As schools get ready for the 2023-24 school year, Tech & Learning's Awards of Excellence program, “The Best Tools for Back to School” is designed to help our readers find the products and solutions that will support their work in any learning environment. Eligible products included hardware, software, curriculum, and more, all divided by grade levels to make it easier for readers to find the solutions they need.
“With ESSER funding coming to an end, and emerging tech like AI exploding into the market with little guidance as to how best to integrate this new technology into the classroom, it’s more important than ever to curate the many education products on the market to ensure your investments support innovative teaching and learning,” says Tech & Learning Content Director Christine Weiser. “Our judges chose the following nominated products based on their versatility, compatibility, value, and ability to help schools solve challenges and support continuous instruction. Congratulations to all of our winners.”
Best for Back to School PRIMARY
Accelerate Learning Inc. STEMscopes Math
STEMscopes Math is a core mathematics program for grades K-8 and Algebra I. It combines digital and print components to provide everything teachers need to create meaningful math learning experiences for students. “STEMscopes Math is an awesome product to use as a core math curriculum,” write our judges. “It offers curriculum in both Spanish and English!”
Acer Acer TravelMate Vero (TMV15-51-57PP) Laptop
A powerful combination of practicality and sustainability, the TravelMate Vero TMV15-51-57PP helps educators excel at their job, while reducing their environmental impact as it’s made with recycled materials. One judge writes: “I really am impressed with the sustainability features put into this product. The stock specs for the price point are very good. The security and manageability features are good as well.”
Airtame Airtame Core
Airtame Core offers all-in-one wireless screen sharing, digital signage, and remote device management, for classrooms and education facilities. It packages Airtame 2’s hardware with Airtame Cloud for flexible and intuitive remote management and control throughout any school building or district. “Airtame Core turns any connected display into a screen mirror for laptops and mobile devices,” write the judges. “One major advantage Airtame Core brings to the table is that the platform protects and prioritizes teachers’ wireless connections.”
Amplify Boost Reading, personalized digital literacy instruction for grades K–5
Boost Reading is a Science of Reading-based personalized learning program for grades K–5 that leverages the power of storytelling to engage students in reading instruction and practice—whether students are just learning to read or mastering comprehension of higher-level texts. “This unique supplemental program is research-based and proven to accelerate literacy gains for all learners,” write the judges.
Avantis Education ClassVR
ClassVR is an all-in-one VR and AR headset designed specifically for K-12 classrooms. Used by over 1 million students in 100,000 classrooms and 90 countries, it includes all hardware, software, tools, training, support and implementation services needed to deploy AR/VR in the classroom. “ClassVR is the total package when it comes to bringing and scaling VR use for schools to adopt this technology,” write our judges.
AVer Information A30 All-in-One Camera
The A30 is a multifunctional classroom tool that enhances the teaching experience by combining a document camera, web camera, microphone, and speaker. With easy-to-use plug-n-play connectivity, it connects to computers, IFPs, and monitors to provide clear classroom audio. The judges: “This is a very innovatively designed product. It's compact and has all of the features to address the needs of in-person and remote instruction. The warranty, and compatible software, are excellent.”
AVer Information F17+ Portable Flexarm Document Camera
The F17+ Portable FlexArm Document Camera is an effective solution for adding highly detailed images, thanks to a flexible gooseneck equipped with a compact 4K camera and LED lamp. The judges: “There are less expensive units on the market but this is well-built, has a great warranty, and the Sphere2 & AVerTouch Software Suite makes it a winner.”
AVID Products AE-36 USB-C
The AE-36 headset delivers an enhanced audio experience in a durable design, providing optimal fit and sound quality, and is designed to work with all your digital devices and content. One judge writes: “These appear to be well-built and thought-out headsets. I like that you can get them in a variety of connection types.”
Benchmark Education Steps to Advance Literacy Solutions
Steps to Advance is a literacy resource designed to help striving readers and special education students in Grades 2-6 access complex texts and work toward mastery of grade-level expectations with interactive materials and engaging texts. “I appreciate the comprehensive approach they have taken with this product,” writes one judge. “From interventions, PD, and teacher and parent resources it is a very well thought-out solution.”
Benchmark Education Benchmark Academy
Benchmark Academy is an online professional learning network that provides interactive, engaging, step-by-step guidance for teachers of all levels through video-based classes paired with research-based PD. Note our judges: “Benchmark Academy provides teachers with online PD to support their continued education, which in turn helps to support classroom instruction. Teachers can access a variety of content at any time from anywhere.”
BenQ BenQ Board RP03
BenQ Board smart boards offer integrative and intuitive features including single sign-on, cloud access, screen sharing, split-screen, screen recording, and annotation tools. “The BenQ Instashare revolutionizes the way teachers teach,” write the judges. “Allowing teachers to be move around the room increases classroom management and places the teachers in ‘the zone,’ with more opportunity to share and collaborate by not being attached to a desk or podium.”
Bloomz Bloomz
Bloomz is a user-friendly and comprehensive app designed for parents and teachers to interact and stay connected, offering a secure and private platform for sharing classroom updates, announcements, photos, assignments, and more. “Streamlining communication is key for parents, teachers, and students,” write the judges. “Users can receive communication in their language of choice, which is a nice feature. Behavior can also be tracked, which is a huge plus for this product!”
Boxlight MimioWall
Transform classrooms, hallways, offices, and lecture halls with this LED wall solution that offers screen sharing capabilities and complete control via CleverLive digital signage software, plus seamless imagery, scalability, and exceptional visual quality. The judges: “We particularly like the ultra-wide, 3-in-1 LED board that combines the power supply, receiving card, and hub board, which facilitates a shorter installation time because of this streamlined design.”
Boxlight Mimio DS Series
The Mimio DS Series offers enhanced color calibration and precise picture quality adjustment, with flicker-free and anti-glare viewing, plus a powerful quad-core CPU and 4 GB of RAM, real-time wireless screen sharing, and more. The judges write: “The integration of Mimiowall and Cleverlive is a great way to bring safety and technology together. It offers that ability for information, safety, and learning to be broadcasted across devices. It is a great solution.”
Boxlight MyBot Recruit
The Mimio MyBot Recruit offers an intuitive interface that allows beginners to dive into robotics, while advanced students can explore complex coding in Python. “Mybot looks like a great tool for teaching coding in the classroom,” write the judges. “It offers drag-and-drop and Python coding options, and has lesson plans for teachers to seamlessly add this into their curriculum. The tutorial videos are informative and make using the product very easy.”
Branching Minds Branching Minds
Branching Minds is an online K-12 education platform that brings together all quantitative and qualitative data needed for teachers, specialists, and administrators to build a comprehensive multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). “Data tracking is not easy,” write the judges. “The platform brings together all quantitative and qualitative data needed for teachers, specialists, and administrators to identify which students need support.”
Canon PIXMA G3270 Wireless MegaTank All-In-One Printer
The Canon PIXMA G3270 Wireless MegaTank All-In-One Printer is a 3-in-1 printer that enables users to wirelessly print, copy, and scan using the Canon PRINT App, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service. It can print 11 images per minute and handle workloads of up to 7,700 pages. Writes one judge: “I have some of these printers at work and they perform really well. The ink is extremely affordable. They are really well suited for individual office use.”
