr battery life
• Optional LTE to keep you online
• Full size port layout
• Bio-metric multi-factor authentication for added security
• Military Grade robustness

High performance creative tablet

Also able to be used as a high performance tablet with a 13.3″ touchscreen and kickstand, you can boost your creativity with best in class hand writing or drawing via the optional Toshiba Universal Stylus Pen with Wacom AES Pen Technology optimised for Windows Ink.

The Standard of Toshiba Portégé X30T

What is very interesting about the Toshiba Portégé X30T is that you do not need to purchase a keyboard dock, as it comes bundled as standard, still with a battery life of an astonishing 15.5 hours.

There are optional accessories, to enhance your mobile performance:

• Sleeve protector
• Travel keyboard
• Ultra slim keyed cable lock

The Portégé X30T is available to buy by speaking to our team
or you can buy online by visiting the XMA store

Do you wonder how making the move to implement a modern Server Infrastructure can dramatically accelerate IT transformation?

In today’s digital economy, faster IT typically results in a competitive business advantage. A modern IT infrastructure is critical if you want to stay ahead of the game, because it comes with higher levels of process automation—which, in turn, drives increased speed, agility, scalability, reliability and cost-savings.

Implementing a modernised infrastructure is one of the fundamental steps in the journey towards transforming IT. Dell EMC offer Server Solutions designed to deliver IT transformation without compromise.
 

What makes for a modern Server Environment?

Essentially, it’s an infrastructure that focuses on operational cost-efficiency and puts automation at the forefront, this is achieved technology that can offer:

• Scalable business architecture
• Intelligent automation
• Integrated security

 
Implementing a smart server refresh to the latest Dell EMC technology is a decision that’s likely to pay for itself several times over in terms of operational improvements and cost efficiencies and IT maturity.

Additionally to this, organisations that operate modern server environments can see many tangible benefits:

• Faster application deployments that are more responsive to the rest of the business.
• Ability to move staff away from routine management to focus on more strategic IT projects.
• Operate compute environments they believe are as good as or better than public cloud services in terms of cost, agility, scalability and security.

 
If you want to discuss the benefits of Dell EMC Server Solutions, contact us on 0115 846 4000.
 
If you’d like to find out more about refreshing your Server Technology, use the contact form below to get in touch today.

December 2018 update from XMA Brexit Committee.

The latest XMA Brexit Committee meeting took place after the recent vote of ‘confidence’ in the Prime Minister. It is the Committee’s opinion that the likelihood of a ‘no deal’ Brexit increased and as such we are looking to firm up our position in relevant areas.

XMA’s objective is to minimise the effects of Brexit on trading and we are ensuring it does all it can to mitigate the impact of ‘no deal’. The agility and flexibility that XMA is renowned for will stand our business in good stead to help customers and vendors alike.

The British Chamber of Commerce has produced a thorough Brexit Checklist and we have found this a constructive way of enabling us to review all the no deal issues that may arise. The checklist can be found at https://www.britishchambers.org.uk/page/brexit/business-brexit-checklist and we recommend readers of this statement use it for their own preparedness. The checklist provides plenty of links to other official guidance. Your local Chamber of Commerce should also be of help for specific queries.

Workforce

XMA is taking steps to support its EU27 citizen employees – particularly those applying for the EU Settlement Scheme. This scheme is due to be open between March 2019 and 30 June 2021. Further information is available on the Government website, including an employer toolkit.

The future staffing of the business may be affected by UK immigration controls and travel between XMA established countries may also be affected. XMA will look to assist staff with their visa applications (if necessary).

Cross-Border Trade

XMA is ready with customs procedures and has expertise within the business to process imports and exports from/to the EU (as we do with non-EU countries today).

We are still investigating whether any goods are affected by tariffs (controlled goods), but it appears at this time that all IT and Consumer Electronics goods do not attract WTO tariffs. Appreciating that this is not guaranteed to continue, XMA will be training staff to ensure customs procedures can be met.

Potential delays

This is the Brexit Committee’s biggest concern given the general indication is that the British ports and customs processes are not yet adequately prepared for a no deal Brexit. A small delay will potentially cause huge delays to goods deliveries in both directions and non-perishable goods will not be prioritised. As a result, we are looking to take the following steps:

1. increase the size of XMA’s available storage capacity by working closely with our Tier 1 supply chain partners.
2. agree with vendors stocking models that will mitigate some aspects of the delays.
3. ensure that XMA has local configuration facilities in place to mitigate the, at times frustrating, channel tendency to configure a unique sku from the vendor (generally manufactured within the EU at present).
4. seeking legal advice to assess whether a no deal Brexit can be considered ‘Force Majeure’ when it comes to late delivery penalties/service level agreements. Clearly any delays will be out of XMA’s control however, if necessary, XMA is standing by to amend any contract where time of delivery is the essence.
5. working closely with our parent company (Westcoast) to investigate stocking capability within Westcoast’s Irish facility, where goods will be held as necessary to ensure a next day service to Irish customers continues. Westcoast’s courier to Ireland will increase its ability to ship via Northern Ireland where necessary.

