The LCT Family - Bruce Treu (ACE)

There are those people that you go to when you want a job done right. There are those people that you just know that you can count on in any circumstance, an “Ace in the Hole”; so to speak…one of those people is Bruce Treu.

Bruce, a six year veteran of Logical Choice Technologies, is an ACE (ActivClassroom Consulting Engineer) who brings a wealth of knowledge, expertise and service to each project.

An ACE is the last line of defense for our installation team. They are the most knowledgeable problem-solvers who assist our installation team when there is something that they cannot figure out on their own. They also specialize in certain aspects of the job. Bruce specializes in projectors and cabling issues for our Promethean products.

Bruce’s background as a low voltage wiring company owner/operator and his passage through the ranks (Installer, Team Lead, Manager of Services, and ASM) have provided him with the hands-on experience needed to reach the expert level within Logical Choice.

Bruce and his wife of 21 years, Karen, moved to Georgia 11 years ago to support his best friend and their family of 4 daughters who also were moving to Georgia. A native of Wisconsin, Bruce decided that it was time to take the opportunity to start his own company without constantly dealing with unions.

Luckily, Bruce and Logical Choice found each other and his customer service oriented attitude meshed perfectly with the corporate culture.

Bruce likes the customer oriented company that Logical Choice has always been. “The customer is number one. I like that we are not just for profit, but also for establishing a good name in the eyes of the customer”, Bruce said. “I like helping people succeed. It gives me fulfillment and the family oriented atmosphere shows that we really care for one another.”

Bruce Treu reaches the heights in his job performance and also in the sky. He is just a few hours of flight time away from obtaining his pilot’s license – a long held goal of his. “Perhaps I can be Cynthia’s (Cynthia Kaye, CEO of Logical Choice Technologies) first corporate pilot,” Bruce joked.

Whether it is in the sky or at Logical Choice, Bruce Treu soars high above the rest.

-Lisa K.

MacBook Pro 17 v. Alienware M17x

We are experimenting with a new form of Social Media. Part of this project requires that we build a studio and start working with some really cool video production equipment. A video mixer, signal processors, sweet HD cameras, and some production software...all of which requires the use of a MacBook Pro.

This is the first time in 11 years that I have needed to use a Mac as my daily driver. Back then I was working with a friend of mine on database creation using FileMaker 4 (I think?). Furthermore, I have had some experience using a Mac in a recording studio (audio). However, I never really saw the appeal. To me, PCs could do everything that a Mac can do, only cheaper and they could perform more functions at once.

Wow, things have changed! I have been working with this sleek aluminium monster for a few weeks now and have been really impressed with how well it can perform. It's fast, relatively light for a 17", and incredibly quiet. With my background in Adobe Premier, learning Final Cut Studio has been a breeze and there are lots of auxiliary programs to give our videos some added flavor.

So how does it stack up against a PC? I own an Alienware M17x with a quad-core processor, dual Nvidia graphics cards, and 8GBs of RAM. This thing is a beast. It also weighs 14 lbs! Its loud, extremely fast, multi-tasks like an air traffic controller, and, did I mention...it's 14 lbs! The battery is almost entirely useless and the charger is a huge cumbersome mess. With all of its creature discomforts, the Alienware is incredibly powerful and out specs the MacBook Pro in every way.

The Mac starts up in 35 seconds; my M17x takes about a minute and a half. Apple has also done a great job with program start-ups which seem to begin as soon as I click on them. The programs them selves are a little difficult to navigate through when it comes to personalizing the settings, but, that is probably because I am still learning the Mac OS. It seems like the Alienware is able to multi-task and negotiate priorities better when I am working on more than one thing at a time.

However, when I'm in the studio, the MacBook far outperforms my M17x. I need it to handle one task: encode an HD video stream in the highest fidelity possible. Nothing else is allowed to intrude on that responsibility. This is where Apple shines and the very nature of the Windows OS is it's undoing. I think Windows, and PCs by default, are so good at multi-tasking they loose focus when it comes to working on a singular assignment.

So far, I'm really enjoying the progress that Apple has made in their product line. It has worked well for me and it's been very user-friendly. My only complaint is the price tag. A well equipped Macbook will run you $3000 plus the software. My Alienware cost me $2200 and had many more customizable features.

I am also very fortunate in that the IT department here at Logical Choice Technologies is very well versed on both machines. We have been blessed with our own Super Genius Bar and they are always prepared when we break anything with a microchip in it. Thanks Guys!

