IOC Creates Olympic Esports Games
First Games in 2025 to take place in Saudi Arabia
Published July 23, 2024
History was made today when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to create the Olympic Esports Games. The first edition will be held in 2025 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The 142nd IOC Session in Paris endorsed the proposal by the ICO Executive Board (EB) unanimously. To read the complete story, CLICK HERE.
Press Release: PowerUpEDU Announces Continued Growth
Addition of Education consultants in Georgia and North Carolina
Company Release July 10, 2024
KENNESAW, GA – PowerUpEDU continues to grow and make investments to support education in the
southeast, striving daily for a standard of excellence in every aspect of the business towards
advancing academic achievement. PowerUpEDU Education Consultants reflect this standard of
excellence and commitment to successfully partner with schools, educators, and administrators. To
greater enhance and develop transformational learning environments, PowerUpEDU is excited to
announce the addition of Georgia-based Education Consultant, Dr Janelle Couch, and North
Carolina-based Education Consultant, Fred R. Hoffmann, III.
Dr. Janelle Couch comes to PowerUpEDU with extensive experience serving schools and universities in Georgia. Janelle has 16 years of experience as a Middle School Math and Science teacher and Lead Technology Training Integration Specialist for Cobb County School District, GA. She has also served as Adjunct Professor for the Universities of West Georgia and Georgia Southern. Janelle is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert (MIEE) and has vast experience supporting teachers and leaders in schools and at the district level with technology integration.
Fred R. Hoffman, III brings over 2 decades of classroom and district experience to PowerUpEDU. Fred spent 15 years as a middle grades science teacher that exceeded growth annually at Thomasville Middle School and Allen Jay Preparatory Academy while being recognized as Teacher of the Year at both. Fred extended his sphere of influence by spending 3 years as a MultiClassroom Leader and 3 years as a NCDPI Innovative Partnership Grant Coach in Guilford County. Fred’s commitment to professional development and collaborative learning environments is evident in his leadership of science departments, facilitation of STEM initiatives, and role as a coach and mentor to educators.
PowerUpEDU wants to be Your Partner in the Classroom. For more information on PowerUpEDU
Interactive Technology, Curriculum, Professional Learning or Technical Service Solutions, please
contact us or visit our website.
Customer Story: Bartow County School System, GA
District Transforms 19 Different Media Centers into Innovative Learning Hubs
Taking a single media center and transforming it into a modern learning hub can be a major undertaking, depending on the current state of the center and the school district’s specific goals. Taking 19 different existing spaces and turning them into innovative, engaging learning environments is a completely different animal and something that the Bartow County School System took on last year.
This would be no small geat. According to Paula Camp, director of advanced learning, STEM and gifted programs for the 14,1000-student district, the project included overhauliing 19 media centers and turning them into “incredible learning hubs.” The district partnered with Georgia-based PowerUpEDU to facilitate the furnishing of the new spaces, the implementation of new classroom technology and the delivery of professional learning.
FOCUSING ON STEM
In 2017, the Bartow County School System got a new superintendent in Phillip D. Page, Ed.D., who immediately began talking to teachers and staff across all departments. Page wanted to find out what their goals were, current program statuses, and what type of help and support those individuals needed.
In charting out a course of action for the following 3-5 years, one of the district’s priorities was STEM implementation. “We worked together to map out what that would look like and what kind of support we needed to help coordinate with the schools,” said Camp, who works with students at 12 elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools, and a college and career academy.
“Each of those schools had already implemented the foundation for STEM,” said Camp. “We also had a district-wide initiative in place that included professional learning, equipment, instructional technology, a mission, and a vision.”
THE NEXT LOGICAL STEP
With those initiatives in place, Camp said the next logical step was to review feedback from…
PowerUpEDU, in partnership with Connection, was selected to implement a Training Roadmap utilizing Microsoft Technology Tools for Educators and administrators across the Hillsborough County Public School District in Florida. This is a massive undertaking that is already achieving amazing results. Learn more about this Project. Read the current Microsoft Customer Success Story published on April 9, 2024.
“We couldn’t have managed a project of this scale without the aid of PowerUpEDU, Connection, and Microsoft. Each organization delivered experts with teaching backgrounds who not only gave us the capacity to reach everyone in the district but the added expertise of their own experience with technology in the classroom.”
Christopher Holt: Supervisor – Technology Training
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Hillsborough County Public Schools standardizes on Microsoft Education techn0logy to empower educators and enhance student learning.
April 9, 2024
Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), the eighth largest district in the United States by student population, required better technology investments in the classroom. The district implemented a long-term strategy of technology transformation and has since introduced many elements of Microsoft 365 Education into the classroom. With Microsoft Translator, Reading Progress, and Reflect in Microsoft Teams—the district now provides increased access to a more personalized education for over 220,000 children.
Hillsborough County Public Schools focused on solving a short-term move to remote learning as the catalyst for implementing improved instructional technology. “There was a moment where we realized that the capacity of the hardware in our classrooms and our teachers’ skills using technology in instruction needed to be standardized and enhanced respectively. We took advantage through the CARES Act and ESSER Fund awards to define a new standard for how technology impacts both our students’ ability to learn and our teachers’ ability to design engaging lessons,” says Christopher Holt, Supervisor – Technology Training at Hillsborough County Public Schools.