Canva Canva
Canva for Education is a free online visual communication platform that allows for classroom collaboration by providing free access to thousands of customizable templates and cutting-edge tech. “Canva is superior to all other design platforms,” write the judges. “Teachers and students can create anything they want. And now with the new AI additions, the possibilities are endless! Canva is a one-stop shop for any educator or student!”
CareerVerse dba StudentVerse StudentVerse
StudentVerse is a metaverse platform in which students become real-time avatars and interact with lessons, attend live online sessions, and collaborate with their peers and teachers. “StudentVerse is a wonderful on-ramp into the metaverse for students to engage and explore new environments for learning,” write the judges. “The best feature that we liked is that they designed StudentVerse to be accessible without the need for VR headsets, providing game-changing edtech for all students.”
ClassLink ClassLink Suite
ClassLink is a provider of identity, access, and analytics products that offer instant access to apps and files with single sign-on, streamlined class rostering, automated account provisioning, and actionable analytics. “Classlink is a one-stop shop for students and teachers,” write the judges. “Classlink stands out amongst its competitors as a supreme platform. This portal provides access to all district platforms that students need to access.”
ClassLink ClassLink DataGuard
DataGuard protects users by providing to partners only what's absolutely essential and masks all key fields. It dynamically replaces the fields selected with meaningless letter scrambles. “Keeping students and their data safe is every school's priority!” the judges write. “DataGuard does this extremely well.”
Clevertouch by Boxlight IMPACT Max
The IMPACT Max is an interactive display available in 65”, 75”, and 86” sizes, equipped with free software tools, Clevershare, 20 touch points, and virtually unbreakable glass. “An effective tool to support learning and create a dynamic learning environment,” write the judges. “Students can interact with content using this solution.”
Curriculum Associates i-Ready
Curriculum Associates’ i-Ready Assessment and Personalized Instruction combines powerful assessments for K-12 and rich insights with effective and engaging instruction in reading and mathematics for K-8. “Looks like a great tool for diagnostic testing at the beginning of the year to set goals for learning,” write the judges. “This tool helps individualize learning, making an impact on the gaps found. With personalized paths for each student, their growth can be seen throughout the year.”
Defined Defined Learning
Defined Learning is a project-based learning platform that includes a library of standards-aligned performance tasks, career videos, and research resources. Projects are based on real-world situations in careers and give students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills. “This is a very good, research-based solution for PBL and career awareness,” one judge writes. “I like how they link the tasks to real-world applications.”
Discovery Education Science Techbook
The Discovery Education Science Techbook series is a comprehensive, research-backed science solution for grades K-12 aligned to national standards with virtual and hands-on investigations, STEM activities, and instructional supports. One judge writes: “Discovery Ed always provides stellar resources so I know this would be no different. Definitely would be a resource in my classroom.”
Discovery Education Experience
Discovery Education Experience provides a collection of high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, intuitive quiz and activity creation tools, and professional learning resources. “The platform meshes easily with existing systems, making it simple to share resources with students in assignments, questions, announcements, and materials,” write the judges. “One-stop shop for more than 200,000 videos, text-based passages, and much more.”
Edlio The Edlio K-12 Communications and Payment Solution
Edlio provides schools with a K-12 website and communication suite with a plethora of tools including school news, custom forms, Google and Office365 Integration, Social Media Manager, staff directory, teacher pages, and more. “They have designed a well-put together unified communication system,” writes one judge. “I really appreciate how education specific it is with Google and other integrations.”
Edmentum EdOptions Academy
EdOptions Academy is a fully accredited program that provides flexible, virtual human-centered instruction from state-certified educators. Writes one judge: “This product is a wonderful option for districts wanting to develop a blended learning opportunity for students. Many districts, including my own, have used this as a positive alternative to remote learning needs, and especially for students who are hospitalized or medically homebound. Highly recommend.”
Edmentum Exact Path
Exact Path focuses on academic recovery by combining evidence-based diagnostic assessments with individualized learning paths for K–5 math, reading, and language arts. “This is a really nice tool for taking assessment scores and standards from annual and quarterly summative assessment companies and projecting a unique learning path for students to improve their areas of deficiencies,” writes one judge. “I especially like how many assessment companies Edmentum has partnered with to garner scores from for building learning paths.”
EverDriven EverDriven's Suite of Technology
EverDriven's Suite of Technology enables and enhances learning by providing students with a consistent, reliable and safe ride to school each day via state-of-the-art integrated technology. “With EverDriven, parents can rest easy knowing their children will get to school safely,” write the judges. “Students don't need the added stress of worrying about how to get to school either. This also helps with attendance issues!”
ExploreLearning Reflex
ExploreLearning Reflex is a gamified math platform to build math fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Adaptive and individualized games require increasingly complex, fast-paced answers to math facts, ensuring students reach automaticity. Our judges call it a great review tool, adding, “Full of games that students love, Reflex meets students where they are and adapts to their learning abilities.”
ExploreLearning Frax
An adaptive and game-based digital learning product, ExploreLearning Frax helps students in grades 3-5 master foundational fractions skills through research-driven methods and interactive games in an out-of-this-world galaxy setting. In story-driven missions, students move throughout the galaxy, exploring new worlds as they hone their fractions knowledge. “This is a great product for students to review fractions,” write our judges.
FACIL'iti MYDys EDU
MYdys EDU is an assistive technology app that allows students to use any device to scan or upload any text and the app will instantly adapt it to the students’ specific areas of struggle. “This is a great app for mobile devices,” writes one judge. “I am especially impressed with the tool that allows the teachers to set up and push out content to the students. Also, the ability to change settings on a device to match the learners needs is great.”
Forward Edge Edge•U Badges
Edge•U Badges is an instruction-focused professional learning system that builds teacher capacity and directly impacts student learning in the form of microcredentials (badges). Each one has been designed to focus on technological learning. “In education, providing professional learning for educators is critical,” write the judges. “Just as important is the need to organize and track what has been done and what the needs are. This solution allows for self-paced PD for teachers.”
Forward Education Climate Action Kit Class Pack
The Climate Action Kit is a tool designed to help educators teach STEM subjects in the context of real-world climate action opportunities and their technology solutions. It includes a hardware robotics kit, online learning platform, and step-by-step coding tutorials, and is suitable for grades 3-12. The judges write: “A great way to incorporate the concept of climate change into the curriculum.”
Frontline Education Human Capital Analytics
Frontline Human Capital Analytics delivers school district leaders actionable insights to make informed decisions related to recruiting and hiring, absence and substitute placements, and PD. “Adding the analytics piece to the HR software is critical for districts,” write the judges. “With a large turnover in education and the need to track certifications and historical work in the district, this is a great option to create efficiency in hiring and in-district movement.”
Frontline Education Offering financial wellbeing benefits to K-12 staff
Frontline Education and Wagestream formed an exclusive partnership that will enable K-12 school districts to attract, engage, and retain top talent to achieve their educational mission by offering financial wellbeing benefits and flexible access to earned wages. The judges: “Adding the Wagestream piece to the suite creates an efficient way for individuals to manage wages and the district to budget and see trends.“
FrontRow by Boxlight Teacher Action! Mic powered by ELEVATE
The Action! teacher microphone, powered by ELEVATE wireless technology, provides optimal mobility, exceptional sound, and advanced features. “This product produces a connected learning environment in which every student in the classroom can clearly hear the teacher, and understand the sounds and words the teacher is making,” writes one judge. “I also like the feature where when the teacher leaves the room the microphone is disabled. It also offers safety features, which are key for our classrooms today.”
