Microsoft Windows 10 Upgrade Guide for Education

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1 Microsoft Windows 10 Upgrade Guide for Education A comprehensive guide for Educators, School Administrators and IT Professionals The best Windows 10 devices and apps Education licensing options Deployment and migration tips WINTER 2015

2 Introduction Educators want to know: Is it time for Windows 10? Welcome to the newest edition of our Windows 10 migration guide, with special features and information tailored to teachers and IT professionals in Education. We decided to revisit this guide, which we first published in Fall 2015 to help schools work through the most complicated aspects of getting ready for Windows 10, including: Why schools should upgrade to Windows 10 The best hardware options to fit your budget Features and apps teachers will love The licensing options available for Education Read on to discover if Windows 10 is the right move for your school. 2

3 Overview Section 1: Why Windows 10? reasons to seriously consider Windows 10 Additional features Why Windows 10 rules the classroom A world of apps Section 2: Powerful Hardware, Priced Right Windows 10 devices, starting at just US$189 Section 3: Licensing Options and Upgrade Changes...12 Windows 10 Education edition Windows-As-a-Service Software update cycles End of Service packs How students can get Windows 10 for free Section 4: Deployment Services and Training Resources How to determine readiness Deployment options Training and resources for teachers 3

4 Why Windows 10? Should you upgrade to Windows 10? It s a key question many school boards have been reviewing. To help you make an informed decision, let s start with the top reasons why schools are upgrading to Windows Reasons To Seriously Consider Windows One converged Windows platform behind it all Windows 10 provides students and teachers with a platform for collaborating, exploring, and getting things done. It enables engaging learning experiences to elevate student outcomes and transform education. This platform comes in a range of leading Windows devices, so schools can choose what best fits their budget. Management and deployment tasks have also been simplified to help lower costs and fit your school s needs. 2. Better learning outcomes Windows 10 empowers teachers to create a dynamic learning environment that excites and inspires students to learn and grow. Windows 10 is friendly and familiar, and supports a wide range of learning peripherals and education apps, like Corinth Classroom and Kno Textbooks. Windows also provides several tools like Microsoft Class Dashboard and OneNote Class Notebook, which enable better collaboration and communication, and like Snap Assist and virtual desktops, to help teachers stay organized and get more done. With Continuum, Windows 10 education apps and content adapt to display seamlessly across a variety of devices, even as you transition from one to another. 3. Affordable devices and solutions This is a big one for our Education clients. The latest Windows devices on the market inspire 21st Century learning, but don t force schools into a one-size fits-all device ecosystem. Windows 10 devices continue to provide more choices for all learning styles and price points; for example, touch-first devices that help young students learn how to write with on-screen inking. Windows is also committed to inspiring students with cutting-edge devices like Surface Hub and HoloLens. 4. Safety & Security The last few years have seen an unpredicted increase in the number and severity of enterprise security threats. Windows 10 goes beyond just building bigger walls and delivers entirely new ways to help protect your teachers and students identities, data and devices. Features like Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello make it easier than ever to deploy and use biometrics and multi-factor authentication to strengthen identities. Windows 10 also delivers new ways to help protect information from leaks or theft critical in BYOD scenarios and better ways to help protect devices from damaging malware and inappropriate apps. 4

Why Windows 10? 5. Simplified Deployment & Management Windows 10 helps schools reduce the cost and complexity historically associated with managing and deploying Windows devices.

5 Why Windows 10? 5. Simplified Deployment & Management Windows 10 helps schools reduce the cost and complexity historically associated with managing and deploying Windows devices. With Windows-as-a-Service, school devices can always be up-to-date and secure, while deploying at the right pace for your school. In-place upgrades and dynamic provisioning enables schools to leverage their existing devices, while simplified management and deployment tools like Mobile Device Management take the complexity out of upgrading devices. Additional Features Additional features to note about Windows 10: Faster boot up and performance: Windows 10 starts up and resumes faster, making the most out of your hardware, and making users happier too. Built-in security: Protects against viruses, phishing, malware, and spyware. Regular updates protect you from the latest threats. Its built-in security is designed to work with the software and hardware you already have. Windows Hello: No more passwords the option to log in with facial recognition or fingerprint instead. Coming soon to Canada. Cortana: The intelligent assistant comes to Windows, helping users execute tasks such as taking notes and setting reminders using their voice. Gestures, voice and pen: Users will be able to use gestures, such as waving their hand, to activate specific applications and accomplish small tasks. Similarly, the OS works nicely with additional input such as pens and voice. Hardware options: Expect new form factors optimized for the converged touch OS to come out in the months ahead. 5

Why Windows 10? Why Windows 10 Rules The Classroom While the features outlined above are compelling, here are a few more that highlight why Windows 10 is a winner in the classroom. 1. The platform you never outgrow With the widest range of device choices, Windows devices can reach all grade levels.