PowerUpEDU Announces New STEM & CTE Learning Solution
STEM, Career Discovery and Soft Skills Training by Inspirit VR
Company Release – 04/03/2024
Empower Students, Foster Deeper Understanding, & Positively Influence Learning Outcomes
KENNESAW, GA – PowerUpEDU, in its relentless pursuit to provide superior technology solutions for classrooms in the southeast, is again adding a new solution to its STEM/STEAM Instruction and Curriculum Practice. Inspirit VR promotes interactive learning to engage and empower students using virtual reality. Having partnered with Stanford University researchers, Inspirit has focused on maximizing learning outcomes with AR/VR technology. The all-in-one solution includes a platform with hundreds of 3D STEM Models, STEM & Career Discovery experiences, and Soft Skills Training.
Inspirit and PowerUpEDU are very excited about the partnership and what it means for students in the southeast. Per Inspirit Co-Founder and COO, Amrutha Vasan, “Sustainable implementation and scaling new innovative solutions in the classroom is key to driving better student outcomes. We’re excited to partner with PowerupEDU to bring immersive experiences in STEM and careers to give students the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century!”
PowerUpEDU’s new Director of STEM, Spring Charles, elaborates on the solution and its key benefits. “Inspirit is a VR solution designed to transform today’s classrooms by immersing middle and high school students in engaging STEM content, soft skills practice, and career-preparation experiences. By bringing abstract concepts to life through virtual reality, Inspirit aims to boost student engagement and deepen understanding.”
Inspirit VR is accessible on multiple devices (Web, VR, AR) with one subscription and its affordable VR devices come classroom ready and can be used for both STEM and Career content. For more information on Inspirit’s Innovative Learning Hub (click HERE) or any of PowerUpEDU’s Solutions, please contact us or visit our website.
PowerUpEDU Announces Growth and Expansion
Addition of Education Consultant, Director of STEM, and Professional Learning Specialist
Company Release February 22, 2024
KENNESAW, GA – PowerUpEDU continues to grow and make investments to support education in the southeast. To greater enhance and develop collaborative learning environments, PowerUpEDU is excited to announce the addition of South Carolina-based Education Consultant, Ellenia Russell; Director of STEM, Spring Charles; and Professional Learning Specialist, Chris D’Argenio
Education Consultant for the Carolinas, Ellenia Russell, has 23 years of experience in the classroom. A former collegiate softball player with a master’s degree in Sports Management, Ellenia has also coached multiple sports. With a unique perspective of both academia and athletics, she is a strong advocate for active learning and the interactive technology that utilizes both aspects in the classroom. Ellenia is very excited to impact education for students in the Carolinas, helping them be more prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
STEM Director, Spring Charles, has 25 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher and administrator. Having taught for many years, Spring developed a passion for instructional technology and STEM. She earned an additional degree in Instructional Technology and became an Instructional Coach for Albertville City Schools. Spring developed the district’s STEM program and helped propel them to be the first Woz Pathway District in the state. In her new role with PowerUpEDU, Spring is excited to share her love for STEM and technology with students in the SE.
Professional Learning Specialist, Chris D’Argenio has 10 years of classroom experience with Orange County Public Schools. As a 5th grade teacher, Chris was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2019. While earning a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Chris transitioned to a district administrator role as Elementary Math Program Specialist. Chris is excited for this new role with the PowerUpEDU Professional Learning team where he can share his passion and expertise for STEM Education on a broader scale.
For more information on any of PowerUpEDU’s Solutions, please contact us or visit our website.
About PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU, a Georgia-based company serving schools since 2012, is an education solutions provider for classrooms in the southeast. PowerUpEDU creates collaborative learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, bridging the gap between technology and instruction.
Apple Co-founder, Steve Wozniak Names Southeast-based PowerUpEDU “Woz ED Pathway Partner of the Year”
Company Release – 11/16/2023
Kennesaw, GA—PowerUpEDU, now in its 12th year of pursuing superior technology solutions for classrooms in the southeast, is delighted to share news of an award presented at the recent Woz ED National Pathway Conference in Arizona. PowerUpEDU was awarded as “Partner of the Year” by Apple Co-Founder, Steve Wozniak. Woz ED offers a STEM/STEAM Pathways Curriculum purposefully designed to build an engineering mindset while developing the soft skills employers value, such as collaboration, problem solving and critical thinking. Focused on K-Employment, Woz ED helps students authentically explore their future in the tech economy. PowerUpEDU represents Woz ED in the southeast.
“The partnership with PowerUpEDU has resulted in a number of firsts, including the first Pathway District in Alabama and the first Pathway School of Distinction exclusively serving special needs children,” said Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer, after the recent Woz Pathway Conference. “Through our work together, more young learners are getting the opportunity to explore, create, and develop an engineering mindset through hands-on, STEM-focused learning. It was an honor to induct them as the Woz ED Pathway Partner of the Year and celebrate their leadership in STEM education.”
PowerUpEDU Head of Professional Learning and Teacher Engagement, Maggie Phillips, was in Arizona to receive the award, and provides insights on what this means to PowerUpEDU. “This is such a validation of the hard work invested by our team! Woz ED’s Pathways Curriculum offers amazing opportunities for our students by developing career options in lucrative & in-demand STEM careers. It is very easy to be passionate about the results!”
