New Analytics Tool From CDW, Lightspeed Systems Helps Schools Optimize Tech Use

Today at COSN 2019, CDW, in partnership with Lightspeed Systems, introduced Analytics Powered by Relay, a dashboard solution enabling K-12 schools to make informed decisions about their use of educational technology devices, applications and websites.

With mobile device use on the rise – 74 percent of K-12 schools say they have more than one device per student – schools are challenged to optimize their technology use, manage device data across numerous platforms, maintain policy compliance and ensure student safety online. With Analytics Powered by Relay, schools have access to an easy-to-use dashboard that helps them:

• Determine if purchased tools and applications are being utilized as intended – and eliminate unused or redundant tools
• Explore educational technology adoption rates and identify opportunities for professional development
• Ensure technology tools align with relevant data privacy laws and frameworks
• Monitor how often devices are used and what they are being used for
• Ensure digital equity district-wide

“With Analytics Powered by Relay, schools can move from descriptive analytics to prescriptive advice that empowers them to take action,” said David Hutchins, vice president, education sales, CDW-G. “We’re pleased to partner with Lightspeed Systems to help schools harness their device data – rather than be burdened by it – so they can make better decisions about their technology investments, optimize technology use and protect their students’ safety.”

“Every school we talk to has challenges with data analytics. Until now, they have had to build complex processes and systems to piece together data from separate solutions. We’re excited to partner with CDW to bring schools a better student data portal that provides a holistic view of all activity and usage across every operating system, device, app and software license, everywhere the device goes,” said Brian Thomas, president and chief executive officer, Lightspeed Systems. “Analytics Powered by Relay will save schools time, maximize the return on technology and instructional investments, and drive smarter data-driven decisions that keep students safer and raise achievement.”

Lightspeed Systems has served K-12 schools since 1999. Its solution runs on Amazon Web Services, so schools do not need to invest in additional hardware or third-party tools to support it.

Analytics Powered by Relay customers will have access to CDW-G’s educational strategist team, which can provide an initial technology assessment, as well as ongoing coaching to drive innovation through data-based decision making. CDW-G educational strategists have advanced degrees in education and deep experience in classroom technology best practices.

Analytics Powered by Relay is scheduled to be generally available to CDW’s K-12 education customers in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and to schools globally in May 2019. To schedule a demo, or to connect with a CDW-G educational strategist, email EduAnalytics@cdwg.com or visit www.cdwg.com/CDWanalytics.

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