GoGuardian Giant Steps
Giant Steps is a gamified digital learning experience in which students move through a season map where they earn rewards by correctly answering questions. “Looks like an excellent product for a gamified approach to learning,” writes one judge. “I like the student interaction and support with classmates through virtual high fives and stickers, and the student-designed avatars. I can see learning being reinforced through their strategy of spaced repetition.”
GoReact GoReact
GoReact simplifies teacher growth with enhanced opportunities for practice, demonstration, and feedback using video. The judges write: “Looks like a great tool offering educators the ability to fine tune their teaching with the help of a coach. Easy to leave a text comment or video comment. It is also nice that the comments appear in the timeline of the video at the moment it happens. Seems like an excellent tool for honing and improving the craft of teaching.”
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt HMH Into Science and HMH ¡Arriba las Ciencias! Grades K-5
HMH Into Science and HMH ¡Arriba las Ciencias! deliver a flexible, student-centered, solution to support successful science teaching and learning that supports the Next Generation Science Standards. “Very few science digital learning resources are directly tied to the curriculum, and this is one of them,” write the judges. “It allows teachers to customize learning and students to be part of the learning, not just take in facts.”
HUE HUE Animation Studio
HUE Animation Studio is a STEM.org-authenticated, movie-making starter kit for children aged 7-13 years that fosters skills such as collaboration, planning, and critical thinking through creative play and project-based learning. “HUE Animation Studio is a great addition to a teacher's toolbox,” write the judges. “The addition of canned resources such as sound effects, etc., will also kickstart creativity and lower frustration.”
Inquisitive Inquisitive
Inquisitive provides teachers an immediate start with everything they need to teach K-5 science with full lessons, questions and activities. It is designed for three-dimensional inquiry-based teaching and is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). “Looks like a great option for and an excellent science curriculum,” write the judges. “It seems to incorporate hands-on investigative learning and collaborative lessons.”
IXL Learning Rosetta Stone for Schools
Rosetta Stone for Schools is a learning platform that helps students, particularly English Language Learners, build the fluency and confidence to speak new languages. Lessons engage students in all four domains of language: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The judges: “This solution gets to the heart of learning the language with well-designed lessons that target students' needs and key skills.”
Kiddom Kiddom
Kiddom is a groundbreaking educational platform that promotes student equity by uniting high-quality instructional materials with dynamic digital learning. “I really liked the ability for schools to own the materials and make it work for them!” writes one judge. “Teachers are also able to see real-time results from formative and summative assessments.”
Learning A-Z Writing A-Z
Writing A-Z is a K-5 writing curriculum rooted in cutting-edge research and best practices, and offers two paths: a complete curriculum or a supplement to existing programs. “Writing A-Z has improved over the years of development and is a very useful platform for schools and students,” write the judges. “It is a great solution for K-6 students learning to write at a foundational level and then to transfer learning.”
Learning A-Z Foundations A-Z
Foundations A-Z is a complete program that leverages digital-first tools and resources to save teachers’ time and deliver a fun and engaging learning experience. The judges: “It is difficult sometimes to use digital programs to teach the science of reading. It is best served face-to-face. However, if you have to use a program, this tool is a good option and will fit your needs.”
Learning A-Z Raz-Plus
Raz-Plus empowers elementary educators to differentiate instruction for every student at every level using research-based resources, personalized practice opportunities, and assessments designed to enhance reading comprehension and boost literacy performance. “RAZ-kids is effective for a quick assessment of students,” write the judges. “It also does a running record of every student with minimal effort and gives usable data.”
Learning Without Tears Handwriting Without Tears
Handwriting Without Tears is a research-proven, evidence-based K-5 supplemental curriculum designed to be easy to teach and learn. The judges call it an excellent product for a specific need within education today, adding, “You can see why educators like this product. It uses technology, manipulatives, sensory, music and more to learn the fundamentals of handwriting. It is a great tool for this niche in education.”
Learning Without Tears Phonics, Reading, and Me
Phonics, Reading, and Me is a supplemental print and digital program that sequentially and systematically helps students acquire the range of skills they need to become proficient readers. “This looks like a great supplement to the reading classroom,” writes one judge. “I like that the teacher is the one offering explicit reading instruction with the help of PRM while also including the ability for digital lessons.”
Learning.com EasyTech
EasyTech is a comprehensive building-level and district solution for K-12, which develops students’ digital literacy and computer science skills. “EasyTech makes it simple to ensure that students are equipped with the essential skills to stay safe online, keyboard fluently, and succeed with technology,” write the judges. “This product is a game changer! One-stop shop for helping students succeed online!”
Legrand C2G AV Controller
C2G’s AV Controller features eight buttons with nine brightness levels and interchangeable labels. All buttons can be programmed to send bi-directional infrared, RS-232, and RS-485 commands simultaneously. The judges: “This new AV Controller by Legrand and C2G is designed to take the guesswork out of running classroom technologies such as remote screen operation, projection, sound, and other classroom peripherals.”
LG Business Solutions LG CreateBoard with ChromeOS Flex certified slot-in OPS-C001
The LG CreateBoard is a purpose-built solution that addresses a variety of needs for in-person, remote and blended learning, offering an up-to 40-point multi touch interactive display. One judge praises this as a well-designed product, adding, “I really like the picture-in-picture and multi window options. Furthermore, the security and SSO options are a great addition that many boards don't have.”
Lightspeed Systems Lightspeed Digital Insight
Lightspeed’s Digital Equity module, a component of Lightspeed Digital Insight, unlocks visibility into students' internet access and device health outside of school with real-time data and a complete picture of students' internet experience. “This tool will help school districts, especially large ones with big deployments that cover large geographic areas, gain the data they need to identify equity and connectivity issues,” write the judges.
Logitech Zone Learn
Logitech’s Zone Learn headset is built with comfort in mind to allow for deeper student focus and increased comprehension, and features voice-optimized sound quality. “Looks like an excellent solution to audio needs in the classroom,” write the judges. “These headphones offer ambient noise reduction and are tuned for vocal clarity, rather than music. Which is great for multiple digital learner applications used in the classroom.”
MAXCases Extreme Headset
The MAXCases Extreme Headset features adjustable ear pieces with vegan padded covers that provide comfort for extended listening; the fixed-position stub mic delivers clear audio quality and is durable. “The MAXCases Extreme Headset is really well made, particularly for younger students,” writes one judge. “This Extreme Headset has a microphone that is almost microscopic in form factor and eliminates the need for students to want to bend it or mistreat it. I particularly liked this feature!”
Merlyn Mind Merlyn
Merlyn is a voice- and remote-controlled AI assistant that connects to a teacher’s laptop. With Merlyn, teachers can operate their front-of-class display, laptop, and internet applications from anywhere in the room using the power of their voice. The judges call it a phenomenally innovative product that should be in every classroom, adding, “Teaching is a hard occupation, teachers need assistance. Enter Merlyn for the assist!”
MIND Education ST Math
ST Math is a PreK-8 visual instructional program that leverages the brain's innate spatial-temporal reasoning ability to solve mathematical problems with challenging puzzles, non-routine problem-solving, and formative feedback. “Interactive games will captivate young kids to the point that they could become fully engrossed in the learning,” write the judges. “The fun games and visuals are perfectly suited to the target age group.”
