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Cameron University Case Study
March 1st, 2023 by admin
Tell us a little about Cameron University…
Cameron University is located in Lawton, Oklahoma. The university provides affordable education to local Oklahoma residents as well as international students from around the globe. We offer nearly 50 degrees through two-year, four-year, and graduate programs.
What challenges were you trying to solve?
Trying to distribute an installer file to a computer lab to expedite the install and update process.
What SoftLINK features do you find are used the most and why?
For us we use the file distribution, launch app buttons, and screen monitoring. We use the first two features to updates machines in mass. We use the last one to monitor testing labs and provide remote support to classrooms.
How has SoftLINK helped you?
It has helped us work on updating machines on a large scale remotely, provide a more broad proctoring service for our testing centers, and to provide immediate remote assistance in the classroom.
How would you describe Applied Computer Systems’ customer service?
I have spent years using the product and never contacted support. When I finally did, I received a solution to a problem I had been dealing with all those years in a matter of hours. It was wonderful!
What would you say to other organizations facing the same challenges?
It is a fantastic solution that is easy to implement and use. It has utility both for ITS staff as well as instructors and tutors.
Would you recommend the SoftLINK software to others?
Absolutely!
Paul J Hagerty High School Case Study
July 12th, 2022 by admin
Tell us a bit about Paul J Hagerty High School…
Paul J Hagerty High School is a public high school in Oviedo, Florida with approximately 2,250 students.
What challenges were you trying to solve?
We wanted to have the ability to communicate school-wide without a PA system.
Why did you choose Notify?
Notify is easy to use and has great platform support. We also found it has a wide range of features and offers a high level of security. We use NetSupport School already and found that Notify is exactly what we needed to solve our communication issues.
How is the software currently being used in your school?
We have Notify installed on all staff computers. When we need to communicate something of importance and cannot use the PA system due to classroom or testing interruptions, we use Notify. This makes it possible to communicate messages to our staff instantly without it being a disruption.
Where and how has Notify added value?
Notify is very intuitive and easy to use. It is a very flexible system that has helped us save time and increase productivity.
Would you recommend Notify?
Yes, we would recommend Notify.
Wicomico Day School Case Study
March 22nd, 2022 by admin
What challenges were you trying to solve?
We needed an easy way to send assignments to students and to monitor students’ content while using the computers.
What SoftLINK features do you find are used the most and why?
We use SoftLINK to send assignments out and to collect them on a daily basis. It is much easier and stress free than doing it individually by email.
How has SoftLINK helped you?
SoftLINK helps me keep a close watch on what my students are doing on their computers. I can instantly see when a student is not following along.
How would you describe the customer service you have received from Applied Computer Systems, Inc?
ACS has provided detailed and quick responses to every question we have given them.
What would you say to other organizations facing the same challenges?
SoftLINK is very useful! You are able to closely monitor the content that your students are being
exposed to.
Would you recommend the SoftLINK software to others?
Yes, I would recommend SoftLINK.
SoftLINK helps me keep a close watch on what my students are doing….
Pathways Academy Case Study
March 21st, 2022 by admin
What challenges were you trying to solve?
The goal was to give the teachers a tool that would allow them to better manage and guide students while they are on their Chromebooks.
How has SoftLINK helped you?
SoftLINK has helped us keep our students on track while working on their Chromebooks.
What SoftLINK features do you find are used the most and why?
We use SoftLINK to monitor student computer activity in real time, and put limits around their (web) access as needed.
What would you say to other organizations facing the same challenges?
SoftLINK is a useful tool for managing students while on the internet.
How would you describe the customer service you have received from Applied Computer Systems, Inc?
Every challenge I have encountered has been met with quick, personal, effective support from Todd and the rest of the ACS staff.
Would you recommend the SoftLINK software to others?
Yes!
SoftLINK has been the most effective tool we have tried.
Davenport Public Schools Case Study
January 13th, 2021 by admin
What challenges were you trying to solve?
Work with students from a Smart Board where everyone in the class can see a problem that is being experienced by another student.
How has SoftLINK helped you?
SoftLINK has become even more important now in being able to social distance from students.