Get To Know Your 21st Century Classroom – Part 4: Dual Pen Functionality and ActivArena

This week we will talk about the ActivPens, ActivWands, and ActivArena. ActivArena is a firmware upgrade that allows the use of Teacher and Student ActivPens or ActivWands to operate simultaneously.

The Teacher and Student ActivPens

An ActivClassroom equipped with a 300 series ActivBoard will come complete with two user interface devices: a Teacher ActivPen and a Student ActivPen. Both ActivPens work with the ActivBoard much like a stylus would work with a touch screen. They allow the user to interact with the computer, flipchart, and other programs. Unlike a typical stylus, the ActivPen has a button that acts like the “right click” button of a mouse. Promethean also paid particular attention to the ergonomic styling of the pen which allows for continuous use without grip fatigue.

So, what is the difference between the Teacher and Student pens? The Teacher ActivPen has administrative rights over the Student ActivPen. This means that the user can use the Teacher ActivPen to enable or disable the use of the Student ActivPen.

The ActivWand

The ActivWand is designed to help students and teachers that find it difficult to reach the top of the ActivBoard. It functions exactly the same as an ActivPen but is 21 inches long. ActivWands are available as an accessory in both Teacher and Student models.

Two is Better Than One

Both Teacher and Student ActivPens or ActivWands can be used at the same time, which is a tremendous instructional aide. Educators can ask a student to stand by the ActivBoard and share the solution to a problem with the rest of the class. Furthermore, dual pen functionality facilitates one-on-one instruction between the teacher and pupil.

For more suggestions about how to get the most out of the Dual Pen interface, watch this video:

Next week: We will explore the microscopic world around us with the Ken-A-Vision Digital Microscope.

The LCT Family - Lisa Baker (Baker Travel)

If you are traveling anywhere for Logical Choice Technologies, you know Lisa Baker, our Travel Coordinator. But did you know that Lisa has been with LCT for 9 years beginning with a 5 ½ year position as our receptionist, all while handling travel?

Lisa has worn many hats; including a year in HR (all while handling travel). So, is it any wonder that she can juggle the myriad needs of our growing company’s travel with a smile on her face?

Recently, relocated to a desk in the corner, Lisa Baker has viewed her job as Travel Coordinator with amazement and excitement for the tremendous growth over her 9 years.

“Every day is different. I do the same things, but I talk to different people and I face new challenges each day”, Lisa said. “I love the family atmosphere – literally – the family atmosphere for me includes my daughter, Lauren and now, my niece Kristine.”

Lisa’s daughter, Lauren is our NY warehouse supervisor and scheduler and her niece, Kristine Schubert is now our rep in Michigan, Lisa’s home state.

“I am so glad that an opportunity came up for Kristine to join LCT. I’ve been telling her about this company for years and I’m glad she can use her talents here,” Lisa said.

Speaking of talents, Lisa’s talent for making each person feel special and cared for and her ability to smooth out even the worst traveling snafu, make her a tremendous asset to LCT.

So, when you hear "Baker Travel", which she jokingly calls herself, on the other end of the phone, you know you are in good hands and Lisa Baker will get you there or here in the best possible way.


-Lisa K.

Get To Know Your 21st Century Classroom – Part 3: Learner Response Systems

Logical Choice Technologies is particularly excited about the products we are discussing this week. Does it ever feel like your class thinks every question you ask is rhetorical? Do you yearn for a more active and engaging learning environment? Are you looking for a more effective way to reach the Video Game Generation?  We have the solution for you.

What is a Learner Response System?

The ActiVote and ActivExpression are commonly referred to as Learner Response Systems (LRS).  These small, handheld devices enable students to interact with the teacher by answering multiple choice questions and submitting text responses. Both LRSs are wireless and can maintain a signal over 300ft away from the ActivHub. Additionally, teachers can register 500 units per system!

Form Factor

The ActiVote features six buttons, labeled A-F, and a registration button. It is small, simple, and ruggedized which is great for younger students.

The ActivExpression is designed more like a cell phone. Students will quickly recognize the alpha-numeric key pad and be confident using it. It also has an LCD screen so students can preview their answers before submitting them to the class.

Fun and Games

These devices allow students to participate in the discussion immediately. Before this technology, group participation on this scale was disruptive and impossible to manage. Now, teachers can maintain control of the class while allowing every student to answer at once! ActivInspire will even post the response data after the answer time has expired. Students are challenged in a familiar, video game style manner while educators are given the opportunity to instantly gauge the learning dynamic in the room.

