Lowanna College Case Study
format_quote format_quoteIt was the feedback from students and parents that really influenced our decision to connect with Box of Books. Parents wanted flexibility in ordering from the booklist (hardcopy or digital), while many students simply wanted to stop carrying heavy textbooks, and have seamless access on their device.
The college identified a number of issues with its preexisting IT strategies, and in 2019 decided to rebuild the college’s student laptop program and campus-wide infrastructure from the ground up. The college made the bold decision to shift away from BYOD, in turn, creating a range of financial options to ensure all incoming-students could access a consistent, highly functional laptop device, built for modern learning.
We spoke with Adam Hogan, Principal of Lowanna College, about the college’s digital transformation and experience with Box of Books. “We took a highly collaborative approach, spending six months engaging with students, parents and teachers on a vision for a digital environment that would enhance learning. Our teachers told us things we might have expected – we need consistency in the classroom, and students need modern tools like touch and pen capability. But it was the feedback from students and parents that really influenced our decision to connect with Box of Books. Parents wanted flexibility in ordering from the booklist (hardcopy or digital), while many students simply wanted to stop carrying heavy textbooks, and have seamless access on their device.”
format_quote format_quoteIt made sense on face value from day one, but the more we explored the Box of Books platform, the more it seemed like a perfect fit. Teachers quickly came to love the ability to add their own notes, rich media and web links to textbooks, not to mention having all of their teaching texts on one device.
Box of Books quickly became an obvious choice for Lowanna College, who’s endeavour to redefine their digital landscape centered on several key principles – learning focused, usability, reliability, and seamless integration. “When it comes to IT and classroom learning, it just has to work, when you need it and how you need it. Box of Books’ intuitive interface and single sign-on feature makes this happen.”
“It made sense on face value from day one, but the more we explored the Box of Books platform, the more it seemed like a perfect fit. Teachers quickly came to love the ability to add their own notes, rich media and web links to textbooks, not to mention having all of their teaching texts on one device.”
“Equity and access is another significant value that drives our decisions at Lowanna College. The team at Box of Books were incredibly accommodating as we worked through a range of scenarios where the college and/or third-party agencies provide financial support for students via the booklist – nothing was too much trouble!”
format_quote format_quoteThe team at Box of Books were incredibly accommodating – nothing was too much trouble!
As COVID-19 impacted school operations, the college’s IT team was able to react quickly and effectively create an online learning strategy to deliver remote learning to students. Adam noted that the existence of a strong IT system, including the implementation of Box of Books, had equipped them to face unprecedented challenges. “Much consideration was needed around online pedagogy and protocols for consistency across a large college, but we were so fortunate to already have strong IT systems in place that were ready to bring it all to life. Our work in 2019 - the reimagined laptop program, Microsoft Teams, Office 365 and Box of Books is absolutely paying dividends.”
“We’re delighted with the way Box of Books is supporting our new digital learning strategy, and look forward to a strong, long standing partnership with the Box of Books team.”
