Technology continues to evolve in and out of the classroom. It is important that educators understand the solutions they are working with. In many cases, they are left puzzled when faced with new technology, such as display panels, with no one to help troubleshoot.

However, the partnership between SMART Technologies and Tequipment Inc. (Teq) with Putnam County School District in Putnam County, FL, proved that it is possible for educators and edtech experts to work together for a seamless technology implementation.  

Getting started with SMART 

After viewing different interactive panels, Putnam County School District decided to partner with SMART and Teq. Ultimately, the district chose to integrate SMART Board MX Series models throughout almost the entire district, catering to all grade levels. 

Although, the district had concerns as to who would support them with this new technology. This is where the SMART and Teq partnership came in. They went beyond any ordinary technology company to prioritize hands-on training with schools. Putnam County SD Project Manager – Technology Integration, Susan Gaboriau, experienced how Teq and SMART helped the district make the most of their chosen technology solutions. 

“The excellence of SMART Panels did not end with the sales pitch—far from it. From the moment we made the decision to adopt SMART technology, the support from the SMART team and Teq has been instrumental,” Gaboriau stated. 

Starting with planning sessions for educators and district leaders, Teq Senior Account Executive, Matthew Reichart, and SMART Senior Education Sales Consultant, Michael Green, provided a solid framework for the district to understand what would happen during implementation.  

District use of SMART features and add-ons 

After an understanding of what the district would receive through an initial walkthrough, Reichart and Green provided a series of in-person trainings and virtual meetings for the district to feel confident using their display panels. 

Once the district was acclimated to their new technology, they were able to reap the benefits of all that their SMART panels had to offer. District educators who attended training sessions from Teq and SMART were then able receive their SMART panels and implement SMART tools such as Lumio, SMART Ink, and iQ. 

“From its interactive whiteboarding capabilities to its seamless integration with educational software, Lumio, SMART Panels offered a comprehensive and user-friendly interactive learning solution that was unmatched by its competitors,” said Gaboriau. 

In addition to chosen SMART programs, the district received SMART mobile stands for a versatile learning environment. Additionally, they opted for SMART Open Pluggable Specification (OPS) PC modules to provide a hassle-free connection to Windows for internet browsing. These features, paired with their new display panels, set Putnam County School District up for success in their upgraded technological learning environment. 

Troubleshooting and extra support 

With the integration of brand-new technology, it is common to run into confusion or mishaps. In addition to in-person and virtual trainings, representatives Reichart and Green maintained a close partnership with the district for over two years. For instance, they were always readily available via phone and email in the case of a question or troubleshooting issue.  

Teq and SMART guided educators and district representatives through their questions so that the classroom could carry on. Additionally, they offered various tips and tricks to make the most out of their SMART experience so that educators would not run into the same issues. 

Following the implementation of their SMART technology, Putnam County School District’s classroom efficiency dramatically shifted. “SMART Panels have become an integral part of our classrooms, inspiring creativity, fostering collaboration, and empowering students to reach their full potential,” Gaboriau stated. 

Thanks to the efforts of SMART Technologies and Tequipment Inc., students and teachers could explore new learning opportunities and dive into tech in education. As a result, SMART and Teq aim to help every school district they come into contact with in the future, just as they helped Putnam County.

For more tips, tricks, and tools for teaching in and out of the classroom, check out more content on the Teq Talk blog or our YouTube channels OTIS for educators and Tequipment.

We also offer virtual professional development, training, and support with OTIS for educators. Explore the technology and strategies that spark student success — no matter where teaching or learning are happening!

Follow us on social:

  edteq             OTIS4educators  |  Teq Products  |  iBlocks           OTIS4educators  |  MyTeq          Teq