Two educational technology leaders in this blog post describe how they have used pilot programs to inform product decision-making and to gain teacher buy-in. Strategies include piloting one classroom at a time and engaging teacher leaders in a "train the trainer" model.
by Becky Oristaglio & Nadine Aitch
Pilots are a great time to find out certain products are not right for a school community or provide a foundation for a successful tech initiative. Starting small means only the teachers who are most enthusiastic about a certain new technology will be able to use it.
Choosing hardware or software for an entire school district is a momentous decision, so it only makes sense that districts across the country are choosing to pilot products before signing on the dotted line. Here are two case studies of how carefully planned and executed pilots helped districts make informed choices—and improve teaching and learning.
The following products are the winners of Tech & Learning’s annual ISTE Best of Show Awards. Products were submitted and anonymously evaluated by Tech & Learning advisors. The judges rated their impressions on a sliding scale, then met to decide on which technologies could have the most impact in the classroom and deserved to be named Best of Show. Congratulations to the winners!
A panel of educators honors Lightspeed Technologies’ classroom audio system designed for small-group learning and professional development.
A year-long study reveals how the Flexcat classroom audio system helps teachers reach difficult students, monitor small groups, and manage project-based learning.
The Flexcat classroom audio system now has expanded coverage, Whisper Coaching, and a new iOS app, making it a powerful tool for teachers and their mentor.
Dr. David Haglund is the Deputy Superintendent of Educational Services at Santa Ana Unified, a Southern California district. In this interview, he discusses how he and his team are guiding the district through a transition to digital curriculum with the goal of "ensuring that all students have access to technology-enabled learning resources at school and at home.
by Chrissy WInske
Most K-12 technology managers understand the value of having a projector or a computer in the classroom, but the importance of sound quality may not be so obvious. If audio is not adequately distributed and amplified within the classroom space, students in the back of the room will not have the same learning experience as those in the front of the classroom, causing those children to miss part of a lesson. Purchasing a voice amplification system for your classrooms can eliminate inequities due to audio.
TUALATIN, Oregon (May 25, 2016) — Lightspeed Technologies?, the provider of classroom audio technology that inspires powerful communication, collaboration and classroom insight, today announced the expansion of its executive leadership team. The company promoted David Solomon to Executive VP & General Manager, Shaun Fagan to Director of Product Marketing, Tony Zeikle to VP of US Sales, Reid Hansen to Regional Sales Manager, Steve Mefford to Regional Sales Manager for the Central Region, and Carolyn Hollowell to Director of International Markets and E-Commerce Sales.
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