Tariffs

XMA is reviewing the HS (international classification system) codes for all products we sell/distribute. It appears that there are no tariffs on most goods at present, although with current trade barriers being erected between the USA and China, continued vigilance will be required.

All import or export tariffs will be passed on through price increases from vendors or increases from XMA. This is in line with XMA’s existing terms and conditions of sale.

Rules of Origin

We understand that all XMA manufacturer suppliers are responsible for determining the source of their goods, yet we are writing to all to verify they are able to produce evidence upon request. As the manufacturer of Viglen products, XMA can evidence the source of all of our goods.

Other Customs points

XMA is not currently a member of an HMRC trusted trader scheme. We are assessing whether this would be advantageous, yet XMA is already fully conversant with Incoterms and Intrastat reporting.

VAT

Our parent company (Westcoast) has all necessary country specific VAT registrations to support customer purchases based all over the EU. Their in-house VAT experts are assessing any import VAT issues, yet most imports fall outside the thresholds.

Currency

XMA has a currency fluctuation policy and significant movements are passed on to the customer. We anticipate significant fluctuation in case of no deal, leading to significant and immediate price rises from vendors. XMA will ensure such rises are well communicated with as much notice as the vendor allows.

Intellectual Property

XMA hold UK Trademarks.

Contracts

A full review of customer contracts where EU law/EU geography is specified is underway.

EU Regulations

Notwithstanding EU regulations will cease to have direct effect on the UK once it leaves the EU, the UK has taken steps already to transpose most EU regulations into English law in any event (e.g. personal data or waste packaging). We therefore do not anticipate a material effect on the UK’s ability to comply with matters such as safety or transfer of personal data post departure from the EU.

Competition and State Aid

Changes made to competition regulation are unlikely to affect XMA or its business practices in the short term.

For any questions or queries contact our XMA Brexit committee at approvals@xma.co.uk

Edtech can play a vital role in enhancing and streamlining work related processes. Whilst at the same time, helping improve student learning outcomes and increasing effective and efficient classroom productivity for both teachers and students.

Our role as edtech specialists, perfectly positions us to support our customers in addressing this challenge, by always putting teaching first and championing the use of technology.

Here’s our thoughts on how technology can bring efficiency to some of the common teaching struggles.

Marking and Feedback

Google Forms
Relieve the pressure of marking tests by hand with self-marking tool such as Google forms where online assessments are easily built, and the task of marking multiple type answer questions can be automated.

Apple Schoolwork
Whether the feedback is in the classroom or in the next lesson, with Apple’s Schoolwork app on iPad, you can easily distribute, collect and feedback on assignments and collaborate with students 1:1 from anywhere – in real time. And when using Pages, Numbers or Keynote, you can instantly add written or verbal feedback directly to their work.

Microsoft Teams
Using Microsoft Teams, you can create, grade and feedback on assignments using familiar apps such as Class Notebook, and send back direct to each student.

Managing homework

Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams creates a digital hub that brings conversations, content, assignments, and apps together – all from a single experience in Office 365 Education.

Google Classroom
With Googles Classroom, you can manage assignments and communicate with students and their guardians from one convenient place and because Classroom integrates with other Google tools, you can instantly refresh curriculum with integrated education apps.

Handouts
Using Apples Handouts in the School Work app, you can send anything from announcements to assignments, in almost any format; including web links, PDFs or even links to activities within apps. Handouts can be sent to the entire class or one to one, ready for your students to instantly view and keep on track of actions they need to complete.

Collaboration

Microsoft Teams
Create a collaborative classroom with Microsoft Teams by keeping everything you need in one place with Class Notebook, Office apps and education apps, and engage students with rich conversations, video, and fun content. You can also streamline staff communication on school-wide initiatives using custom Staff Notebooks and bring teams together in any meeting with HD video, VoIP, and dial-in audio conferencing options.

G Suite for Education
G Suite for Education provides a suite of productivity tools to help students and teachers interact seamlessly and securely across devices. Teachers can easily create classes, distribute assignments and send feedback, anytime, anywhere and from any device with G Suite for Education.

Classroom
The Classroom app allows control over every iPad and Mac in class, so you can guide students through lessons and keep them engaged. You can also send and receive files with the entire class or one to one using AirDrop or present work on the big screen.

We are here to help you sail through your day

It’s not surprising that the stress of managing the teaching workload, is one of the main causes of high staff attrition rates and teacher shortages. Technology could help towards alleviating and streamlining some of these pressures.

Our team are experienced in consulting schools through these challenges. Get in touch today as we could help you find that work-life balance you’ve been hoping for!

Attending BETT 2019? We will be there in full force ready to help you along your digital transformation journey. For the opportunity to meet with one our specialists, or simply find out more around what we have on offer at the show see here. 

