The Intelligent Classroom by United Systems

How do you think the computer generation is learning? They are very skilled at picking up new technologies, such as iPods, cell phones, and computers. Energizing your classroom with easy to use, fun tools that add to the education experience is only one part of the “Intelligent Classroom (IC)” by United Systems. Creation of reusable, multi-media enhanced curriculum will give teachers more time with their students.

 We have been able to integrate many technology companies and products into real education solutions. As a Dell Premier Partner, United Systems has the ability to incorporate the products from Dell and the solutions that would expand the teaching and learning experience.

Inventive Technology has created a product called Media Cast. It is a solution for media rich deployment that compresses video distribution from DVD’s, Cable, VHS, and most any video source right into the classroom. Any overhead projector attached to a computer can be a window into the world.

When used in conjunction with eInstruction interactive products such as the mobile interactive white board, called the Mobi, and the Classroom Response System the interaction between students and teachers take on a whole new direction! We have so many stories of troubled kids being drawn back to the education process by the involvement of meaningful media rich curriculum. Teachers are also sending in notes that they are able to save paper! With budget cuts looming everywhere, saving money on consumable supplies for the classroom is critical.

The Interactive Factor

When looking at products for our solutions, we evaluate all aspects of the needs of the student, teachers and administrators. One of the most important aspects for IC is the “Interactive Factor”. The "Interactive Factor" is defined as the Teacher/Student educational interaction and the Teacher/Teacher curriculum sharing.

The difference between a regular interactive white board and the solution from United Systems is the number of students that can interact with the teacher, while being integrated into the learning materials. When comparing an eight classroom setup with the “Interaction Factor” the interaction cost per-student comes out to $8,000 per student with another major interactive white board manufacturer, and $156 per student with the solution from United Systems. Take note of the interaction in this classroom; one student at a time.

Please note this example also includes a new PC from Dell for the teacher. We are finding that many school districts have older PC’s and have not had the money to upgrade the teacher’s workstation. With a faster PC, and direct integration with ExamView, the time needed to grade and report the grades to the district administration is dramatically decreased. Administrators can get their grades on time while giving the teachers more time to focus on what really matters, their students.

Contact United Systems today for a complete evaluation of your classrooms. We can provide budget tools to make the process even easier.

To schedule the evaluation please contact Alvin Myers, President and COO, United Systems

As we are rolling more classrooms out, we will be working with the schools to assess the potitental impact of the Intelligent Classroom (IC) and the Media Rich Curriculum (MRC).

One of the examples of a district wide role out is Western Heights Public Schools - Oklahoma City

The following is a portion of a Press Release describing some of the key elements impacting the Intelligent Classroom at Western Heights.

Major Technology Initiative Complete

Professional development for teachers is well underway, led by Instructional Technology Director Kimberly Race who is training a visibly excited and deeply engaged group. She said: “Rolling out new technology with a professional development path for teachers is a fundamental requirement for success. Role-based training for teachers, media specialists and curriculum specialists will lay the foundation for the long-term, effective use of new media – including video, audio, podcasts, and live events.” Superintendent, Joe Kitchens, sums up his vision: “We want to increase access to relevant media inside and outside the classroom, to get the most out of the online learning and with strong emphasis on opportunities for professional development, and to explore new ways to engage education within the community.”

eInstruction has created the "Mobi". It is a mobile interactive white board, giving the teacher the freedom to teach anywhere in the classroom while interacting with the students.

"I don’t think I will catch any of my students napping anymore!!! – Elementary Teacher, John Glenn"

 "I really don’t get excited about technology – as you know well….but I really like this mobi thing!  Middle School Math Teacher"  

MediaCAST is our selected Video Distribution System and here are a few quotes about our installation:

In summary, the scope of the project was comprehensive and district wide. The technology team is on track to provide event broadcasts and deliver digital media content and services in a most integrated and efficient way.

 

One of the key components of the Intelligent Classroom as defined by United Systems is the Media Rich Curriculum (MRC). How the curriculum is stored and shared is critical. If the teachers can not find the material quickly, by appropriate topic and grade level the teachers most likely will not incorporate the MRC into their daily lesson plans.

Kids are learning in new ways. They are being attracted to Ipods, cell phones and texting. As the kids change how they are learning, the schools need to adapt and stay one step ahead of the students.

Check out Boulder Valley Public Schools and their use of MediaCAST within their system.