MobileMind MobileMind
Built with the Adult Learning Theory, MobileMind’s self-paced micro-courses take minutes to complete and provide immediate takeaways to educators. The judges call it an excellent tool for PD, with one adding: “Love the ability to make this the hub of learning for teachers. Leaders can create digital and self-directed learning or calendar in-person events. I also like the built-in badging and the dashboard looks like it is very easy to use.”
MobyMax MobyMax
MobyMax offers teachers a comprehensive K-8 curriculum for 27 subjects, including math, reading, phonics, language, vocabulary, spelling, writing, science, social studies, state test prep, and so much more. The judges write: “This looks like a great tool to find and fix missing skills. The adaptive curriculum differentiates for students and identifies where each student struggles and maps out a learning path for what they need.”
ObjectiveEd BuddyBooks
Designed for struggling readers, such as students with dyslexia, ADHD or autism, a computer and the student “buddy read”–alternate orally reading sentences from over 1 million books. “Buddy Books is a great example of the power of AI to improve instruction and reading for struggling learners,” write the judges. “They have set this up to help both the teachers and students make improvements and save time.”
Otus Otus
Otus empowers educators to help every student reach their full potential through an all-in-one platform with integrated tools to gather, visualize, and act on student growth data. “Having data is critical but what Otus provides is a data story that allows the user to see trends and possible next steps,” write the judges. “The more educators use the tool, the clearer the learning path is.”
Ozobot Color Code Magnet Kits
The Color Codes Magnets: Base Kit includes the magnetic board, wet erase marker and 36 puzzle pieces that pair with the Evo robot for a hands-on learning experience that introduces the foundational concepts of coding. The judges: “Any solution that allows students to create enhances learning. Ozobot Color Code Magnet Kits do just that.”
Pikmykid Pikmykid
Pikmykid is a safety and dismissal platform that empowers schools to transform their daily and emergency operations. “Pikmykid can help eliminate the unnecessary stress of crazy dismissal times,” write the judges. “This platform helps to streamline safety and dismissal processes like no other! Pikmykid is a one-stop shop for districts to reimagine safety and to give time back for what matters, learning!”
Presence (formerly PresenceLearning) Presence Teletherapy Services
Presence provides remote evaluations and teletherapy solutions for children with diverse needs in PreK-12 schools. It allows school teams, independent practitioners, and Presence’s network of 2,200 speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and behavioral and mental health professionals to serve children both in and out of school. The judges: “The live video therapy still has the feel of being face-to-face and has built-in tools and activities for students to practice and learn.”
Reading Horizons Reading Horizons Discovery
Reading Horizons Discovery provides teachers with a digital tool that includes an interactive teacher’s manual with scripted lessons for whole-class and small-group instruction, reporting features, and gamified student activities and assessments. The judges call it an excellent product, with one adding, “I like the looks of the teacher dashboard and the data it reveals. My favorite aspect is the teacher's ready-made materials and the gamification. Definitely a tool that I could see improving literacy skills.”
Samsung Electronics America Samsung Interactive Display (WAC)
The Samsung Interactive Display is a transformative interactive whiteboard that provides enhanced usability and specialized features. The judges: “Not only does this Interactive Panel by Samsung offer stunning, vibrant displays of life-like content for learning, but this product is amazingly versatile in accepting content from many curriculum companies as well as converting lessons that were created using other brands of displays and other interactive software platforms.”
Savvas Learning Company enVision Mathematics 2024 Grades K-5
enVision provides comprehensive, standards-based content to support all students in developing deep conceptual math understanding, procedural skill, and fluency, with relevant application opportunities to become college- and career-ready. “A very solid complement to the Savvas learning program,” write the judges. “The more time designing the learning pathway, the more the educator can maximize this resource.”
Study.com Social studies solution
Study.com’s social studies solution provides schools with a comprehensive curriculum paired with skills practice and assessment components designed to support diverse learners. It also includes quizzes, chapter tests, flashcards, and lesson plans. The judges: “The interactive micro lessons allow students to progress through courses and are supported by guided video walkthroughs, practice problems, and assessments.”
Study.com Science Solution
Study.com’s science solution is designed to meet the diverse needs of middle and high school science students, including AP learners. Boasting thousands of science microlessons, the platform seamlessly blends comprehensive curriculum, skills practice, and assessments to foster personalized mastery of science concepts. The judges appreciate how teachers can craft personalized learning plans for students to master at their own pace.
TechTerra Education STEM in a Box
STEM in a Box is a turn-key STEM solution for Pre-K through high school students that features sustainable, durable STEM tools, standards-aligned curriculum, and immediate and on-going training. “STEM In A Box is a great idea for schools wanting to bring STEM curriculum, tools, and resources to their students to bridge learning gaps, accelerate STEM learning, and to enrich limited science resources,” writes one judge, adding, “I particularly liked the fact that it can be adopted by any teacher in any grade level.”
TouchMath TouchMath PRO
TouchMath PRO delivers a seamless, digital math intervention experience for students who struggle with mathematics with a flexible digital interface that adapts for in-person, distance, and blended learning. One judge writes: “I like that the product offers options to complete lessons digitally or by printable activity sheets. It looks like Touchmath Pro is a great solution for helping students reach their individual goals in learning.”
TouchMath, DySc Dyscalculia Screener
DySc is a comprehensive dyscalculia screener and individualized intervention guide aligned to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR). “This screener provides timely info for teachers to make adjustments and interventions right away, specifically helping educators identify areas of focus for students who are struggling with math difficulties,” write the judges. “This is definitely a needed support in today's classrooms.”
Vivi Vivi
Vivi is the only all-in-one communication suite designed exclusively for education as a single solution for wireless screen sharing, digital signage, and emergency alerts. It is device- and operating system-agnostic, creating an easy-to-use interface for everyone from IT, to teachers and students, to guest presenters. Writes one judge: “I really like the fact that it is easy to set up and use. Especially for younger students.”
William H. Sadlier Inc. From Phonics to Reading
From Phonics to Reading, Suite of Science of Reading Solutions, authored by Wiley Blevins is a collection of print and digital student and teacher resources that support the development of students decoding, encoding, and reading comprehension skills in grades K-3. “This program helps teachers address the shift from balanced literacy to the science of reading,” writes one judge. “I can see this being a very helpful program to use in the foundational grades.”
Woongjin ThinkBig Mathpid
Woongjin ThinkBig's Edtech lab, launched Mathpid, an AI-powered math app that quickly and accurately identifies a student's math level within just 10 problems. Leveraging an AI engine and Big Data, it offers personalized learning paths post a diagnostic test. “What a great use of this technology,” writes one judge. “I also like that it uses AI to coach the students as they complete the math problems.”.
Xello Xello
Xello is an online, full K-12 college, career, and future readiness program that helps students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds cultivate their self-knowledge and skill building while exploring options for life after high school. “We talk about training for college and career, but not many resources on the market support it,” write the judges. “This tool is a great solution to support students in understanding their needs and charting a path to success after graduation.”
Best for Back to School SECONDARY
Acer Acer Chromebook Vero 514 (CBV514-1H/T)
The Chromebook Vero 514 (CBV514-1H/T) combines the performance, features and durability standards to let teachers and high-school/university students excel at teaching and learning while reducing their environmental impact. “Another very well thought out environmentally responsible product from Acer,” say our judges. “The price is not too bad for its spec and screen size.”
