Birkbeck-University of London (London, U.K.), one of the world’s leading research universities, aims to “maintain and develop excellence in research and provide the highest quality research training.” In its mission to provide instructors and students with a more engaging teaching and learning environment, the Learning Space Technology Department began a search for an innovative technology solution. “It was a challenge finding a suitable alternative for our historical lamp- and laser-based projection whilst also offering a more engaging and interactive experience for users,” states Alex Horsburgh, Learning Space Technology Manager.  

Cardiff Metropolitan University (Cardiff, Wales, U.K.) is “committed to ensuring that every student fulfills their potential to make outstanding graduate-level contributions to their own and future generations.” To support modern learning and teaching, the university decided to equip their teaching spaces with interactive technology to ensure instructors and students had what they needed to stay actively engaged. Until this time, their audio-visual technology included a standard 4:3 projected image onto a screen that was lowered from the ceiling and connected to a tutor PC in the room. This outdated form of tech produced low-quality images that did not have the innovative feel of an interactive learning environment.  

Cows & Calves Preschool (Koetjies & Kalfies Kleuterskool, Centurion, South Africa) encourages their students to “learn and explore the world in which they live through discovery.” This includes integrating technology that enhances the learning experience for their young students.  

Quarrydale Academy, an ambitious secondary school (Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottingham, UK), prides itself on the pursuit of excellence. "We want to encourage all learners to develop a love of learning and enable everyone to reach the highest standards of which they are capable," stated Joanna Wells, Business Manager at Quarrydale Academy.  

Ord Public Schools (Ord, NE) serve 550 students in K-12 from four different counties. Ord has consistently worked to raise the bar when it comes to learning for its students. For example, Ord Elementary was selected as a 2013 National Blue Ribbon School for its high standards of Academic Learning and achievement. In addition, Ord Junior-Senior High School strives to provide its students with a comprehensive educational experience. To align its academic goals for continued student achievement and success, Ord has implemented educational technology to meet the needs of this generation of digital learners such as 1:1 Chromebooks. 

The mission of Clayton County Public Schools (Jonesboro, GA) is “to empower scholars to achieve academic, professional, and personal goals by providing equitable access and experiences.” These experiences include consistent use of technology that will help them “build skills in literacy, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration.”  

Joseph Chamberlain College, located near Birmingham City Centre (Birmingham, UK), is a highly successful Sixth Form (like a Senior high school in the U.S.) with a national reputation for excellence and student achievement among the highest in England. For some years, the college used SMART boards in their classrooms, but they were beginning to show their age and were not providing teachers with the necessary tools to teach in the digital age. 

Meredith Williams, an 8th grade science teacher at Freedom Middle School (Orlando, FL), always tries to set her students up for success right at the start of the year by facilitating a discussion beginning with three simple words, “What is it?” To encourage her students to think critically and creatively about problems through science exploration, she incorporates a variety of manipulatives so that her students have something hands-on to observe, analyze, and form ideas around. With manipulatives and discussions – both in small groups and as a class – she shows her students that asking questions is a key component of science, as was the case at the start of this year. For the hands-on portion of the activity, she incorporates models printed using her 3D printer and MyStemKits lesson kits. 

South Allegheny School District (McKeesport, PA) promotes the pursuit of knowledge by helping foster communication, collaboration, creative problem solving, and personal responsibility. South Allegheny serves about 1500 students and district leaders recognized that a “level playing field” was needed. The district previously added interactive whiteboards and projectors to help teachers engage students in new ways, and even had six interactive displays for use with the intent of incorporating more technology to boost engagement. Unfortunately, there was a lack of use with this educational technology. The solution? A district-wide investment in interactive displays in each classroom. 

The Phoenix Union High School District (Phoenix, AZ) mission is “Preparing every student for success in college, career, and life.” To ensure focus on this mission, teachers and staff are trained and supported to meet student needs and celebrate accomplishments as they work to prepare and inspire their students. There are challenges including the impact of the pandemic on student learning and teacher practice. Boxlight-EOS Education, the professional development division of Boxlight, has established a strong relationship with PXU (in its ninth year) so when remote learning became necessary, EOS designed training and support to help teachers and staff.