More information is available at: http://www.logicalchoice.com/products/learner-response-system/assessment-overview/

Next week: We will talk about the difference between the ActivPens and the ActivWand.

Get To Know Your 21st Century Classroom – Part 2: The ActivSlate

This week in our “Get To Know…” series we will be discussing the ActivSlate. The ActivSlate works like a mini ActivBoard that is portable and light weight. It is a great way to allow students to interact with lessons developed through ActivInspire without being required to stand in the front of the classroom.

What is an ActivSlate?

The ActivSlate is a Human Interface Device (HID) that allows users to control the computer much like a mouse or the ActivBoard. Typically, a slate will be passed out to a student by the instructor. Each ActivSlate comes equipped with an ActivPen which makes everything the student draws and writes directly visible on the ActivBoard while the student remains in his or her seat.

Functionality:

One of the greatest features about the ActivSlate is that it is completely wireless! It seamlessly connects via the ActivHub and maintains a range of over 300ft. The ActivSlate’s internal battery is capable of powering the device for 24 hours, continuously. Each ActivSlate also features a small LCD screen that monitors the connection, battery life, and even displays setup information.

Remove the Intimidation From Participation:

The possibilities are endless, once a teacher incorporates the ActivSlate technology into the lesson plan. Educators can expect more participation from students that would otherwise not feel comfortable presenting in front of the classroom. Devices like these open new doors for children who are disabled or just plain shy.

More information is available at: http://www.logicalchoice.com/products/promethean-digital-tools/activslate/

Next week: We will look at two other devices that are designed to keep students on the edge of their seats: the ActiVote and ActivExpression.

Education’s #1 U.S. Provider of Promethean ActivClassroom Technology Expanding Nationally

The nation’s leading provider of Promethean’s ActivClassroom educational technology—Logical Choice Technologies—announced today that they have come to an agreement with the manufacturer (Promethean USA) to expand their authorized Promethean market area from 9 to 50 states.

With just five employees in 1994, Logical Choice Technologies started to build a vision about how it could help schools utilize technology to advance education. Today, from its new 48,000 sq ft Corporate Office in Lawrenceville, Georgia, the company has extended its reach from coast to coast with a staff of 250 professionals and growing. From the company’s current nine-state footprint, Logical Choice has sold and installed more Promethean interactive whiteboards and learner response systems into schools than any other company in the United States.

“We were Promethean’s first integration partner in the USA and are delighted that Promethean wants to work with us to serve schools across the entire country,” said Cynthia Kaye, CEO of Logical Choice. “Promethean ActivClassroom technology has the power to improve teaching and learning like never before. For example, the new multi-touch ActivBoard 500 Pro system is dramatically raising the standard for interactive whiteboard systems with its simultaneous intuitive pen and touch capability. We are eager to introduce this game-changing technology to educators around the nation.”

Beyond offering technology products, Logical Choice also works hand-in-hand with schools to implement the technology. Their Promethean-certified professional services team assists the schools not only in planning and executing the installation of the equipment, but also in training educators on how to use the technology in the classroom.

“I can’t think of a better partner than Logical Choice Technologies,” said Myron Rumsey, Director of Technology for the Odessa-Montour Central School District of Odessa, NY. “They go beyond the traditional business relationship and truly care about our students as much as we do. Logical Choice stands behind everything they do and dedicates itself to making sure that you are successful, because they become invested in your efforts to improve the education of students.”

Cheryl Hines, the star of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm and executive producer of NBC’s School Pride, asked CEO Cynthia Kaye for help with renovating aging and broken schools in 7 hard-hit communities. In the end, both Logical Choice and their manufacturer partner, Promethean, donated hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment to the struggling schools featured in the prime-time series. In addition, Kaye and a team of her company’s professional installers traveled around the country in the summer of 2010 to set up the new technologies into the classrooms of these schools.

“The schools selected for School Pride needed our help and we were happy to give it,” said Kaye. “We see every day how Promethean technology is transforming teaching and learning—and, by extension, people’s lives. To be a part of making that happen now on a nationwide basis is thrilling.”

To explore the full range of products and services offered by Logical Choice Technologies, visit www.logicalchoice.com.

View the original PR Web release:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/LogicalChoice/Promethean/prweb5121474.htm