6 Why Windows 10? Why Windows 10 Rules The Classroom While the features outlined above are compelling, here are a few more that highlight why Windows 10 is a winner in the classroom. 1. The platform you never outgrow With the widest range of device choices, Windows devices can reach all grade levels. Windows tablets are great for consuming content for K-3 learning their ABCs. Windows laptops starting at US$189, are great for creating content and collaborating Office 365. Windows laptops with increased storage and 2-in-1 devices that enable touch and pen input are important to run larger education software, and supporting pen input With the same operating system across all form factors students don t need to learn a new one as they move up in grades. K Beyond 6

engage students and enhance their learning.

technology available for tablets and PCs that lets you write or type directly on webpages.

7 Why Windows 10? 2. Thinking in ink Windows offers a premier inking experience across devices and applications that engage students and enhance their learning. Students and teachers can easily mark-up webpages using Microsoft Edge the only built-in technology available for tablets and PCs that lets you write or type directly on webpages. Research shows students who diagram thinking with a pen, using an application like OneNote, score 25%-36% higher than those who only use keyboard when solving science problems. ( Computer interfaces and their impact on learning by Sharon Oviatt) 7

connected devices in the classroom, from printers, to cameras, and even

It also works well with new educational resources, including websites

Collaborative learning on all devices Windows runs on the largest range

Choose from web, mobile, and desktop versions of apps that allow for a

8 Why Windows 10? 3. Compatibility king Windows is compatible with the widest range of connected devices in the classroom, from printers, to cameras, and even digital microscopes. It also works well with new educational resources, including websites running on Flash and interactive digital textbooks. 4. Collaborative learning on all devices Windows runs on the largest range of devices. Choose from web, mobile, and desktop versions of apps that allow for a dynamic classroom, and encourage collaboration creativity, critical thinking and communication skills, such as OneNote, OneDrive and Office 365. Students can work on the same documents at the same time within the same classroom, or from different parts of the world. 8

Our range of great devices and learning technologies allow teachers to reach students with a

Kinetic learners can learn by doing using touch and pen input.

9 Why Windows 10? 5. Designed for all learning styles Windows provides the right device for the right need. Our range of great devices and learning technologies allow teachers to reach students with a range of learning styles and abilities. Kinetic learners can learn by doing using touch and pen input. Audio learners are supported as all audio files run on a Windows device. Solitary learners can unplug and sit in the library while continuing to consume and create content as Windows devices runs both online and offline. >> See even more reasons to upgrade here << 9

Windows marketplace, from early learning games, to study aids and apps to

Here s a sample of the categories and apps available for Windows 10: ART,

devices and ages CLASSROOM TOOLS My Homework: a planner app that helps

Back in Time: a stunning exploration of the history of our universe,

of classic word games like hangman and stories to help teach English to

Seuss Green Eggs and Ham: an interactive experience of the classic story

10 Why Windows 10? A World Of Apps For Educators There are thousands of education apps in the Windows marketplace, from early learning games, to study aids and apps to help you manage the classroom - with more being added every day. Here s a sample of the categories and apps available for Windows 10: ART, DESIGN, PHOTOGRAPHY Doodle Pad: a simple drawing application for all devices and ages CLASSROOM TOOLS My Homework: a planner app that helps students stay organized by tracking classes, assignments and tests HISTORY Back in Time: a stunning exploration of the history of our universe, Earth, life and civilization LANGUAGE ARTS English Club: a fun collection of classic word games like hangman and stories to help teach English to young children EARLY LEARNING Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham: an interactive experience of the classic story book MUSIC Piano Time: a full set of tools for touch devices, to enhance learning the piano Find the perfect app for your specific needs. Download a curated list of the TOP 100 EDUCATION APPS HERE 10

Powerful Hardware, Priced Right Windows 10 Devices, Starting At Just US$189 You don t need to sacrifice budget to take advantage

US$189. starting from $189 Acer - Laptop - 11.

Tablet - 10 Encore 2 Touch: Yes starting from $269 Lenovo - Laptop - 11.