Attending the Pathway Conference were reps from Albertville City Schools, AL. ACS was recognized as a Pathway STEM District. Spring Charles, Technology Instructional Coach for the district, reflects on PowerUpEDU’s award with insights gained through working with them. “PowerUpEDU consistently delivers the best technology, curriculum and professional learning to equip our teachers for immediate implementation. They always work to meet our budgetary needs, while achieving the results we want. Woz Ed and PowerUpEDU are preparing our students for a bright future, as well as furthering our staff’s ability to deliver curriculum next year and beyond.”
For more information on STEM Curriculum or any of PowerUpEDU’s Solutions, please contact us or visit our website.
About PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU, a Georgia-based company and award-winning education solutions provider for classrooms in the southeast creates learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, effectively bridging the gap between technology and instruction.
PowerUpEDU Announces New Core Practice Esports Provides Opportunities for Growth and Learning in Schools
Company Release – 3/1/2022 8:00 AM ET
Esports Improves Student Engagement, Develops New Career Opportunities
KENNESAW, GA – PowerUpEDU, in its relentless pursuit of cutting-edge interactive technology and curriculum solutions for classrooms in the southeast, has announced an addition to its Core Practices. In keeping with its mission to create learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, PowerUpEDU is excited to add Esports to its strong technology solutions foundation. Esports, electronic sports, or competitive online video gaming is experiencing rapid growth in schools as the many benefits provided become more apparent. The vast majority of esports gamers have never participated in any extracurricular activities and now benefit in areas of collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, sportsmanship and conflict-resolution.
Additionally, esports is providing new pathways to higher education and future careers. More than 200 colleges now offer Varsity Esports, with $20 Million in scholarships being awarded annually. “Students who were not part of the football or volleyball teams in high school may have seen college as an undesirable or unaffordable option” says Dalton Jones, Esports Specialist at PowerUpEDU. “But now, an esports team participant can compete for scholarships which provides an avenue to an education and a new, lucrative career path.” Esports programs help position students for a variety of degrees and career pathways including, game design and development, technological communication, cybersecurity, graphics and multimedia.
PowerUpEDU, consistent with all its core practices, offers expertise and experience in developing a complete, turnkey & ready-to-use esports solution for schools. Starting with a free consultation, PowerUpEDU can provide the hardware, software, curriculum, installation services & professional learning necessary to help schools towards a highly successful implementation. “Our goal is the same as it is with everything we do. We want to be your partner in the classroom, helping students achieve and making a teacher’s life easier,” concludes Dalton Jones.
For more information on Esports for your school or district, contact PowerUpEDU and schedule a free virtual or in-person consultation. Contact us or mailto:moreinfo@powerupedu.com
About PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU is an Award-Winning Education Solutions provider based in Georgia, with offices in Alabama, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. PowerUpEDU facilitates dynamic instructional practices that promote academic achievement through the integration of cutting-edge technology, pedagogy and professional learning with a goal to provide optimal instruction in any learning environment.
PowerUpEDU
Media Contact: Debbie Gaillard
Director of Marketing
404-596-5744, ext. 105
debbie@powerupedu.com
PowerUpEDU Announces New Interactive Floor Solution
ActiveFloor Turns Any Floor Into An Interactive Play Surface, Powered by Educational Games
Company Release – 8/17/2020 8:00 AM ET
Students of All Ages Learn Intellectually, Physically, and Socially
KENNESAW, GA – PowerUpEDU, in its relentless pursuit of cutting-edge interactive technology and curriculum solutions for classrooms in the southeast, has announced an addition to its Whole Group Instruction portfolio. In keeping with its mission to create learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, PowerUpEDU is excited to partner with ActiveFloor, creator of the interactive play surface and winner of Best of Bett Award 2019 & 2020. Linking together play, movement and learning help promote memory, motivation, teamwork, communication, creativity, and social skills.
ActiveFloor, in partnering with PowerUpEDU, will significantly enhance its footprint in the southeastern US. Brian Wurtz, CEO of ActiveFloor, expounded on the partnership, “ActiveFloor is delighted to be partnering with such a dedicated and talented group in the K-12 education space. Our interactive learning games combined with PowerUpEDU’s education sales and professional development platform will provide teachers with the necessary technology and creativity to motivate and engage students of all ages in a variety of subjects.”
The interactive floor includes the ability to access 1600+ learning games, in addition to creating your own. “The ActiveFloor platform includes a variety of content & subjects – math, linguistics, science, to name a few, and when used in conjunction with the interactive floor, offers students a variety of learning modalities, “ explained Maggie Phillips, Head of Professional Learning and Teacher Engagement for PowerUpEDU. Phillips continues, “With the interactive floor, students get an equal approach to auditive, visual, and kinetic learning.”
The interactive floor consists of a ceiling-mounted projector and computer, a Kinect-camera that tracks movement and a vinyl floor. PowerUpEDU provides installation and training. For more information on the interactive floor or any of PowerUpEDU’s Technology Solutions, please contact us or visit www.powerupedu.com. Schedule an in-person or virtual demonstration.
About PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU, a Georgia-based company, is an award-winning education solutions provider for classrooms in the southeast. PowerUpEDU creates learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, effectively bridging the gap between technology and instruction. PowerUpEDU facilitates instructional fluidity, providing consistent and seamless instruction in traditional and virtual learning environments.
PowerUpEDU
Media Contact: Debbie Gaillard
Director of Marketing
404-596-5744, ext. 105
debbie@powerupedu.com
Albertville City Schools Unveils STEM Bus
By NICKIE SIMPSON The Reporter
Mar 23, 2020 Updated Mar 23, 2020
Albertville Intermediate School Principal(left) shows Alabama Board of Education District Representative, Cynthia McCarty (right) the technology featured on the Albertville City School System's STEM Bus.
Albertville Intermediate School on Evans Campus' Principal, Vice Principal, and Teachers receive training on the numerous types of state-of the-art technology featured on the schools system's STEM Bus.
The Albertville City Schools (ACS) unveiled its STEM Bus in February.
Albertville Intermediate School on Evans Campus Principal Robert Sims said the school has approximately 930 students and every student would be able to use the STEM Bus twice a month for their entire science class period.
“Just for the students to be able to come out to experience the virtual reality, the lab disks, two 3-D printers and all of the technology — everything in one little spot — I’m glad our students have the opportunity to experience this cutting-edge in education,” Sims said. “This is the first one of its kind in the
State of Alabama. We’re just excited to have this for our students, and to be able to have training through PowerUp EDU for our teachers is fantastic.”
According to Sims, the teachers had extensive training on the STEM Bus in preparation for the students. PowerUp EDU Professional Development Consultant Maggie Phillips said the STEM Bus had class VR (virtual reality) with a teacher portal that would direct all of the headsets to one image. She said this was great for learning because the teachers could create a focal point so that the students’ line-of-sight is on whatever the subject is. To keep the headsets sanitary, the bus has a built-in UV charging cart, which will clean the headsets between student groups.
Also, on the STEM Bus, Phillips said there are Labdisc. She said the Labdisc portable lab opens the door to inquiry-based learning in a variety of science fields, which helps students connect and engage with science. She said the all-in-one, complete lab is a wireless, compact data logger for every science, with up to 15 built-in sensors. Since its next generation wireless technology, she said the Labdiscs could be used indoors and outdoors. There was zero setup time, with automatic sensor testing and calibration with more than 150 hours of battery life, she said. There are interactive, multi-disciplinary experiment books for K-12 that integrate with the latest technologies for the digital classroom, she said.
“Labdisc offers science parameters — environment, general science, physics, biology and chemistry,” Phillips said. “This replaces the breakable things you might see in a traditional STEM lab — like thermometers, beakers, test tubes — and they collect a variety of data using sensors that are built into the device with accompanying probes. So, if you wanted to know the ambient temperature, the volume in decibels, the UV concentration of air, measure distance or how fast something is going — there’s just a lot you can do with it. It’s a really powerful way to collect data, and it all syncs to an iPad.”
The STEM Bus also boasts the zSpace learning experience, Phillips said. As a hardware and software solution, she said zSpace delivers an interactive experience by integrating the latest AR/VR technology in an all-in-one computer. She said zSpace utilizes three sensory characteristics to create a natural and intuitive product — perception of depth, ability to look around, kinesthetic realism.
“In the STEM buses we’ve seen, this is the best of the best,” she said. “This is our only STEM Bus in Alabama, and we’re just incredibly impressed with the work that’s been done on it.”
Since the STEM Bus’s technology is user-friendly, Phillips said it would only take a few days to train teachers well enough for them to be ready for students. Sims said the teachers could set up an outdoor tent or use the former scout hut outside of the school to use as an additional STEM lab.
Alabama Board of Education District Representative Cynthia McCarty visited Thursday, Feb. 20, to tour the schools and STEM bus. She said she was impressed.
“This is amazing, and I am so proud of Albertville City Schools and in the collaboration with Maggie and her teach [PowerUpEDU] to bring this for our students,” McCarty said. “It’s awesome. I wish I’d had this when I was younger. This application, this hands-on learning, to me is so powerful for the students, and it’s just a positive experience.”
Alpbertville Superintendent Boyd English said he couldn’t wait to see the ACS students learn and grow their education through the STEM Bus.
“I’m excited for expanding opportunities for students,” English said. “I think Dr. [Robert] Sims and his team are going to enjoy it for about nine months and at that time we’ll continue to expand STEM opportunities for students both here [on Evans Campus] and at Albertville Middle School.[
Response to COVID-19
March 19, 2020
As educators, we face challenges daily, but perhaps none more challenging than the one we face together now. We find ourselves in unchartered waters, but continue our quest to advance education. As your Educational Technology Solutions Partner, we want to assure you that we will do everything we can to facilitate you in helping our students move forward.
Our top priority at PowerUpEDU is to ensure the health and safety of our staff, and the educators we work with. We have already implemented policies and procedures internally, and will continue to monitor the status of the COVID-19 virus, taking any additional actions deemed necessary by local, state or federal government.
Health measures implemented by PowerUpEDU to ensure the health and safety of students, teachers and administrators, as well as the welfare of our staff. These measures include, but are not limited to:
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Provision of hand sanitizer to all employees
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Provision of gloves for technicians
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Sanitizing all touch-points, i.e door knobs, handles, common areas, armrests, etc.
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Provision of glove protection when touching technology during installation, delivery, equipment-replacement or service call.
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Provision of face masks for all employees that go on school sites or interact with others.
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Observing recommended social distancing with 6-foot social spacing. Refrain from shaking hands, etc.
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Provision of alternatives to face-to-face, i.e. equipment pick-up, delivery & drop-off, etc.
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Provision of remote and virtual meetings via state-of-the-art virtual meeting services.
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Directive that any staff member with a fever or not feeling well is not to report to a work site.
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Directive to personnel before going on-site to test for fever with portable medical-testing equipment. Those with elevated temperatures are not allowed on-site and are asked to self-quarantine.
At PowerUpEDU, we want all of you to have peace of mind that we are taking the necessary steps to provide an environment that is safe and as stress-free as possible. We stand firm in our commitment to provide schools with a productive, effective and SAFE learning environment.
PowerUpEDU has been serving educators for almost a decade. We appreciate your business and recognize the confidence you’ve shown is the key reason we are here today. We will continue working to earn your confidence. We remain open to serve your students and teachers in increasingly innovative ways. We are here to fulfill your classroom’s technology needs.
PowerUpEDU has a robust portfolio of solutions, that include several offerings facilitating Distance or Remote Learning. We have collated these offerings to a
Virtual Learning page on the PowerUpEDU website. There are numerous Free offers extended by our partners like Microsoft, Spiral and Swivl. Please continue to visit this page, as we continue to update offers.
Should you have questions, concerns, or need assistance, we invite you to contact PowerUpEDU. Just a reminder that our Education Consultants and Trainers are former classroom teachers and understand your environment and classroom needs. As founders of PowerUpEDU, we invite you to contact us directly jerry@powerupedu.com or sterling@powerupedu.com We will respond to you as quickly as we are able. Thank you for your business and your trust in relying on PowerUpEDU as your partner in classroom technology and learning.
We are here to serve you and our students.
Sincerely,
Your Friends at PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU
1590 N. Roberts Road
Suite 205
Kennesaw, GA 30144
PowerUpEDU Announces New STEM Curriculum Solution
Career Pathways K-12 Curriculum Builds Engineering Mindset
Company Release – 2/4/2020 8:00 AM ET
STEM Kits Take “Career-Ready” to the Next Level
KENNESAW, GA – PowerUpEDU, in its relentless pursuit of cutting-edge interactive technology and curriculum solutions for classrooms in the southeast, has announced an addition to its STEAM portfolio. In keeping with its mission to help bridge the gap between technology and instruction, PowerUpEDU is partnering with WozEd Career Pathways K-12 Curriculum and STEM Kits. Steve Wozniak, who single-handedly built the Apple II computer, has now turned his creativity and ingenuity towards education by developing personalized learning programs designed to give learners a “quick-start” to high-tech careers.
The Career Pathways Curriculum is purposely designed to build an engineering mindset while developing the soft skills valued by employers. The Curriculum Pathways STEM kits equip classrooms with tools and resources that inspire creativity and develop collaboration, problem solving, and critical thinking. This curriculum strengthens an already robust STEAM solution portfolio for PowerUpEDU, in its inclusion of two unique areas of focus. “The WozEd Career Pathways solution really fulfills a STEM curriculum need, as most current curriculums focus only on elementary to middle school years,” shares Maggie Phillips, Head of Professional Development and Teacher Engagement for PowerUpEDU. “Career Pathways is very unique in offering a K-12 progression path, with a focus on STEM-Career placement,” elaborates Phillips.
PowerUpEDU, as a preferred WozEd partner for the southeast, is excited to provide such a unique STEM offering to classrooms in GA, AL, FL, SC & NC. WozEd is equally excited about the partnership and the shared goals of both companies. Taylor Puett, VP of Educational Solutions for WozEd, offered, “WozEd seeks to align with partners who share Steve’s (Wozniak) vision for education. Given PowerUpEDU’s genuine passion for education and its focus on the students and teachers, we feel our goals for the classroom will be well represented.”
Career Pathways STEM Kits include a K-12 Curriculum Progression for the careers of Coding, Engineering Design Process, Drones, Cybersecurity, & Mobile Development. Aligned to STEM Standards, the Curriculum Progression incorporates multiple levels of curriculum, designed to facilitate teachers of all grades. For more information on Career Pathways or any of PowerUpEDU’s Technology Solutions, please contact us or visit www.powerupedu.com
About PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU, a Georgia-based company, is an award-winning education solutions provider for classrooms in the southeast. PowerUpEDU creates learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, effectively bridging the gap between technology and instruction. Through technology and coaching, PowerUpEDU helps improve student achievement and brings success to the classroom.
PowerUpEDU
Media Contact: Debbie Gaillard
Director of Marketing
404-596-5744, ext. 105
debbie@powerupedu.com
PowerUpEDU and Spiral Establish Partnership to Bring Best-in-Class Student-Engagement Platform to Schools and Districts
KENNESAW, GA – October 23, 2019 – PowerUpeDU, in its relentless pursuit of cutting-edge technology solutions for classrooms in the southeast, is excited to announce a newly-formed partnership with Spiral. PowerUpEDU will be the exclusive distributor of Spiral’s award-winning software throughout the Southeastern United States. Featuring four, fully integrated collaborative learning apps, Spiral is one of the fastest growing learning platforms in the US and is widely used by teachers in K-12 classrooms for a variety of everyday learning activities across all curriculum areas.
At its core, Spiral builds quality formative assessment and active student participation into daily lessons, with activities that cover 70% of regular class work. “Spiral is truly a transformational learning platform, said Maggie Phillips, Head of Professional Development and Teacher Engagement for PowerUpEDU. “It provides teachers fast and easy access to formative assessment tools as part of their everyday instructional activities. Spiral is also incredibly engaging for students!”
