What is Google EDLA?
The Android EDLA (Enterprise Device License Agreement), administered by Google, allows tech providers (like SMART!) to offer technology solutions with built-in Google Mobile Services.
Unlike uncertified displays, this provides secure access to Android apps and the Google Play Store. With that comes integrations with Google and Microsoft Office 365 apps and tools. Ultimately, this makes class time much more engaging because teachers can use a variety of visuals, content, activities, and interactive elements.
Most interactive displays with Google EDLA offer:
Access to educational apps and content: Google EDLA provides access to a wide range of educational apps and content from the Google Play Store.
Enhanced security and management: Google EDLA ensures that interactive displays come with robust security features and centralized management capabilities. You also get secure, certified access to apps from the Google Play Store, plus the ability to block or hide apps.
Seamless integration with Google Workspace: Interactive displays with Google EDLA integrate seamlessly with Google Workspace along with familiar tools like Google Drive, Google Docs, and Google Classroom.
What should I look for when selecting a display with Google EDLA?
When selecting interactive displays with Google EDLA, it’s important to keep students' and teachers' needs in mind. Some interactive displays do not customize the Google EDLA experience for the classroom, leaving something to be desired among educators.
As you enhance your interactive learning environment, consider these built-for-education features that help you get the most out of your investment:
1. Ability to annotate over any app:
2. Integration with Microsoft apps:
If you use Microsoft Office 365 apps, native integration is essential. Interactive Displays with Google EDLA enable teachers to download Microsoft Office apps from the Google Play Store, BUT they may not support its full functionality.
SMART is the only display that lets you ink directly into Microsoft files like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. And, the ink stays with you! Save your annotations to revisit them later, or share the files with your students for reference.
3. Multiple sign-in options:
Personalized user accounts are a significant advantage provided by Google EDLA. This feature allows each teacher to log in to the board and customize their settings, apps, and preferences, plus access their files in the cloud natively.
But as we said, interactive displays aren’t all built the same. Signing into your account on the board via PIN can compromise teacher logins and open them up to the possibility of being hacked or having their information compromised. Make sure to look for interactive displays that offer multiple (and secure) sign-in options like QR codes, web links, NFC cards, and passwords.
4. Built-in education tools and Whiteboard:
Learning is fun when it’s dynamic and leverages multiple different modalities. When you get access to built-in teaching tools, teachers can quickly grab manipulatives, interactive activities, collaboration tools, and widgets to make learning engaging and add to their in-the-moment learning opportunities.
Built-in tools that support education enhance student experience and give teachers tools they can rely on, making prep and lesson planning a breeze.
The SMART difference
Don’t settle for the out-of-the-box solution - your educators and students deserve a tailored solution to their learning needs.
As the creator of the SMART Board, we’ve been designing, engineering, crafting, and distributing products for the classroom for years. Our education-first approach sets us apart, giving teachers and students the tools they need to succeed.
Integrating Google EDLA into our iQ education software was a no-brainer! Native access to files, apps, and interactive learning only enhances student experiences and opportunities. It’s what we did with the Android EDLA that is truly special.
See for yourself, the difference that technology built for education can make. Explore SMART’s education-specific features like the ability to write over any app, Microsoft integration, multiple ways to sign in and built-in education tools: