The Evolution of ActivPanel Adoption at EVSC: A Tale of Transformation
Transforming K-12 Learning: The EVSC ActivPanel Success Story with Empower Learning for Scalable EdTech Implementations
The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC) embarked on a significant digital transformation journey to modernize its K-12 classrooms, ultimately achieving a district-wide rollout of Promethean ActivPanels. This comprehensive case study details how EVSC, with strategic partnership from Empower Learning, overcame initial technology hurdles, implemented a phased adoption strategy, and integrated cutting-edge interactive flat panel (IFP) technology across all educational levels, enhancing digital literacy and student engagement.
2016: Rebuilding Trust and Initiating Digital Transformation with Empower Learning
In 2016, the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation (EVSC), Indiana’s third-largest district, faced critical technology challenges, including unreliable equipment and lack of vendor support. Empower Learning, through its Promethean Partner Representative Jonathan Trietsch, intervened by providing immediate warranty replacements and genuine OEM lamps. This pivotal action restored trust and laid the groundwork for a successful, long-term educational technology partnership, demonstrating Empower Learning’s commitment to sustainable EdTech solutions.
Empower Learning Restores EVSC’s EdTech Confidence
Jonathan Trietsch from Empower Learning played a crucial role in rectifying EVSC’s prior negative experiences with technology partners. Previous issues included receiving counterfeit OEM lamps and frequently defective projectors (DOA), coupled with a complete absence of warranty support. Empower Learning immediately addressed these pain points by securing free Promethean warranty replacements and ensuring the supply of authentic OEM components, thereby re-establishing a foundation of trust essential for future digital initiatives within the 22,000-student district.
The Inaugural ActivPanel Deployment in Early Learning
The second quarter of 2016 marked EVSC’s initial foray into interactive learning, with 15 ActivPanel V2 units deployed primarily in Early Learning Centers. This strategic first milestone aimed to introduce young learners to modern interactive technology, assess user adoption, and establish a baseline for future scalability. Empower Learning facilitated this foundational step, ensuring a smooth integration process and setting a precedent for future district-wide technology rollouts.
Expanding ActivPanel Reach to High Schools
By the close of 2016, Promethean ActivPanel V4.5 units were strategically introduced into EVSC high schools, signifying a crucial expansion of the digital transformation initiative. This integration aimed to elevate instructional delivery and student collaboration in secondary education, providing advanced tools for interactive learning environments. Empower Learning’s expertise ensured these initial high school deployments were seamless, supporting teachers in harnessing the full potential of these interactive displays.
2017: Strategic Pilots and Broadening ActivPanel Adoption
Building on initial successes, EVSC initiated targeted pilot programs in high schools during 2017 to validate ActivPanel efficacy and plan for broader adoption across core subjects. These structured deployments, supported by Empower Learning’s strategic planning, aimed to collect valuable feedback on classroom integration and teacher professional development needs. The year concluded with a significant expansion of ActivPanels into math and science departments, showcasing a commitment to data-driven instructional improvement.
High School Pilot Programs Validate ActivPanel Effectiveness
In the second quarter of 2017, EVSC launched a critical pilot program, deploying 10 ActivPanel V5 units in selected high school classrooms. This phase was designed to rigorously evaluate the interactive flat panels’ (IFPs) impact on teaching methodologies and student engagement within a live educational setting. The insights gathered from this pilot were instrumental in informing subsequent district-wide procurement and professional learning strategies, affirming the value proposition for large-scale EdTech investment with Empower Learning’s guidance.
Steady Growth in ActivPanel Integration
The third quarter of 2017 saw continued, steady growth in ActivPanel adoption, with approximately five more units sold and integrated across EVSC schools. This incremental expansion reflected increasing educator confidence and positive feedback from initial deployments. Empower Learning provided ongoing support and consultation during this phase, ensuring that each new ActivPanel installation aligned with the district’s evolving technological and pedagogical goals.