Acer Acer and NASEF alliance for esports
Acer America and the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations (NASEF) recently launched an alliance to help schools launch or expand student esports programs. Our judges write: “This is a great concept and partnership. I believe many schools struggle to properly implement and sustain eSports programs due to lack of knowledge or training. This solution, especially with the option to get the fee waived, is a great resource.”
Acer Acer Student Repair eLearning Program
The Acer Repair Certification eLearning Program gives high school students the opportunity to learn more about technology and build transferable skills in a hands-on setting. “By providing these skills to students, Acer is providing extra help for struggling tech departments,” our judges note. “I really like the fact that the students have to demonstrate their knowledge to staff members as part of the assessment for certification.”
BenQ LH730
BenQ’s LH730 is the first LED projector in the company’s professional lineup designed specifically to meet the rigorous standards that educational classrooms demand. Our judges note: “This cutting edge LED projector stands out amongst its peers. It's affordable and reliable! The picture is high quality, bright, accurate, and doesn’t yellow. Definitely a game changer in the world of projectors!”
BenQ BenQ Board RP03
BenQ Board smart boards offer integrative and intuitive features including single sign-on, cloud access, screen sharing, split-screen, screen recording, and annotation tools. One judge writes: “The BenQ Instashare revolutionizes the way teachers teach. Allowing the teachers to be up and moving around the room increases classroom management and places the teachers in ‘the zone’. InstaShare 2 provides more opportunity to share and collaborate with students by not being attached to a desk or podium.”
Boxlight MimioWall
Transform any setting like classrooms, hallways, offices, and lecture halls with the brilliance of LED innovation via the MimioWall. This innovative LED wall solution redefines engagement, boasting screen sharing capabilities and complete control via CleverLive digital signage software. “The integration of Mimiowall and Cleverlive is a great way to bring safety and technology together,” write our judges. “It is a great solution for school when looking for innovative LED display solutions.”
Boxlight Mimio DS Series
The Mimio DS Series redefines education, placing educators at the forefront of dynamic teaching and learning. These digital displays boast brilliant visuals through enhanced color calibration and precise picture quality adjustment. Minimizing distractions with flicker-free and anti-glare viewing, the Mimio DS creates an immersive environment that captures students' attention and ignites creativity.
Boxlight MyBot Recruit
The Mimio MyBot Recruit is an intuitive interface that ensures that even beginners can dive into robotics, while advanced students can explore complex coding in Python. “Mybot is a great tool for teaching coding in the classroom,” write our judges. “It offers drag and drop and Python coding options. The tutorial videos are informative and make using the product very easy.”
Canon imagePROGRAF TC-20M MFP
The imagePROGRAF TC-20M MFP is a large-format printer with a built-in scanner that can produce high-quality posters and banners, making it the perfect tool for schools and educators. “The idea of having a scanner that will print in large format from a standard sheet of paper is great,” write our judges “It takes away the need for a computer and saves time for teachers to make posters, etc. Also, being an ink-tank model, and not cartridge based, makes it a cost saver as well as better for the environment.”
Canon MegaTank MAXIFY GX4020
Canon’s MegaTank MAXIFY GX4020 balances speedy performance with minimal maintenance in a four-in-one design. Our judges note: “I really like the tank style printers. They are more economical to own as well as environmentally responsible. Canon makes very good printers and this would be a good addition to school environments.”
Casio America, Inc. Casio fx-991CW ClassWiz
The Casio fx-991CW ClassWiz is Casio’s latest scientific calculator. With a new quadruple graded LCD display, users can easily find their cursor while working with expressions. “This is a solid calculator with all of the functions needed for students and teachers,” write our judge. “I really like the additional app for added graphing and other features.”
ClassLink ClassLink Suite
ClassLink is a global education provider of identity, access and analytics products that create more time for learning and help schools better understand digital engagement. Our judges note: “Classlink is a one-stop shop for students and teachers. With safe and secure seamless rostering and access to applications, Classlink stands out amongst its competitors as a supreme platform.”
ClassLink ClassLink DataGuard
DataGuard protects schools from data theft. Instead of giving vendor partners all your students and teachers personally identifiable information (PII), DataGuard gives them only what's absolutely essential and masks all key fields. “Keeping students and their data safe is every school's priority! DataGuard does this extremely well,” write our judges.
Clayful Health Coaching and Content with Clayful Health
Clayful works with schools to provide every student with on-demand, text-based coaching in 133 languages. Our judges write: “Clayful provides diverse ‘Coaches’ to communicate with students when they need help through a texting app. This service is greatly needed and extremely valuable in the school setting.”
CTL CTL Chromebook PX11E "Secure" Special Edition
The CTL Chromebook PX11E "Secure" boasts a secure transparent bottom for users to view its interior electronics. Our judges note: “The concept of a clear back may help with students trying to get into them, and the special screws and extra thread lock helps. But, the back may be a teacher tool as well and add to the "cool factor" of the device. Overall, a solid well built and spec'd device.”
Defined Defined Careers
Defined Careers is the only online K-12 college and career readiness platform that helps schools and districts provide students with the opportunity to explore and experience careers through hands-on Project-Based Learning (PBL). “Defined Learning is not just a career exploration platform,” write our judges. “They use PBL to give students real world experiences to explore their interests.”
Discovery Education Experience
Connecting educators to a collection of ready-to-use digital lessons, quizzes, activity creation tools, and professional learning resources, Discovery Education Experience provides an enhanced learning platform. Our judges note: “The Discovery Education Experience platform meshes easily with existing systems, making it simple to share resources with students in assignments, questions, announcements, and materials. One stop shop for over 200,000 videos, text-based passages, interactives, audio, podcasts, and images that span all grades, subjects, and critical topics.”
Discovery Education Science Techbook
The Discovery Education Science Techbook series is a comprehensive, research-backed science solution for grades K-12 aligned to national standards. Our judges write: “The Science Techbook series from Discovery Education enhances the delivery of impactful, blended instruction. The textbook contains 100 re-imagined virtual labs and interactives to support K-8 science explorations. Definitely would be a resource in my classroom.”
Edmentum Courseware
Reach graduation goals and beyond with Edmentum Courseware, digital curriculum for grades 6–12, designed to fuel first-time credit, credit recovery, and expanded course access. Our judges write: “Edmentum’s comprehensive Courseware digital curriculum for grade 6 through adult learners is based on the development of real-world skills. The Courseware is rigorous, relevant, and aligned to state and national standards with over 400 courses covering core, elective, CTE, world language, and advanced subjects.”
Edmentum EdOptions Academy
Edmentum’s EdOptions Academy supports districts and schools by providing flexible, virtual human-centered instruction from state-certified educators. “This product is a wonderful option for districts wanting to develop a Blended Learning opportunity for students,” write our judges. “Many districts, including my own, have used this platform as a positive alternative to Remote Learning.”
Edmentum Exact Path
Exact Path makes personalized learning possible, helping schools and districts scale intervention plans with personalized instruction and immediate data insights proven to accelerate growth. “ExactPath by Edmentum is a really nice tool for taking assessment scores and standards from annual and quarterly summative assessment companies and projecting a unique learning path for students to improve their areas of deficiencies,” write our judges.
Edutek Solutions One to One Plus
One to One Plus is an all-inclusive, integrated asset management and help desk software that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of K-12 school districts. “This would be a great tool for all deployments, especially large ones across multiple sites. The interface and data features are well thought out,” write our judge.