Book a meeting

The After School club

An exclusive event for school leaders, The After School Club is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how implementing technology and introducing it into your curriculum can be beneficial, cost effective and sustainable. If you plan on attending BETT and are interested in an Apple solution, this is the perfect opportunity to learn more. Find out more around the agenda and Register for your FREE place here.

Find out more

With many Schools, Universities and Education Establishments needing to provide fast, effective systems, there is pressure on the budgets to upgrade their technology. The good news is Intel have ‘broken the rules’ of previous system memory and introduced breakthrough technology  that allows users to take advantage of unprecedented responsiveness and amazing performance.

When used with HDD, Intel Optane memory offers SSD like PC experience that delivers high speed and responsiveness without compromising on storage capacity. The cost for Intel Optane starts from around £37 which means that you can add an accelerator to your system without the high expense of SSD, especially if you need high capacity storage. Optane is compatible with Intel 7th Gen technology motherboards/processors and later, with so many different types of users that can benefit from this.

What is Intel® Optane™?

Available in 16GB or 32GB modules which simply ‘slot’ into your motherboard, Intel Optane acts as an accelerator for your system. It works with a unique combination of 3D XPoint memory media with Intel’s advanced system memory controller, interface hardware, and software IP. What does this mean?  It means a smart and adaptable system accelerator that adjusts to your computing tasks — making everything you do faster, smoother, and easier. The intelligent software automatically learns your computing behaviours to accelerate frequent tasks and customise your computer experience, meaning faster searching, faster loading, and a faster system.

How does it benefit me?

Performance gains of upto 28% Faster overall system performance, upto 14x Faster hard drive access, and upto 2x faster everyday task responsiveness

Operational excellence with 3d XPoint Technology gives better endurance and faster than previous NAND Memory.

Predictability where Intel Optane learns to prioritise your files accessed regularly to have them available for you when you need them.

Fast SSD like transfer interface to rival SSD storage. Why not look at options to increase your storage capacity with HDD for lower cost than SSD.

How do I buy?

The best way to upgrade to Intel Optane is to speak to one of our specialists who can talk to you more about the benefits and explain the next steps. If however you want to buy Optane without speaking to our team you can make a purchase via the XMA store.

store.xma.co.uk

Contact us on 0115 846 4000 or use the contact form below to get in touch today

Apple Augmented Reality in your classroom

Mobile technology is providing new opportunities for learning in the classroom and teachers now have access to resources that can further enhance the learning experience. Alongside a teacher’s expertise in igniting curiosity and stimulating great questions, Augmented Reality (AR) can alter the learning environment and allow children to explore opportunities that weren’t previously possible.

Have you ever wondered what it was like to walk alongside dinosaurs?

Maybe you always struggled in science lessons when it came to learning about the human body?

Perhaps things would have been easier if you could have seen the human body in every detail, and see for yourself how all joints fit together.

AR in the classroom allows students to visualise what they cannot immediately see. Teachers now have the capability to bring this concept to life, and deliver some of the most inspiring lessons that pupils will ever experience.

XMA want to provide you with some inspiration for AR in the classroom, because there is a world out there ready to be explored – and it can all happen right there in the classroom!
 
Here are our favourite apps which can easily be incorporated into lesson plans:

Augmented Reality apps

My Very Hungry Caterpillar

Ideal for: early primary school
Requires: iOS 11.0 or later
This is a 3D interactive app, suited to early primary years. This is the perfect way to start introducing younger pupils to the world of AR and technology.
My Very Hungry Caterpillar teaches them the vital skills of responsibility; the children will need to nurture the caterpillar by feeding it and looking it after through every stage of growth until it turns into a butterfly.
This app will also teach them about evolution of growth; they will witness the caterpillar growing bigger and bigger until it turns into a beautiful butterfly.
 

Froggipedia

Ideal for: secondary school
Requires: iOS 11.0 or later
This apps provides new ways in bringing anatomy to life in your biology lessons, exploring intricate anatomical systems of a frog and its life cycle.
This app will help students to understand how a single celled egg can turn into a tadpole, then into a froglet and eventually to a full grown frog. By using this app, it means that there’s no need to physically dissect a frog in order to understand the full structure. This is interactive learning at its finest!

If you like this Augmented Reality app – try out ‘Brainapse’:
This is the same concept as Froggipedia, only this time with the human brain. Use this interactive app to engage your classroom in the functions of the human skull and brain. You can teach them about the different brain cells, experience how the brain communicates with the five senses and understand the timeline of the human brain evolution.
 

Complete Anatomy 2019

Ideal for: secondary school
Requires: iOS device
Used by 200 of the world’s top universities, this app is regarded as one of the worlds most accurate and advanced 3D anatomy apps.
This app includes a betting and dissectible human heart in 3D – there is no better way for your pupils to get up close and hands-on with the human anatomy. This app clearly explains and demonstrates pain and growth simulation and the different functions of the human body. Welcome to the future of science lessons.

Want to learn more about how to use iPad and apps in the classroom?
Get in touch with our team today