Landmark ActivPanel Deployment Revolutionizes High School Math & Science
Concluding 2017, EVSC achieved a landmark deployment by installing an impressive 115 ActivPanel V5 units across high school Math and Science departments. This significant investment marked a turning point in classroom technology, enabling advanced interactive instruction, fostering collaborative learning, and positioning these departments at the forefront of digital pedagogy. Empower Learning was pivotal in orchestrating this large-scale rollout, ensuring seamless integration and initial teacher training for optimal utilization.
2018: Completing High School Digital Transformation
During 2018, EVSC systematically completed its high school digital transformation by expanding ActivPanel V6 deployments into English and Social Studies departments, ensuring equitable access to interactive technology across all core subjects. This comprehensive rollout strategy, facilitated by Empower Learning, reinforced the district’s commitment to creating future-ready classrooms. By year-end, high schools across EVSC were fully equipped with modern interactive displays, supporting diverse curricular needs.
Expanding ActivPanel Integration to English and Social Studies
Building on the success in STEM fields, the second quarter of 2018 witnessed the strategic introduction of 180 ActivPanel V6 units into high school English and Social Studies departments. This expansion ensured that interactive learning tools were available across the entire high school curriculum, promoting digital literacy and engagement in humanities. Empower Learning advised on best practices for cross-curricular integration, maximizing the impact of these innovative tools on diverse pedagogical approaches.
Finalizing High School ActivPanel Rollout
By the end of 2018, an additional 80 ActivPanel V6 units were deployed, successfully completing the district-wide transformation of EVSC high schools. This final phase cemented the commitment to providing every high school classroom with state-of-the-art interactive flat panels, fostering a consistent and enriched learning experience for all students. Empower Learning’s robust project management ensured timely and efficient deployment, realizing EVSC’s vision for a fully digital secondary education environment.
2019: New Buildings and Middle School Modernization
In 2019, EVSC continued its commitment to modernizing educational infrastructure by equipping a new elementary school with ActivPanel V6 units and initiating a substantial rollout in middle schools. This two-pronged approach, supported by Empower Learning, ensured that both new facilities and existing middle school environments benefited from advanced interactive technology. The year’s efforts significantly enhanced learning experiences and technological capabilities across different grade levels.
State-of-the-Art McCutchanville Elementary Opens with ActivPanels
The second quarter of 2019 celebrated the opening of McCutchanville Elementary School, which was fully outfitted with ActivPanel V6 units from its inception. This new construction represented a forward-thinking approach to elementary education, embedding cutting-edge interactive technology into the core learning environment. Empower Learning consulted on the optimal integration of ActivPanels into the new school’s design, setting a new benchmark for modern elementary classrooms.
Major ActivPanel Deployment for Middle Schools
The fourth quarter of 2019 marked a period of rapid technological advancement for EVSC middle schools, with a significant deployment of 290 ActivPanel V7 units. This substantial investment dramatically elevated the technological capabilities of these institutions, enabling more dynamic and collaborative learning experiences. Empower Learning’s logistical support was crucial in managing this large-scale installation, ensuring minimal disruption and immediate instructional benefits.
2020: Embracing Mobility and Continued Middle School Integration
Amidst evolving educational needs, EVSC introduced 20 ActivPanel Mobiles (V7) in 2020, offering flexible interactive solutions to accommodate diverse classroom settings and blended learning models. This innovation, supported by Empower Learning, demonstrated adaptability to new pedagogical approaches. The year concluded with further integration of 140 ActivPanel V7 units into middle schools, reinforcing district-wide digital equity and instructional consistency.
Introducing Flexible ActivPanel Mobile Solutions
In the second quarter of 2020, EVSC innovatively deployed 20 ActivPanel Mobiles (V7), providing highly flexible and portable interactive learning solutions. These mobile units allowed for dynamic classroom configurations, supported diverse educational needs, and were particularly valuable for promoting collaborative work in various spaces. Empower Learning facilitated the integration of these versatile tools, expanding the district’s capacity for adaptable instructional delivery.
