Managing students’ iPads
The emergence of mobile devices has improved our quality of life in some ways, but also brought downsides like the over-use of devices bordering on addiction. Zorro Cheng has recognised this problem and, as a co-founder of Avrio Solution Company, is a local pioneer of the concept of mobile device management.
The emergence of mobile devices has improved our quality of life in some ways, but also brought downsides like the over-use of devices bordering on addiction. Zorro Cheng has recognised this problem and, as a co-founder of Avrio Solution Company, is a local pioneer of the concept of mobile device management. He believes he can help users make the most of the technology without letting it take over their lives.
After nearly 20 years in IT roles, Cheng observed a lack of products and services for managing mobile devices and, therefore, decided to work on a start-up to fill that niche. “Tablets have become so popular, but there is market demand for solutions to enhance the way they are used,” he says. “Schools are my first target customers, because they operate in a way similar to companies, but are less complicated.”
The four members of the start-up team are all veterans of the programming and design sector and have collaborated to bring the basic ideas to life. Founded in July last year, Avrio became a Cyberport “incubatee” in January and the prospects appear good.
“I think now is the best time to do technology start-ups in Hong Kong because the demand for apps has never been higher,” Cheng says. “Advances in technology, such as cloud computing, allow access to super computers at an affordable rate, which has greatly reduced the cost of developing programmes.”
The company’s first product is the eSchoolPad, a tool designed for teachers to manage students’ iPads in class. It makes sense because iPads are gaining popularity in the classroom.
The product, or perhaps service, has two key features, a "single-app lock" and "app management" which teachers can use during classes and to support the school’s day-to-day administration. Initially, schools tend to see the product as a tool to prevent students from playing computer games on the iPads when they should be studying their lessons. But they soon find it also ideal for distributing teaching materials and updating class records.
Despite the various functions, the intent is not for teachers to “control” students, according to Cheng. “Many parents and teachers are worried that students are addicted to mobile devices,” he says. “The aim is to help students - and parents - learn the correct way to interact with mobile devices, which is not by locking them up. Our vision is to build a better tomorrow with technology.”
Avrio charges schools an annual fee and around 30 local primary and secondary schools have already signed up. First-time subscribers have a one-hour training session and can always refer to instructions on YouTube videos if they encounter any problems.
So far, most schools have adapted well, but some technical aspects usually need to be addressed. “The system requires schools to have steady Wi-Fi and we have to ensure the campus has adequate support facilities,” Cheng says. “Another challenge is that mobile device operating systems are regularly updated, so our programmers need to adjust things accordingly.”
The ultimate goal is to create customised mobile device management systems for companies. The next step, though, would be to expand the concept in Asia. Avrio has just completed a deal to break into Taiwan and is also in talks with schools in the Philippines and Singapore. “At the moment, it works in English plus simplified and traditional Chinese text,” Cheng says. “Our programmers can install a new language in 48 hours and we are set to launch something for the Android platform in the coming January.”
The experience to date has taught Cheng that parents play a key role in education, so he decided to create an app for them too. The company plans to launch this in the near future and it will give parents useful real-time information, a calendar and mobile device management for their kids. “E-learning in Hong Kong is just starting to blossom. I see a great future for the sector,” he says.