“We’ve seen tremendous growth in the U.S. market over the last 18 months, ” said Hamish Kennedy, Spiral founder. “Largely built organically from word-of-mouth testimonials by classroom teachers, Spiral’s software stems from a combination of both its effectiveness and ease of use – it’s a suite of formative assessment tools that teachers can literally have up and running within minutes of use. Partnering with PowerUpEDU, a trusted and respected education solutions provider, offers Spiral instant credibility with educators and allows us to further expand our classroom reach.”
About PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU, a Georgia-based company, is an award-winning education solutions provider for classrooms in the southeast. PowerUpEDU creates learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, effectively bridging the gap between technology and isntruction. PowerUpEDU helps improve student achievement and brings success to the classroom. Learn more by visiting www.PowerUpEDU.com
About Spiral
Spiral transofmrs any classroom into an interactive learning space, breathing life into today’s classrooms by empowering teachers and engaging students across all grade levels and curriculum areas. Spiral enables students to collaborate with teachers using simple apps that mirror everyday learning activities including Quickfire, Team Up, Discuss, and Clip. Common Sense Education’s ‘Top Pick for Learning,’ Spiral’s award-winning learning platform is education’s premiere 1:1 learning platform for today’s educator. Learn more by visiting www.spiral.ac
For more information on PowerUpEDU’s Technology Solutions, and complete suite of offerings, please visit www.powerupedu.com
PowerUpEDU
Media Contact: Debbie Gaillard
Director of Marketing
404=596-5744, ext. 104
debbie@powerupedu.com
PowerUpEDU Announces New STEAM Instruction Solution
New STEAM and Coding Courses Offer a Unique Opportunity for Student Engagement
Company Release – 4/10/2019 8:00 AM ET
Curriculum-aligned STEAM and Coding Courses Create Computational Thinkers
KENNESAW, GA – PowerUpEDU, in its relentless pursuit of cutting-edge interactive technology solutions for classrooms in the southeast, has announced an addition to its STEAM Instruction portfolio. PowerUpEDU is proud to announce the addition of SAM Labs award-winning courses in STEAM and coding. Designed by teachers and aligned to K-5 Next Generation Science Standards, these courses foster both student and teacher confidence, encourage collaboration, enable creativity and critical thinking, and cover curriculum objectives. The visual, interactive and guided lesson content provide a clear structure for every lesson.
“PowerUpEDU continues to provide the most current and compelling technology available for today’s classrooms”, said Jerry Gaillard, co-founder of PowerUpEDU. The SAM Labs STEAM and coding solutions encourage innovation and stimulate critical thinking through real-world applications. “The SAM Labs solutions are a perfect complement to our STEAM line of technology which promote inquiry-based learning”, states Gaillard.
“SAM Labs is very excited to have southeast-based PowerUpEDU adding our curriculum-aligned K-5 STEAM and coding solutions to its classroom offering,” stated Dan Deem, US Managing Director of SAM Labs. PowerUpEDU offers a diverse suite of STEAM classroom solutions, including virtual reality, 3D printing, data logging, and makerspace furnishings. “PowerUpEDU is an ideal partner for us considering our mutual focus on instruction, technology and professional development,” says Deem. PowerUpEDU does also offer professional development in addition to its interactive technology. “All of our trainers are former teachers with years of classroom experience,” states Sterling Wharton, co-founder of PowerUpEDU. “Their expertise and unique insights produce very effective pedagogical results,” says Wharton.
The SAM Labs STEAM and Coding courses are already making a difference in classrooms here in the US. Donna Hall is the Media and Technology Specialist for Ridgecrest Elementary in Largo, FL. She also supervises makerspace, encouraging students to use the space for collaboration and special projects. Donna hopes to use STEAM and coding to inspire her students, elaborating, “My focus for the makerspace has been to find different ways that kids can come in and demonstrate their understanding and have a fun time doing it too, so they get the chance to create as part of their learning day.”
About PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU, a Georgia-based company, is an award-winning education solutions provider for classrooms in the southeast. PowerUpEDU creates learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, effectively bridging the gap between technology and instruction. PowerUpEDU helps improve student achievement and brings success to the classroom.
About SAM Labs
SAM Labs offers curriculum-aligned courses in STEAM and coding, empowering teachers to prepare a generation of computational thinkers. Courses provide a comprehensive teaching and learning suite, utilizing a combination of lesson content, software and hardware to give students a hands-on, minds-on experience.
For more information on PowerUpEDU’s Technology Solutions, and complete suite of offerings, please visit www.powerupedu.com
PowerUpEDU
Media Contact: Debbie Gaillard
Director of Marketing
404-596-5744, ext. 105
debbie@powerupedu.com
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PowerUpEDU Announces New Whole Group Instruction Solution
New Interactive Playground combines Gaming, Academics & Physical Activity
Company Release – 4/3/2019 8:00 AM ET
Multi-Functional Smart Space Expands Whole Group Solution Offerings
KENNESAW, GA – PowerUpEDU, in its relentless pursuit of cutting-edge interactive technology solutions for classrooms in the southeast, has announced an addition to its Whole Group portfolio. PowerUpEDU is proud to announce the addition of the Lü Interactive Playground, a new, innovative and immersive technology that transforms the physical education environment. The Interactive Playground engages students in physical activity while integrating interactive learning lessons and pedagogical games. The integration of dynamic sound and synchronized lighting completes the immersive experience. Lu Interactive is available in three configurations and an ever-growing selection of high-quality educational gaming content.