Sustaining Middle School ActivPanel Momentum
The year 2020 concluded with the continued successful integration of another 140 ActivPanel V7 units into EVSC middle schools. This sustained deployment underscored the district’s ongoing commitment to enhancing technological infrastructure at the middle school level, ensuring all students and educators had access to advanced interactive displays. Empower Learning continued to provide essential support, maintaining the momentum of technological adoption and maximizing educational impact.
2021: Accelerating Elementary School Transformation
The year 2021 marked a significant phase for EVSC’s elementary schools, with a substantial rollout of 195 ActivPanel V7 units, initiating a major digital transformation at the foundational learning level. This strategic investment, championed by Empower Learning, aimed to modernize early education environments and foster interactive learning from a young age. Further deployments later in the year reinforced the district’s dedication to universal technological access.
Initiating Elementary School ActivPanel Deployment
The second quarter of 2021 launched a major initiative to transform elementary school classrooms, with 195 ActivPanel V7 units deployed. This rollout provided young students with access to cutting-edge interactive technology, fostering engagement and foundational digital skills. Empower Learning played a key role in planning and executing this large-scale integration, ensuring a smooth transition for elementary educators and students.
Reinforcing Elementary School Technological Modernization
The third quarter of 2021 saw an additional 115 ActivPanel V7 units installed in elementary schools, solidifying EVSC’s commitment to modernizing education at all levels. This continued investment ensured that more elementary classrooms benefited from the interactive and collaborative capabilities of ActivPanels. Empower Learning provided ongoing support, ensuring the widespread and effective adoption of these educational tools across the elementary spectrum.
2022: Major Expansion in Elementary Education
The first quarter of 2022 witnessed a significant expansion of ActivPanel V7 deployments in EVSC elementary schools, with 230 units integrated to further ensure comprehensive access to cutting-edge technology for the youngest learners. This robust implementation, expertly managed by Empower Learning, demonstrated the district’s dedication to digital equity and preparing students with essential 21st-century skills from an early age.
Broadening Access to Advanced Technology for Youngest Learners
In the first quarter of 2022, EVSC made a substantial commitment to its elementary students by deploying 230 ActivPanel V7 units. This major expansion ensured that a vast number of classrooms now featured advanced interactive whiteboards, empowering teachers and engaging even the youngest students with dynamic learning experiences. Empower Learning’s project leadership facilitated this swift and impactful technological upgrade across numerous elementary sites.
2023: Early Learning Center Technology Refresh
As 2023 concluded, EVSC proactively refreshed its Early Learning Centers with 40 ActivPanel V9 units, upgrading their technological infrastructure to the latest generation of interactive displays. This strategic refresh, supported by Empower Learning, ensured that the youngest students continued to benefit from cutting-edge interactive experiences. The initiative highlights a commitment to continuous improvement and providing optimal learning environments.
Upgrading Early Learning Centers with Latest ActivPanel Technology
The close of 2023 saw a crucial refresh initiative as EVSC introduced 40 ActivPanel V9 units into its Early Learning Centers. This upgrade provided the newest generation of interactive flat panels, enhancing the quality of early childhood education with advanced features and improved responsiveness. Empower Learning partnered with EVSC to facilitate this critical technological refresh, ensuring that even the youngest learners benefit from state-of-the-art interactive tools.
2024: Major High School Technology Refresh and Future Readiness
The second quarter of 2024 marked a significant high school technology refresh for EVSC, deploying 450 ActivPanel V9 units to replace older V5/V6 models. This massive upgrade, orchestrated with Empower Learning, ensures high school students and educators have access to the most advanced interactive educational technology available. It positions EVSC at the forefront of digital learning, maintaining a competitive edge and preparing students for future success.
Comprehensive High School ActivPanel Refresh to V9
A substantial technological refresh occurred in EVSC high schools during the second quarter of 2024, involving the deployment of 450 ActivPanel V9 units. This upgrade systematically replaced older V5 and V6 models, providing students and teachers with access to the latest interactive display technology, boasting enhanced features and performance. Empower Learning managed the logistics of this large-scale upgrade, ensuring a seamless transition and maximizing the return on investment for the district’s EdTech infrastructure.