Epson America Epson PowerLite 810E Extreme Short Throw with 4K Enhancement
The new PowerLite 810E is Epson’s first 3LCD extreme short-throw lamp-free laser display with 4K Enhancement Technology. “A durable projector that saves room in the class and allows for board use and then for projected lessons,” write our judges.”
ExploreLearning Gizmos
ExploreLearning Gizmos are online simulations that excite curiosity and invite interaction as a digital learning subscription product. “This product will save a lot of time in the classroom, which allows students and teachers to dive deeper into topics,” say our judges.
FACIL'iti MYDys EDU
With MYdys EDU, teachers can use any device to scan or upload any text and the app will instantly adapt it to the students’ specific areas of struggle, consequently making it easier to read and comprehend material. “ This is a great solution!” write our judges. “Being compatible with any device and incorporating AR and OCR to scan and recognize text that can be adapted for their individual needs is excellent.”
Flinn Scientific PAVO
PAVO, by Flinn Scientific, is an award-winning gateway to comprehensive science content that streamlines instruction and engages students with dynamic digital and hands-on learning. “PAVO looks like an excellent choice for a science curriculum or supplement. It is aligned with NGS and offers learning pathways for students that give teachers the ability to differentiate and personalize lessons,” write our judges.
Forward Edge Edge•U Badges
Edge•U Badges is a powerful, instruction-focused professional learning system that adapts to the needs of educators. “Providing professional learning for educators is critical,” write our judges. “Just as important is the need to organize and track what has been done and what the needs are. This solution has both. It also allows for self-paced PD for teachers.”
Forward Education Climate Action Kit Class Pack
The Climate Action Kit is a tool designed to help educators teach STEM subjects in the context of real-world climate action opportunities and their technology solutions. Our judges note: “I like how this product combines STEM, coding and environmental curricula together. I also like that it has reusable parts and uses the microbit platform.”
Frontline Education Human Capital Analytics
Frontline Human Capital Analytics delivers school district leaders actionable insights to make informed decisions to benefit staff, students and communities related to recruiting and hiring, absence and substitute placements and professional development. “With a large turnover in education and the need to track certifications and historical work in the district, this is a great option to create efficiency in hiring and in-district movement,” writs our judges.
Frontline Education Offering financial wellbeing benefits to K-12 staff
Frontline Education and Wagestream formed an exclusive partnership that will enable K-12 school districts to attract, engage and retain top talent to achieve their educational mission by offering financial wellbeing benefits and flexible access to earned wages. Our judges write: “Adding the Wagestream piece to the suite creates an efficient way for individuals to manage wages and the district budget and see trends, ensuring a streamlined process that will allow for more focus on the work, and less on ‘how am I getting paid’ or payroll stream.”
FrontRow by Boxlight Teacher Action! Mic powered by ELEVATE
The Action! teacher microphone, powered by ELEVATE wireless technology, revolutionizes teaching with optimal mobility, exceptional sound, and advanced features. “This product produces a connected learning environment where every student in the classroom can clearly hear the teacher, and understand the sounds and words the teacher is making,” write our judges.
Gale, part of Cengage Group Gale In Context: Literature
Gale In Context: Literature is a resource for literature instruction and learning that helps high schoolers engage and thrive in English Language Arts. “The Gale In-Context: Literature Module provides rich digital print content and access to a vast library of literature at the high school level and beyond,” write our judges. “Some of the more impressive tools that are built into this digital platform include the ability to accommodate students with on-demand article translation into 40 different languages, searching capabilities by lexile range, and MLA and APA Citation tools integration.”
Gale, part of Cengage Group Gale In Context: For Educators
Gale In Context: For Educators merges current, relevant, standards-aligned content with rich ready-to-use lesson plans and essential teaching tools. Our judges write: “This lesson planning tool supports educators as they curate and develop personalized digital content for teaching. It also ties to state standards.”
GoGuardian TutorMe
TutorMe partners with schools to provide impactful 24/7, on-demand online tutoring to students across all grade levels, when and where they need it the most. “TutorMe is a great solution to help students reach their learning goals. Tutors are highly vetted and selected with care,” write our judges.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt HMH Into Science and HMH ¡Arriba las Ciencias!
HMH Into Science and HMH ¡Arriba las Ciencias! deliver a flexible solution that streamlines the support, strategies, inspiration, and rigorous content needed to successfully engage students in doing and learning science. “With digital labs, experiments, companion videos, and checkpoints, this program gets to the heart of science, not just the facts and results,” notes our judges,” note our judges.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Math 180, Student Software
Math 180, for grades 5-12, is tailored for students who lag one year or more behind in math, reinvigorating understanding where it faltered. Our judges write: “Math 180 personalizes learning. The solution has a lot of possibilities and, if used correctly, can have a significant impact.”
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Read 180, Student Software
Read 180 is built to meet the needs of striving readers in grades 3 – 12 that are reading one year or more below grade level, including students with gaps in foundational reading, comprehension, as well as Newcomers to the United States. “This tool is useful and gives educators a good formative assessment view,” note our judges.
Impero Software Impero Classroom
Impero Classroom is a holistic, scalable classroom management solution designed by Impero Software, a leader in classroom management and student safety software. “Impero has created a complete classroom management system that gives teachers the power to keep students on task while delivering content in an efficient manner,” note our judges.
Incident IQ Incident IQ Platform
Incident IQ is a K-12 workflow management platform, revolutionizing support operations for school districts of all sizes. Our judges write: “Incident IQ is a very good solution to manage and maintain the entire technology assets. It has good integrations that will allow the users to make data driven decisions. With the amount of technology in schools today, a quality management system is key.”
Instructure Canvas LMS
Canvas by Instructure breaks through the crowded edtech industry by being the leader in Learning Management Systems. “Canvas is a supreme platform for hybrid learning,” write our judges. “Students can keep up with work missed and often times work ahead at their own pace. The continued use of an LMS like Canvas means students stay engaged, parents stay informed, and learning can continue, both in and outside the classroom.”
IXL Learning Wyzant
With 65,000 tutors specializing in more than 300 subjects, Wyzant enables learners in secondary education to receive private, one-on-one tutoring in nearly anything they want to learn. Our judges write: “Post-COVID, we forget that some students need personalized synchronous lessons during times that work for them. Wyzant is a unique tool that provides avenues for learners and schools to receive personalized learning virtually to fit time and schedules.”
Junior Achievement USA (JA) JA Connect
JA Connect is JA’s first entirely virtual, self-guided student platform. Our judges write: “This product and platform are completely digital and can be accessed on mobile devices or computers. I particularly liked the fact that the platform, which is currently part of a credentialing pilot, allows students to develop and demonstrate competency in skills and behaviors within each JA pillar at increasing levels of difficulty. It also allows students to share an objective level of proficiency with potential employers or other interested stakeholders.
Kiddom Kiddom
Kiddom is an educational platform that promotes student equity by uniting high-quality instructional materials with dynamic digital learning. Our judges write: “Kiddom offers high-quality instructional materials that are accessible at all levels of the district. I really liked the ability for schools to own the materials and make it work for them!”
Learning.com EasyCode Pillars
EasyCode Pillars is an interactive web-based curriculum that helps students in grades 6 through 8 learn key coding principles using Python, one of the world’s most popular programming languages. Our judges write: “This program allows students to learn coding in a fun and safe environment. EasyCode makes it easy for schools to rise to the challenge of providing the computer science skills essential to student success in our digital world.”
