Helping primary schools get more from their technology

Here at Computeam, we believe that schools will always get the most from technology purchases when it’s part of a considered digital strategy and supplemented with ongoing technology training to help maximise investment.

With these principles in mind, we’ve partnered with Acer to deliver digital training for educators when they order new devices.

Through our CompuSkills Rewards scheme, schools can earn £10 training vouchers for every Acer Chromebook, laptop, or mobile device purchased, which can be used to access a wide range of courses designed to help staff use classroom technology more effectively.

One school taking advantage of this scheme is St Gilbert’s R.C. Primary School, which recently invested in 40 Acer Chromebooks. As a result, the school earned a £400 voucher, which they used for two training sessions focused on getting the most from their new devices.

Children in a classroom using desktop computers

Why St Gilbert’s chose Chromebooks

St Gilbert’s decision to invest in Chromebooks was driven by their goal of enhancing digital accessibility, increasing their use of Google for Education tools and replacing outdated devices. After some consideration, Chromebooks stood out as the best fit for their needs owing to several key benefits:

Cost savings compared to other device options
Built-in security, with zero reported ransomware or virus attacks on Chromebooks
Seamless Google Cloud integration, allowing instant access to files upon sign-in
Accessibility advantages, with 33% fewer pupils requiring additional support tools
Long battery life and fast boot-up times, ideal for long, active school days

Alongside these digital tools upgrades, the school was keen to ensure that staff could confidently integrate the devices into teaching and learning. This is where the CompuSkills Rewards vouchers made a real difference.

students using desktop computers in school

A training plan designed to improve technology impact

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Computeam worked closely with Headteacher Hayley Tyldesley to understand the school’s priorities and design a training plan that would deliver real impact. The result was a two-part training programme:

Session 1: Teachers – Focused on integrating Chromebooks into everyday teaching, using a PedTech approach to help staff see the devices as essential tools in the classroom.

Session 2: Teaching Assistants – Designed specifically around digital accessibility features, ensuring that pupils with additional needs can fully participate in learning.

Early feedback from the first session has been hugely positive, with staff gaining practical insights into how to use Chromebooks effectively in their classrooms.

Feedback from the school users at St Gilbert’s

100% of staff had never used a Chromebook before, so it was understandable that when rating their confidence before the training session, they scored themselves a 2/10.

There can be no better endorsement than the rating staff scored themselves after the session; a hugely improved 7/10. When asked if there was anything they’d definitely take away from the training, they told us it was the ability to change web pages in the Chrome browser to suit children with different reading needs.

The Compuskill vouchers funded by Acer have been invaluable in supporting our staff at St Gilbert’s. The training sessions for both teachers and teaching assistants have significantly boosted confidence in using Chromebooks, taking many from a basic understanding to discovering and applying exciting features in the classroom. Ultimately, our pupils benefit the most, as staff now have the skills and confidence to maximise the potential of this technology in their learning

Mrs H. Tyldesley - Headteacher, St Gilbert's RC Primary School

Extending learning with Learning Locker

In addition to their in-person training, St Gilbert’s has also invested in a subscription to Computeam’s Learning Locker. Our dynamic online training platform allows staff to continue developing their digital skills at their own pace, with access to training on Google Classroom, Google Gemini, and Google Workspace apps.

By combining hands-on training with ongoing digital learning, St Gilbert’s is ensuring their investment in Chromebooks delivers long-term benefits for both staff and students.

classroom with students using a desktop computers

Making IT investments go further

The CompuSkills Rewards scheme is designed to complement high-quality hardware with all the knowledge and support needed to use that hardware effectively within the classroom. With no limits on voucher accumulation, schools can save up for larger training experiences or redeem vouchers as they go, building a professional development framework that suits their needs.

For St Gilbert’s, this initiative has meant new devices, expert training and ongoing access to digital learning resources – all of which will help staff maximise the potential of their technology investment.

If your school is looking to upgrade their digital tools and get more from every purchase, speak to Computeam today about how CompuSkills Rewards can help.

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