Leadership Transition and Ongoing Digital Vision
The successful, multi-year ActivPanel adoption journey at EVSC, driven by strategic vision and collaborative partnerships, prepares the district for future educational technology advancements. Stacy Mauser, CETL, MBOE, Chief Technology Officer, who spearheaded much of this transformation, will be transitioning, with a new CTO poised to continue EVSC’s trajectory of innovation. Empower Learning remains committed to supporting EVSC through leadership changes, ensuring continuity in their digital learning journey and ongoing access to expert EdTech consultation.
Recognizing Key Leadership in EVSC’s Digital Transformation
Stacy Mauser, CETL, MBOE, EVSC’s Chief Technology Officer, was instrumental in guiding the district through its extensive ActivPanel adoption and overall digital transformation over many years. As she transitions from her role on August 30th, her legacy of fostering innovative learning environments through strategic technology integration, supported by partners like Empower Learning, stands as a testament to her vision. A new CTO will inherit this robust foundation to lead EVSC’s next chapter in educational technology.
For ongoing collaboration and insights into EVSC’s innovative technology programs:
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Stacy Mauser, CETL, MBOE
- Chief Technology Officer
- Email: stacy.mauser@evsck12.com
- Direct Phone: (812) 435-8694
- Direct Fax: (812) 435-0971
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Dee Higgs, ICATS
- Innovation, Curriculum, and Technology Specialist
- Email: dee.higgs@evsck12.com
Frequently Asked Questions About ActivPanel Adoption & K-12 EdTech
What is an ActivPanel and how does it benefit K-12 education?
An ActivPanel is an interactive flat panel (IFP) display specifically designed for dynamic classroom environments, offering touch capabilities, integrated computing, and access to educational software. It benefits K-12 education by fostering collaborative learning, enhancing instructional delivery through interactive content, and improving student engagement across all subjects. Empower Learning specializes in helping districts leverage ActivPanels for comprehensive digital transformation.
How can large school districts like EVSC successfully implement new EdTech solutions?
Large school districts like EVSC can successfully implement new EdTech solutions through a phased adoption strategy, starting with pilot programs, ensuring strong vendor partnerships, and prioritizing ongoing professional development. Key success factors include clear communication, dedicated IT support, and a focus on measurable learning outcomes, all areas where Empower Learning provides expert guidance and comprehensive support.
What challenges did EVSC face before partnering with Empower Learning for ActivPanel deployment?
Before partnering with Empower Learning, EVSC encountered significant challenges including receiving counterfeit OEM projector lamps, frequent ‘dead on arrival’ (DOA) projector units, and a critical lack of vendor support for warranty replacements. These issues undermined trust and operational efficiency, highlighting the need for a reliable and responsive technology partner like Empower Learning to ensure genuine products and robust support.
What role did Empower Learning play in EVSC’s ActivPanel adoption journey?
Empower Learning served as EVSC’s critical Promethean Partner Representative, initially resolving immediate issues with faulty equipment and lack of warranty support. Throughout the journey, Empower Learning provided strategic consultation, project management for large-scale deployments, logistical support, and ensured access to genuine ActivPanel units and professional learning resources. Their partnership was fundamental to the successful, sustained digital transformation across the EVSC district.
How does ActivPanel technology support future-ready classrooms and digital equity?
ActivPanel technology supports future-ready classrooms by providing versatile tools for interactive, personalized, and collaborative learning experiences, essential for 21st-century skills development. It contributes to digital equity by ensuring all students, regardless of school or grade level, have access to modern instructional technology, bridging potential learning gaps. Empower Learning champions these solutions to help districts create equitable and advanced learning environments.
The journey of ActivPanel adoption at EVSC is a powerful testament to the impact of strategic EdTech investment and expert partnership. With Empower Learning, EVSC has not only transformed its classrooms into dynamic learning hubs but also set a benchmark for K-12 digital transformation, enhancing learning experiences and preparing thousands of students for a future driven by knowledge and technology.