Legrand C2G AV Controller
C2G’s AV Controller prioritizes both ease of use and management of classroom AV. “This new AV Controller by Legrand and C2G is designed to take the guesswork out of running classroom technologies such as remote screen operation, projection, sound, and other classroom peripherals,” write our judges. “This controller can be preprogrammed to replace the need for having multiple remote controls for each classroom device.”
Lincoln Learning Solutions Lincoln Content Bank
The Lincoln Content Bank, powered by Amazon Web Services, is a highly secure LMS add-on tool that gives educators access to discover and add enterprise-level curriculum content into their course. Launched at InstructureCon in July 2023, the Lincoln Content Bank supports educators and fuels learning experiences at any grade level by providing an affordable repository of vetted learning items to implement seamlessly into any educational setting.
MAXCases Extreme Headset
The MAXCases Extreme Headset covers all the bases for K12 needs, with a design that’s ideal for the rigors of all-day use. “The MAXCases Extreme Headset is really well made, particularly for younger students,” writes our judges. “Unlike other brands of classroom headsets that include a microphone that stretches past the earpiece around the cheek of the user, this Extreme Headset has a microphone that is almost microscopic in form factor and eliminates the need for students to want to bend it or mistreat it,” note our judges.
Merlyn Mind Merlyn
Merlyn is a voice- and remote-controlled AI assistant that connects to a teacher’s laptop. “Merlyn, the AI Assistant for teachers, is a phenomenally innovative product that should be in every classroom!” write our judges. “Through voice commands, Merlyn can be your teaching assistant and present content in any format that the teacher requests, from Google, to Powerpoints, to Youtube videos to Remote Learning situations.”
MobileMind MobileMind
MobileMind delivers a comprehensive professional learning hub that facilitates district-scaled, sustainable, personalized learning while engaging educators in gamified, self-paced micro-courses. “Excellent tool for professional development,” write our judges. “Love the ability to make this the hub of learning for teachers.”
NetSupport classroom.cloud
classroom.cloud is a classroom management and teaching platform that includes online safety and technician’s tools. Our judges write: “classroom.cloud is a powerful tool for teachers to manage student learning, their devices, and their browsing habits. I particularly like that it's compatible with all device platforms and can integrate with ClassLink and Google Classroom.”
NoRedInk Co. NoRedInk
NoRedInk simplifies the process of building strong writers and critical thinkers by providing teachers with diagnostic tools, instructional resources, skills exercises, and scaffolded writing activities. “NoRedInk’s activities integrate seamlessly with ELA instruction. I like that they are adaptable for teachers to mix and match them as they see fit. They also offer many integrations like ClassLink, Infinite Campus, Canvas, Clever, Google Classroom, and Schoology,.” our judges note.
Optoma Optoma Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Flat Panel Displays
The Optoma Creative Touch 5-Series Interactive Flat Panel Displays offers 4K UHD resolution and new levels of customization and flexibility. “I really like the ease of use of this product,” writes our judges. “The floating toolbar that jumps to a location that the pen presses on for a couple of seconds really makes working more efficient. The sharing, screen recording, SSO, and Google Classroom integration is also valuable.”
Otus Otus
Otus empowers educators to help every student reach their full potential through an all-in-one platform with integrated tools to gather, visualize, and act on student growth data. “Having data is critical, but what Otus provides is a data story that allows the user to see trends and possible next steps,” say our judges. “The more educators use the tool, the clearer the learning path is. In the secondary level, educators can use the resource to ensure graduation pathway and prepare for AP and other advanced courses.”
PowerSchool PowerSchool Naviance CCLR
PowerSchool Naviance CCLR is the leading college, career, and life readiness (CCLR) platform that helps students connect learning to life goals. “The life of a high school junior and senior can be stressful when looking for and applying to college,” note our judges. “Naviance has taken some of that way with their streamlined dashboard and lens into colleges with the students interested in majors and gives a range of performances to reduce the applications to schools that may be out of reach.”
Presence (formerly PresenceLearning) Presence Teletherapy Services
Presence is the leading provider of remote evaluations and teletherapy solutions for children with diverse needs in PreK-12 schools. Our judges write: “Offering therapy through online support makes it so much easier to schedule students as well as eases the issues that districts are facing trying to recruit these positions in their districts.”
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. Dell Inspiron 14 (Powered by Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2)
The Dell Inspiron 14, powered by the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 compute platform, combines the best features of a smartphone and a laptop into one device. “I like the idea of using a SOC chip, and the Snapdragon is a good one” write our judges. “Built-in AI and security features are appreciated as well.”
Samsung Electronics America Samsung Interactive Display (WAC)
The Samsung Interactive Display is an interactive whiteboard that provides enhanced usability and specialized features for teachers and students to seamlessly collaborate. “Not only does this Interactive Panel by Samsung offer stunning, vibrant displays of life-like content for learning,” note our judges, “but this product is amazingly versatile in accepting content from many curriculum companies as well as converting lessons that were created using other brands of displays and other interactive software platforms.”
Savvas Learning Company enVision Mathematics Grades 6-8 enVision A|G|A (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2)
Savvas has introduced new editions in its industry-leading enVision K-12 math series, including enVision Mathematics © 2024 Grades K-5, enVision Mathematics © 2024 Grades 6-8, enVision A|G|A © 2024 (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2), and enVision Integrated Mathematics © 2024. “enVision Mathematics solution hooks students with clean designs and active learning,” write our judges. “enVision Mathematics allows educators to customize learning and get to the heart of student needs.”
Savvas Learning Company SuccessMaker: Foundations of High School Math
New this school year, Savvas is introducing SuccessMaker: Foundations of High School Math, an intervention solution providing personalized adaptive instruction for high school students who haven’t yet mastered all the prerequisite skills necessary for success in early high school math classes. Our judges note: “The interactive aspect of this solution sets this product apart. This solution allows students to be part of learning and learn from doing.”
Singleton Foundation Venture Valley Business Tycoon
Venture Valley empowers young adults to build financial and business basics by capturing kids’ interest with a competitive esports-style multiplayer play. “This is a fantastic and fun solution that gamifies the process of financial literacy and entrepreneurship,” write our judges. “Plus being free makes it available for any school district.
Slooh Slooh
Slooh offers live online telescope feeds of the cosmos and its amazing astronomical events. Our judges write: “Slooh is an amazing platform designed to bring the curiosity of the cosmos into any classroom by establishing real-time connections to research telescopes around the world.”
SmartPass: SmartPass One
Originated by a high school assistant principal and co-founded with the help of students, teachers, and school building leaders, SmartPass allows educators to seamlessly approve, manage, and monitor student movement related to out-of-class activities. “The more schools are efficient, the more they can focus on learning,” note our judges. “This solution creates efficacy to help all aspects of the school to increase the focus and time on learning, not on operations.”
Sphero, Inc. Sphero Blueprint
Sphero’s Blueprint Build Kit is a modular system of easy-to-handle mechanical engineering parts designed to teach middle and high school students diverse, scalable, and creative engineering concepts. Our judges write: “Hands-on engineering and excitement over learning these concepts become reality with the Sphero Blueprint Build Kit & Class Pack. This kit and pack help to prepare students for college engineering and concepts being taught.”