6 Inspiron 14 3000 Series Touch: No starting from $299 Lenovo - 2-in-1 Convertible - 11.

11 Powerful Hardware, Priced Right Windows 10 Devices, Starting At Just US$189 You don t need to sacrifice budget to take advantage of Windows 10, with an affordable lineup of devices for the classroom, including laptops, tablets and 2-in-1s starting at just US$189. starting from $189 Acer - Laptop Aspire One Cloudbook 11 Touch: No starting from $199 HP - Cloudbook - 11 or 13 Stream 11 Touch: No starting from $249 Toshiba - Tablet - 10 Encore 2 Touch: Yes starting from $269 Lenovo - Laptop IdeaPad 100s Touch: No starting from $299 - $379 Dell - Notebook - 14 or 15.6 Inspiron Series Touch: No starting from $299 Lenovo - 2-in-1 Convertible Yoga 300 Touch: Yes starting from $329 Asus - 2-in-1 Convertible Transformer Book Flip Touch: Yes starting from $449 Dell - 2-in-1 Convertible Inspiron Series 2-in-1 Touch: Yes starting from $499 HP - Notebook ProBook 11EE Touch: No *All prices in US$ Contact Softchoice for device recommendations, or to request a quote

Licensing Options and Upgrade Changes Introducing New Licensing Options for Education Unlike previous Windows operating systems, Windows 10 now has licensing specifically for Education.

12 Licensing Options and Upgrade Changes Introducing New Licensing Options for Education Unlike previous Windows operating systems, Windows 10 now has licensing specifically for Education. The new Windows 10 Education includes all of the functionality of the Enterprise edition, while allowing in-place upgrades from Windows 10 Home or Pro. Windows 10 Education builds on Windows 10 Pro by adding enterprise-grade features to address the advanced security and comprehensive device control & management needs of today s educational institutions. It s built to simplify deployment in the education space, providing a direct path for many devices to upgrade from Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro, without the need to wipe and reload the OS. Windows 10 Education will be made available through academic volume licensing. Windows 10 Education includes Current Branch with programmatic entitlements to Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 8.1 Enterprise for customers desiring a previous version. MDOP is included as a standard component of the Education offering, at no additional cost, to help administrators manage their IT environments. With Windows 10 Education, Student Use Benefit is a licensing benefit of the EES, OVS-ES, and School programs. When institutions license faculty and staff at full coverage, students are granted a free upgrade to Education edition. For more information on licensing options, see Page 14 of this guide. 12

13 Licensing Options and Upgrade Changes Windows-as-a-Service, Software Updates and the End of Service Packs Microsoft is changing the way it delivers software updates with Windows 10. Security patches will continue regularly, as needed. But instead of waiting years for new features and fixes to be bundled into massive Service Packs, Microsoft will release these regularly, and more responsively, in a new approach they are dubbing Windows-as-a-Service. The new direction will ensure problems and features are delivered faster and more efficiently than previously possible. Windows-as-a-Service requires organizations to rethink how they deploy and upgrade Windows. It is no longer a project that happens every few years ; it is a continual process. By combining these simpler methods (for example, in-place upgrade) with new techniques to deploy in phases to existing devices, you can reduce the amount of effort required overall. Is the end of Service Packs good or bad news? This depends on who you ask. Many pundits applaud this change for ensuring the operating system can fix its errors faster. That said, it also potentially spells trouble for larger businesses that require longer test and dev times of new releases to ensure application compatibility. So what are they to do? Frequency of Updates On Autopilot or Manual? Microsoft still needs to address the concerns of larger organizations that are slower to adopt updates due to stability issues. There are now three distinct paths you can select for receiving updates. 1. Automatic: As with consumer versions, all updates come immediately, without any input from IT or end user. 2. Short term, Current Branch Release (recommended by Microsoft for educational institutions): This enables you to hold back updates until the timing is right in your semester. It gives you the opportunity to test out applications, and (most importantly) roll out updates at a time that will have minimum impact on teachers and students. 3. Long Branch: Delay updates until your school is prepared to upgrade. You will need to purchase Software Assurance for this. Note: Long Branch option not available with Windows 10 Education edition. You would need to use the LTSB bits in Windows 10 Enterprise. Consult with our Microsoft licensing experts for more info. 13