“PowerUpEDU seeks to provide the most current and compelling technology available for today’s classrooms”, said Jerry Gaillard, co-founder of PowerUpEDU. “The Lü Interactive Playground combines the best of two worlds – physical activity and learning!” Lü’s research shows that less than 10% of children are getting the recommended daily physical activity. Combined with the stat that passive screen viewing is on the rise, a solution is needed to improve this trend.
“Lü Interactive Playground is very excited to have southeast-based PowerUpEDU adding our interactive education solutions to its robust line of leading-edge classroom solutions”, stated Vincent Routhier, CEO – Lü Interactive Playground. PowerUpEDU offers an extensive suite of whole group offerings, including all types of front-of-the-classroom technology, digital mobile podium and many peripheral items, such as document cameras, data management devices, software and professional development. “Whether a classroom is looking to upgrade to an interactive flat panel display, interactive wall or refresh their projectors, we can help,” says Sterling Wharton, co-founder of PowerUpEDU.
Students at Belgreen Elementary in Franklin County, AL, are already experiencing the benefits of the interactive playground. Superintendent Greg Hamilton espoused, “The Lü Interactive Playground not only provides health benefits, it also provides quality, learning engagement.” “The enthusiasm from the students has been exciting.” Another benefit of a system which combines physical education and learning, is the engagement of all students. It allows for inclusion of students who may not be able to participate in traditional P.E. classes.
About PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU, a Georgia-based company, is an award-winning education solutions provider for classrooms in the southeast. PowerUpEDU creates learning environments that engage students and empower teachers, effectively bridging the gap between technology and instruction. Through technology and coaching, PowerUpEDU helps improve student achievement and brings success to the classroom.
For more information on PowerUpEDU’s Technology Solutions, and complete suite of offerings, please visit www.powerupedu.com
PowerUpEDU
Media Contact: Debbie Gaillard
Director of Marketing
404-596-5744, ext. 105
debbie@powerupedu.com
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PowerUpEDU Announces New STEAM Solutions for the Classroom
Company Release – 10/4/2018 8:00 AM ET
STEAM Solutions Expand Technology Solution Offerings
KENNESAW, GA — PowerUpEDU, a leading provider of interactive technology solutions for classrooms in the southeast, has announced additions to its portfolio of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) Technology offerings. PowerUpEDU has selected a Virtual Reality package by ClassVR and 3DPrinting and software by Robo3D and My Stem Kits. Both are robust and complete packages, with ClassVR offering hardware, software and portal access to hundreds of curriculum-aligned lesson plans. Robo3D offers a choice of printers (compact and high performance), along with access to over 240 NGSS-aligned lesson plans. Both solutions are also notable by their ease-of-use and compatibility with existing technologies in the classroom.
“PowerUpEDU seeks to provide the most current and compelling technology available for today’s classrooms, said Jerry Gaillard, co-founder of PowerUpEDU. “Student engagement is directly linked to student success, and schools are discovering that inquiry-based learning promotes student engagement. STEAM Technology offers numerous solutions to stimulate inquiry-based learning.”
Virtual Reality and 3D Printing solutions join the PowerUpEDU STEAM portfolio that includes Portable Datalogging and Makerspace Furnishings. “The Labdisc portable datalogger by Globisens, is like having a science lab that fits in the palm of your hand,” says Sterling Wharton, co-founder of PowerUpEDU. “With 15 Built-in sensors, students can utilize indoors or outdoors, sampling and recording data for any number of experiments.”
PowerUpEDU also believes that classroom culture can be the place to start in building a STEAM lab. “Sometimes establishing a successful STEAM Lab in your school can be as simple as establishing the right culture,” says Wharton. “Our Makerspace Furnishings by CEF, offer practical, attractive and affordable options to create a culture that excites students and makes a teacher’s life easier.”
About PowerUpEDU
PowerUpEDU, a Georgia-based company (with offices in Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina) is a solutions provider focused on making a difference in education. PowerUpEDU creates learning environments that empower teachers and students with solutions and coaching that dramatically improves student performance. Connecting technology and instruction by providing the resources, professional development, services and ongoing support, PowerUpEDU effectively liberates your classroom. A liberated classroom allows teachers to teach more effectively and improve student engagement and learning.
For more information on PowerUpEDU’s STEAM Solutions, along with the entire suite of offerings, please visit www.powerupedu.com
PowerUpEDU
Media Contact: Debbie Gaillard
Director of Marketing
404-596-5744, ext. 105
debbie@powerupedu.com
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PowerUpEDU Named Top 10 Connected Education Solution Provider for 2018 By Education Technology Insights Magazine
Kennesaw, GA, June 28, 2018 – PowerUpEDU has been recognized as a Top 10 Connected Education Solution Provider for 2018 by Education Technology Insights Magazine.
Education Technology Insights Magazine states, “The digital transformation has been embraced by forward-thinking companies to create an integrated strategy and leverage connected devices and the data they generate.”
To assist CIOs in navigating through the many Connected Education solution providers, the Education Technology Insights distinguished selection panel, comprising CEOs, CIOs, VCs, industry analysts and the editorial board of Education Technology Insights have selected the Top 10 Connected Education Solution Providers 2018. These 10 “forward-thinking” providers exhibit competence in delivering educational intelligence, while also driving digital transformation in a connected education setting for educational institutions and organizations.
Offering the “right ingredients”, PowerUpEDU bridges the gap between teaching and technology. Providing innovative classroom technology solutions, PowerUpEDU creates learning environments that engage students and empower teachers to create learning experiences which improve teacher-learning practices.