Tutor.com and The Princeton Review On-Demand and High-Dosage Tutoring + Test Prep
The mission of Tutor.com and The Princeton Review is to advance equity and improve student achievement and academic outcomes by delivering no-cost, research-based high-dosage tutoring. Our judges write: “Tutor.com offers so much at no cost to help students learn! It is on-demand, researched-based learning, available 24 hours a day, and one to one.”
Vivacity Tech PBC Student Repair Academy
Vivacity Tech’s Student Repair Academy provides students with interactive training and core knowledge to help create your very own in-house repair center. “I am a big fan of these kinds of programs,” write our judges. “Vivacity has a well thought-out solution. Building a student tech repair program can save a lot of time, money, and put fewer computers in the landfill.”
Vivacity Tech PBC Guardian Work-In Case with Pouch
“This laptop bag has quality components, secures and protects, as well as has extra storage,’ note our judges. “I also like that it allows for air flow for the device which will extend its battery and longevity.”
Vivacity Tech PBC Mobile Charging Station
Vivacity Tech’s Mobile Charging Station ensures that outlets for electronic devices are always readily available. “I really like the long cord and adjustable base of this unit. Also, the variety of charging options is appreciated,” writes our judges.
Vivi Vivi
Vivi is the only all-in-one communication suite designed exclusively for education as a single solution for wireless screen sharing, digital signage, and emergency alerts. Oor judges liked that the product is designed for an educational setting and has education specific tools and features.
Xello Xello
Xello is an online K-12 college, career and future readiness program that helps students of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds cultivate their self-knowledge and skill building while exploring options for life after high school. Our judges note: “We talk about training for college and career, but not many resources on the market support it. This tool is a great solution to support students in understanding their needs and charting a path to success after graduation.
Best for Back to School: HIGHER ED
Anthology Inc., Blackboard Learn Ultra
Blackboard Learn Ultra (Learn) is Anthology’s next-generation learning management system that is designed with a modern and intuitive interface to engage college students and simplify processes for instructors. “I really like the flexibility of this product for both instructors and students. The use of AI is very innovative,” write our judges.
Airtame Airtame Hybrid
Airtame Hybrid turns any connected display into a screen mirror for laptops and mobile devices, while also enabling centralized digital signage functions for entire campuses. Our judges note: “While this functionality is found in the Airtame Core, the Airtame Hybrid takes it up several notches by incorporating Video Conferencing as well.”
BenQ LH730
BenQ’s LH730 is an LED projector designed specifically to meet the rigorous standards that commercial applications such as educational classrooms demand. Our judges write: “This cutting-edge LED projector stands out amongst its peers. It's affordable and reliable! The picture is high quality, bright, accurate, and doesn’t yellow. Definitely a game changer in the world of projectors!”
BenQ BenQ Board RP03
BenQ Board smart boards offer integrative and intuitive features including single sign-on, cloud access, screen sharing, split-screen, screen recording, and annotation tools. One judge writes: “The BenQ Instashare revolutionizes the way teachers teach. Allowing the teachers to be up and moving around the room increases classroom management and places the teachers in ‘the zone.’ InstaShare 2 provides more opportunity to share and collaborate with students by not being attached to a desk or podium.”
Canon imageFORMULA R30 Office Document Scanner
The Canon imageFORMULA R30 is a compact dual-side color scanner with an automatic document feeder designed for efficient scanning. “These small scanners are a great way to digitize documents, save paper, share, and cut down on physical file storage. I have used them for years and they are a key piece of my daily workflow,” writes one judge.
ClearOne DIALOG UVHF Wireless Microphone
The ClearOne DIALOG UVHF is a highly flexible wireless microphone system that delivers incredibly robust reception and more available spectrum on-demand than any other product in its class. “This is a great solution for higher ed. I like all of the components as well as the transportability of the hardware,” note our judges.
Copyleaks AI Content Detector
The AI Content Detector is an enterprise-level AI content detection solution. Utilizing machine learning in real-time, the AI Content Detector boasts a 99.1% accuracy rate and a .2% false positive rate. “The AI Content Detector by Copyleaks comes at an incredibly opportune time in the Age of ChatGPT,” one judge noted.
CTL CTL CBx3-7 Chromebox
The CTL Chromebox CBx3-7 is a small form-factor PC with an Intel Core i7-1355U processor that delivers speeds up to 5GHZ. “The ability to mount on the back of the screen, as well as the internal hardware configuration and port, makes this PC a real standout,” write our judges.
CTL CTL Works With Chromebook Keyboard and Mouse Combo
The CTL Chrome OS Bluetooth keyboard and mouse are Google-certified products that guarantee top performance for Chromebooks and Chromeboxes. “This is a very nice mouse and keyboard combo,” write our judge. “I appreciate the forethought of the Google Everything and screen capture buttons”
Gale, part of Cengage Group Gale Digital Scholar Lab
Gale Digital Scholar Lab is a cloud-based research environment designed to transform the way scholars and students access and analyze Gale primary source materials. “The Digital Scholar Lab not only guides students on how to perform scholarly research queries, but also how to categorize their discoveries and prepare them for review and citation usage,” write one judge. “I wish this tool existed long ago in my early college research days!”
NetSupport NetSupport School
Classroom management and instruction solution, NetSupport School, provides a full toolkit for instructors to deliver meaningful lessons. “The variety and granularity of the controls given teachers is great,” write our judges. “Monitoring student devices in various ways is so important. It safeguards both the students and instructional staff. Also, seeing the teacher to delegate some control to a student group leader, show student screens as examples, and control student access to devices will save time and frustration during class.”
PeopleAdmin Faculty Information System
PeopleAdmin’s Faculty Information System and Course Evaluations are part of a faculty ecosystem that supports faculty and academic affairs offices across campus and throughout the employee lifecycle. Our judges note: “This product does a very good job of getting all of the inputs and outputs in higher ed to make for smoother, more accurate processes and data. I also appreciate the thought put into the evaluation process of the professor by students.”
Planar Planar UltraRes™ L Series all-in-one LED display
The Planar UltraRes L Series Display combines Planar’s best-in-class LCD features with award-winning direct view LED technology to deliver an all-in-one, easy-to-use display solution. “This is a great solution for higher ed” say our judges. “The feature to show four different windows at once will help professors show the correlation of content.”
Qualcomm Technologies Microsoft Surface Pro 9 5G SQ3 (Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3)
The Microsoft Surface Pro 9 SQ3 5G features the Microsoft SQ3 compute platform based on the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 3 compute platform by Qualcomm. “I am very interested in these products and their use of AI and offloading processing to a separate AI engine to make the computer run more efficiently,” writes one judge. “Microsoft has put together a great higher ed solution, especially for running cloud based apps.
Samsung Electronics America Samsung Interactive Display (WAC)
The Samsung Interactive Display is an interactive whiteboard that provides enhanced usability and specialized features for teachers and students to seamlessly collaborate. Our judges note: “Not only does this Interactive Panel by Samsung offer stunning, vibrant displays of life-like content for learning, but this product is amazingly versatile in accepting content from many curriculum companies as well as converting lessons that were created using other brands of displays and other interactive software platforms.”
ViewSonic Corp. ViewSonic myPodium ID2456 Interactive Display
The ViewSonic myPodium ID2456 is a multifunctional 24-inch interactive display designed to expand learning spaces and boost efficiency. One judge notes: “ViewSonic has put together an all-in-one LED Display that can be installed by pretty much any handy employee. This will ease the stress of campuses knowing that they can install these themselves and not have to contract out the labor. Just a beautiful display!”
