m-newnham

Annotate.net is a good alternative to Smart Ink and has other features. Smart Notebook files can be imported into Smart Lumio and they run on chrome no problem, although the plugins wont import. There is a chrome extension for Lumio and it links in with google classroom. If you have smart boards this is coverd under the licence for the learning suite. Google Jamboard also covers basic whiteboard tasks.

Hey Folks, Just an update on my project to fully move away from MS at the primary school I work at. I have undertaken a trial this half term and for the most part Google OS / Flex can do everything the school needs. However, we are not going to make the jump just yet. The main reason is that all the teacher computers have fairly new aver visulisers which are used a lot. The aver sphere extension for chrome just doesnt function properly. I am working with aver on this. We also still require a server for a few legacy bits of software that I have not yet moved to cloud versions, i.e target tracker . We also use Smart boards with pens, and would have to convert the notbook files. This is not a major problem and one we can deal with. Also the smart ink software doesnt work on chrome. I found annotate.net which is a good alternative when used as a full subscription. Finally the print drivers in Chrome are not as feature rich. The stapler and finisher functions dont work for our main printer so users need to compelte these tasks from the printer instead of the computer. Overall, I may phase in some offices with chrome only this coming year and see how it goes from there. We can get by without MS Office.

Interesting to read other views on this. I'm going to look into this more next half term and will post my findings. If the change is going to happen I need to have all the bases covered. Admin staff is easy. Theres nothing we need in MS office that Google can't do. I have a few centrally managed printers but am pushing towards paperless where possible. School IT doesnt need to be complicated. I would save a lot of time and money not managing servers, anti virus, windows deployment etc People adapt to change ok when its forced on them

Hi Folks, Has anyone completely ditched MS products? I manage the IT in a primary school with approx 700 pupils. All file storage is now in Google Workspace and the MIS and other software has gone web based. Most classes have chromebooks and there are a few Ipad trolleys. Im increasingly thinking about not renewing MS licencing and converting office PCs, teacher PCs and the one remaining Windows suite of PC to Chrome OS with a view to ultimately free up the server room. Im aware there is some software that I may find a struggle to find alternatives but from a brief survey, Chrome and IOS have most things covered. Has anyone made this move? Cheers