“We provide solutions that use in-place classroom technologies whenever possible, while at the same time ensuring the classroom is ready to connect with new and emerging trends,” says Jerry Gaillard, Co- founder of PowerUpEDU. Sterling Wharton, Co-founder of PowerUpEDU, adds “We believe that by leveraging the technology in the classroom, we can improve the results of students and lower the stress levels of teachers at the same time.”
PowerUpEDU’s solutions focus on six key areas: whole group instruction; personalized instruction; wireless classroom solutions; professional development and coaching; classroom sound, safety, and video; and STEAM instruction and curriculum. Aiming to change the way education is delivered, Gaillard states “Our goal is to make classrooms fun, interactive, and engaging, thus motivating students to come to school and enjoy the learning environment.”
To read the entire article found in the June issue of Education Technology Insights Magazine, go here: www.educationtechnologyinsights.com/magazines/June2018/Connected_Education/
Education Technology Insights has been an apex platform offering renewed understanding of the latest innovations and technologies in the Education industry arena. Education Technology Insights spearheads in highlighting education industry’s latest trends and technologies, bringing forth the ideas and unique offerings of market leaders to assist education experts in establishing institutions alike.
For more information on PowerUpEDU’s Connected Education Solutions, contact them at 888.517.3824 or info@powerupedu.com
PowerUpEDU
Media Contact: Debbie Gaillard Director of Marketing
404-596-5744, ext. 105
debbie@powerupedu.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 20, 2014
PowerUpEDU Announces Strategic Partnership with Tablet and Computer Management Specialist mPowered IT
Marietta, GA – PowerUpEDU, a market leader in helping schools bridge the gap between technology and instruction, today announced a strategic partnership with mPowered IT, a technology services provider specializing in tablet and computer network management.
“Having partnered so closely with both public and private schools, we found they are struggling with the deployment, security, control, and ongoing management of tablets and iPads. What educators require is a cost effective, fixed-fee option that is predictable and does not require the precious time of their teachers and administrators” said Jerry Gaillard co-founder of PowerUpEDU.
The partnership with mPowered IT brings with it a revolutionary new service called “Engage” which provides a suite of packaged services including tablet deployment and ongoing management. The partnership also makes other key IT services available that schools are clearly in need of, including computer and network support, firewall security with bandwidth management and content blocking, cloud hosting services, and backup and disaster recovery services, all for a budget friendly fixed-fee.
”We are thrilled to have entered into this partnership with the team at PowerUpEDU” said John Mamon, CEO of mPowered IT. “We have already seen great excitement from the education market about our ability to take away all of the headaches associated with deploying and managing tablets so they can just focus on creating a dynamic teaching and learning environment”.
“The ‘Engage’ program allows our schools to effectively deploy and manage tablets, keeping their focus where it matters: using tablets to increase student achievement” added Gaillard.
For more information on the partnership or the Engage program, contact:
Jerry Gaillard
29 North Park Square
Suite 200
Marietta, GA 30060
Phone: 404.596.5723
Contact: Debbie Gaillard
Debbie@powerupedu.com
Phone: 888.517.3824, 404.596.5744
For Immediate Release
PowerUp EDU to Revolutionize the Classroom
“If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s,
we rob them of their tomorrow”, John Dewey
Believing every child should reach their full potential, today TPS Interactive announces a new division focused on serving the next generation’s classroom; a classroom that provides better learning results, is less stressful for teachers to lead and costs less to equip and operate. The Powered Up classroom.
The United States has been a world leader in education for generations, but now, student test scores indicate US classroom effectiveness is falling behind other parts of the world. Our teachers have increased challenges with new requirements, standards, and protocols.
Other industries have been transformed by utilizing technology solutions to dramatically improve effectiveness, productivity and empower its leaders. In contrast, today’s classroom is largely unchanged from the classroom of our parents and grandparents. Today’s popular handheld devices have limited use in classrooms and are not well utilized. Often, students are even directed to “power down” those devices at the beginning of the school day. Schools that purchase technology only, sometimes find the products fall short of the desired outcome. Additionally, while ideal for consumer and business environments, schools find that student-provided technology also falls short in classroom effectiveness. Student devices may be brought into classrooms with inadequately equipped infrastructures, and teachers may lack sufficient training on the integration of that technology into a cohesive classroom solution.
PowerUp EDU simplifies the classroom by creating learning environments that dramatically improve the teachers’ ability to motivate & engage learners, to teach more effectively with reduced effort, thus improving student engagement, motivation, retention and learning. “PowerUp EDU provides our classroom with solutions, not just technology or products. The solutions provided in their EDUTalk training series enable teachers to better engage students, focus on individual student needs & help reduce the teacher’s cognitive overload at the same time” said Tamara Spafford, Executive Director of The LionHeart School.
PowerUp EDU is bridging the gap between technology and instruction for more positive results in today’s classroom. PowerUp EDU is a One Stop Shop for consulting, professional development and integration of systems technology into cohesive solutions for today’s classroom, more effectively leveraging the power of individualized and personalized learning at a lower cost than other alternatives.
Contact PowerUp EDU 404.596.5744, 888.517.3824 or visit PowerUpEDU.com for more information.
PowerUp EDU is a Georgia-based interactive technology company that has assisted hundreds of schools, commercial and government accounts nationally with consulting, interactive technology integration and professional development. TPS Interactive will continue to provide interactive technology and training solutions in the government and commercial markets.
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