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Key considerations for charging stations in education

Mobile devices are ubiquitous in the United States today. No matter where you are—the bus commuting to work, the coffee shop enjoying a beverage, the ballgame, the dog park, even the movie theater—people are using Chromebooks, iPads, smartphones and other devices for learning. Of course, that also goes for schools, where millions of laptops and tablets are used by children every day as learning tools.

As mobile devices multiply in the classroom, charging and storing those devices in a limited space can be a logistical challenge and a security risk. Eaton’s line of Chromebook and iPad charging stations for schools, available in desktop, wall-mount and mobile versions, can help solve those problems of cable sprawl and missing assets.

This article will help you choose and implement the best charging station for your school’s needs.

Understanding your device needs

The first question you must ask, of course, is: What is a charging station for schools? A charging station is a cabinet that can house and charge dozens of devices at one time. To ensure all devices are protected, the best charging stations are made of steel and have lockable doors.

To determine which charging station fits your needs, you must make an inventory:

  • How many digital learning devices do you have?
  • What type are they?
  • Do they charge via USB or AC power?

 

Eaton currently sells charging stations that can store and secure as many as 48 devices at a time. Even if you have fewer than that, say, 24 devices, in your classroom, you may want to consider getting a charging station that can store more than that. It is possible you may add or upgrade devices down the road, and it would be easier and more economical to prepare for their storage now.

 

Types of charging stations for schools 

Charging stations are available in desktop, wall-mount and mobile versions. When exploring your options, consider how students will access their devices. If the tablets or computers will be used in the same space every day, like in an individual classroom, a charging station placed on a desk or mounted on a wall is a great choice.

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Desktop charging stations take up the least amount of space in a classroom, usually on a shelf or other flat surface. They provide charging, secure storage and cord management for as many as 10 devices, making them ideal for small groups or shared teacher/student devices.
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Wall-mount charging stations arrive fully assembled and require some user-supplied tools and hardware for installation. The advantage of wall-mount over desktop installation is that it maximizes available space and lets you house and secure devices out of the way, like in a hallway or common area.
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Mobile charging carts include rolling casters and handles for moving devices from one area to another. For instance, if Chromebooks or iPads are being shared among multiple classrooms or departments, you can efficiently roll a cart full of them down the hall. Even if you aren’t sure you need an iPad charging cart for school, many Eaton charging stations can be converted to carts using a simple kit.

Safety and security considerations

The ability to protect devices from tampering and theft is essential. A classroom of devices can easily exceed $10,000 in hardware costs alone. Most school districts can’t afford to replace lost or stolen devices, not to mention that missing devices mean lost learning time.

Many Eaton charging stations for schools maintain tight security over the devices they contain. They are made from durable steel and feature a locking mechanism with included keys. Some also come with an optional padlock hasp for extra security against theft, damage and tampering.

Built-in cable management promotes clutter-reducing organization by keeping cables and cords tangle-free and AC adapters hidden from view during use.

Select models even feature antimicrobial protection that helps resist the growth of bacteria, viruses, fungi, mold and mildew. Built-in ultraviolet lights help disinfect devices at the touch of a button by destroying most microbes without the use of damaging heat, liquids or chemicals.

Charging efficiency and power management

Eaton charging stations for schools are available in USB and AC charging versions. USB charging is ideal for tablets such as iPad, Android, Kindle and Microsoft Surface models, as well as for smartphones. USB charging carts and charging stations also support both wired and wireless syncing to update software, back up data and return devices to standard configurations.

AC charging stations and carts accommodate larger devices that plug into outlets, such as Chromebooks, MacBooks and Windows laptops. An AC model can also charge tablets and phones using the adapters that came with the devices. AC charging stations support wireless syncing.

Select models include surge suppression and EMI/RFI filtering, which help protect the connected tablets and laptops from damage resulting from power surges or electrical line noise.

User-friendly design

Both students and teachers will find an Eaton charging station easy to use. 

  • Charging ports in select charging stations are split evenly into color-coded charging zones to support more devices and higher wattages without overloads. 
  • Heavy power adapters store out of the way in removable baskets. 
  • Device spaces are numbered for easy identification, so there is no confusion about which tablet belongs to which student.
  • Power cord wraps keep the input cord out of the way when moving the charging cart and makes for a tidier appearance when the cart is unplugged and not in use.
  • Removable or adjustable dividers let you customize the interior space to accommodate thicker devices like older laptops.

Supporting digital learning initiatives

Mobile devices, such as iPads and Chromebooks, are becoming so popular in schools that many classrooms have attained a “one-to-one” program – that is, one device for every student or “1:1”. With so many devices in use, an efficient, easy way of keeping them fully charged is essential. Thus, an iPad charging station or iPad charging cart for schools is necessary.

This is also the case when doing standardized testing. Some students will forget to charge their Chromebook. Others will misplace their charger or forget to bring their device to school that day. An Eaton charging station, preferably with extra devices charged and ready to go, can alleviate this problem. Being prepared with every student having their device charged and ready to go helps keep the classroom running smoothly and cuts down on wasted time that would be better used for instruction.

Staying within your budget

You should allocate the bulk of your valuable budget dollars to your students, not to hardware. To help, Eaton charging stations are eligible for E-Rate funding.

E-Rate is a federal program administered under the Universal Administrative Company (USAC) under direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It is designed to provide libraries and schools with access to affordable high-speed broadband internet and Wi-Fi. Through E-Rate funding, K-12 school districts and libraries lacking the financial resources or a strong tax base have the opportunity to purchase new networking hardware and IT services at a discount.

Eaton charging stations for schools require little maintenance, and they are backed up by limited warranties that help protect your investment.

How can you get started?

Hopefully this article has answered most of your questions about the advantages of Eaton charging stations in schools. For others, you can always contact our knowledgeable support team for answers and details.

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