14 Licensing Options and Upgrade Changes Licensing Options for Educational Institutions The Academic Volume Licensing program that is best for you depends on the size and type of your institution, and how you want to acquire Microsoft licenses and Online Services. There are two types of programs available: subscription and perpetual. SUBSCRIPTION LICENSING Subscription licensing allows you use the products that you license plus covered upgrades and downgrades over the licensing period. Subscription licensing is great for schools that want: Access to the latest technology at the lowest upfront cost The convenience of counting people or computers once per year Easy compliance by knowing all users or computers are licensed for the year Automatic Software Assurance coverage PERPETUAL LICENSING Perpetual licensing allows you to purchase software licenses so your organization has rights to the software after the licensing term ends. Perpetual licensing is great for schools that want: To own their software licenses Transactional-based purchases of licenses in specific quantities Optional Software Assurance coverage Compare programs ENROLLMENT FOR EDUCATION SOLUTIONS SCHOOL ENROLLMENT OPEN LICENSE FOR ACADEMIC MPSA SELECT PLUS FOR ACADEMIC Program type and term length Subscription Perpetual Agreement/Enrollment Term 1 or 3 years 1 or 3 years 2 years none none Institution type Primary and Secondary Schools and Districts Higher Education Institution size Computers For a full comparison, including details on Software Assurance and other important options, click here 14

15 Licensing Options and Upgrade Changes How students can get Windows 10 for free! If you license Windows 10 for faculty and staff at full coverage through an EES, OVS-ES, or School programs, students are granted a free upgrade to the Windows 10 Education edition. Learn more here. 15

16 Deployment If the time is right for an upgrade to Windows 10, understanding your options for implementing the new software is crucial. Picking the wrong licensing and implementation path has proven costly for many institutions that didn t have proper insight and methodology. Readiness: How to determine if your environment is ready to deploy Understanding if your environment is ready, and highlighting where your requirements fall short is the first step in making sure your deployment goes smoothly. Microsoft offers an essential planning asset to get this process started, called the Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit, or MAPS. This toolkit makes it easy to assess your current IT infrastructure for a variety of technology migration projects. This Solution Accelerator provides a powerful inventory, assessment, and reporting tool to simplify the migration planning process. After MAPS, your next task is designing and completing a Proof of Concept. With Windows 10, this has become easier with an option to do an in-place upgrade, a far less disruptive tactic in imaging your new OS environment. At this stage you ll want to focus on application and Internet Explorer 11 compatibility, to ensure your existing applications and workflows can function unimpeded. Microsoft is promising an exceptionally high rate of application compatibility, making this process relatively painless. 2 Steps to Windows 10 readiness 1. Run the Microsoft Assessment Planning Toolkit 2. Complete a Proof of Concept, ensuring application compatibility Deployment Options Above we mentioned how easy In-Place Upgrades are with Windows 10. This is not the only path at your disposal. Deciding which way to go will have different implications for your timelines, and planning, so take careful consideration at this stage. Below are the options for deploying Windows 10, with details on which tools will be required for each one. Wipe and Load (traditional process) Capture data and settings Deploy Windows 10 image Inject Drivers Install apps Restore data and settings Tools: SCCM, MDT, WDS, and third party imaging tools * Recommended for existing Windows 7, 8, 8.1 devices In-Place Upgrade * Preserve all data, settings, apps, drivers Install Windows 10 image Restore Everything Tools: SCCM, MDT, WDS, third party imaging tools, Windows Update Provisioning (Configure new devices) Apply a Provisioning Package to transform an out of box Windows 10 device into an Enterprise device Remove extra items, add organizational apps, adjust configuration Provisioning is NOT re-imaging, but rather applying Provisioning package to adjust Windows 10 as necessary Tools: Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer (WICD) 16

17 Deployment Training and Resources for Teachers Microsoft has rolled out a new Microsoft Educator Community site designed to help over 1.5 million teachers worldwide grow their professional careers, collaborate with others, and prepare their students for a technology-infused future. Get Trained Stay current with the right mix of student-focused technology, experiential learning, and virtual collaboration to help your students learn and grow. Find quick tip videos, online courses, and other resources on how to use technology in the classroom. Find a Lesson Explore lesson plans created by educators and experts from across the globe. From Creative Coding to the basics of Office, there are hundreds of courses available to meet your specific classroom needs. 17

18 Getting Started This guide only scratches the surface of the questions you should answer before deciding on Windows 10 upgrade. As a top Microsoft partner in North America, Softchoice has expertise in: Microsoft enterprise licensing Data-driven assessments for objective understanding of usage and needs End-to-end deployment services, including rolling out new devices Contact Softchoice today to understand the best path forward with Windows 10 for your school. Connect with us today /softchoice company/softchoice

19 About Us Softchoice is a leading North American services and solutions provider, offering professional services, procurement and architecture excellence to help academic institutions unleash their potential through technology. With a loaded bench of Microsoft technical experts, we are the leading Enterprise Agreement reseller in the United States and Canada, and we offer a series of non-biased data-driven assessments to help schools chart the best path for their needs.

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