What SoftLINK features do you find are used the most and why?
Using the View feature that allows me to see the student screen. Also the web filtering, being able to lock the students out of other websites.
What would you say to other organizations facing the same challenges?
SoftLINK is affordable and answers all the questions about interacting with students.
How would you describe the customer service you have received from Applied Computer Systems, Inc?
The customer service is the BEST. They helped with setup and are always there to help with any question that I have.
Would you recommend the SoftLINK software to others?
100% recommendation from Davenport Public Schools.
Fike High School Case Study
January 13th, 2021 by admin
What challenges were you trying to solve?
I needed students to be able to see my screen as I demonstrated new skills in Microsoft Office programs and Adobe programs.
Has SoftLINK helped Fike High School?
Yes, tremendously.
What SoftLINK features do you find are used the most and why?
The Show Menu so students can see my screen.
What would you say to other organizations facing the same challenges?
Find a way to fund SoftLINK. It’s worth the investment.
How would you describe the customer service you have received from Applied Computer Systems, Inc?
Customer service is outstanding!
Would you recommend the SoftLINK software to others?
Yes, definitely!
Crow Creek Tribal Schools Case Study
January 12th, 2021 by admin
What challenges were you trying to solve?
We were lacking the ability to monitor our students while on their computers. Teachers would have to walk around the classroom to keep the students on task. It was hard for an instructor to see if a student was following along with classwork or visiting unapproved websites.
How has SoftLINK helped Crow Creek Tribal Schools?
Our teachers can now monitor all student devices from their computer. Being able to monitor students’ computer activity keeps students on task and decreases their desire to visit social media sites during instruction. With less distractions to contend with, retention rates increase as well.
Has SoftLINK been beneficial for online safety?
The content filtering has been awesome for us. The students are definitely kept on task. Our teachers get a lot of use out of the features also. Safe Search overrides the default search engine preferences and forces them to provide kid-safe results.
How would you describe the customer service you have received from Applied Computer Systems, Inc?
I would say their customer service and technical support would definitely be a 10+. Anytime I have needed technical support they have been very helpful and knowledgeable.
Would you recommend the SoftLINK software to others?
Yes, we have a very good relationship with Applied Computer Systems, Inc.
Charter Oak High School Case Study
January 11th, 2021 by admin
What challenges were you trying to solve?
My curriculum for my biomedical academy is 100% online, so I was having difficulty being sure that the kids were on task. It was much more challenging than classroom management was before we started using technology.
How has SoftLINK helped you?
I feel that the majority of my students are much more productive in class knowing that I will know if they are off-task.
What SoftLINK features do you find are used the most and why?
I love that I am able to view all of the screens and see that they are on task. I often project this on to my board, so students know that everyone can see what they are doing. I also love that I can show my desktop to the kids to walk them through a process and I find it very useful to send messages and links to students.
What would you say to other organizations facing the same challenges?
With schools moving to 1:1 technology and students facing more distractions than ever, it is essential to purchase classroom-monitoring software. It is a GAME-CHANGER!
How would you describe the customer service you have received from Applied Computer Systems, Inc?
The customer service is INCREDIBLE. They have spent so much time walking me through any issues or questions that I have had, both via email and phone. I would go as far to say that they have the best customer service that I have ever experienced.
Would you recommend the SoftLINK software to others?
ABSOLUTELY!!! I have tried other monitoring software, but this one is hands-down the best, most reliable, and easiest to use.
Technology Instructor Could Not Function Without a LINK Video Networking System
October 30th, 2014 by adminHISTORY
St. Mary School is a Catholic school located in Chardon, Ohio, just thirty miles east of Cleveland, Ohio. The Church of Saint Mary’s was built in 1908 and moved to its current location in 1931. In 1952, twenty two acres of land was purchased with the vision of building St. Mary School. That vision was completed in 1961 when the school’s doors were first opened. Since that time, St. Mary School strives to develop each student’s potential in an environment of Faith, in cooperation with the Family, and with a vision for the Future.
OBSTACLE
St. Mary School needed a way to manage the students in their computer lab more efficiently. The lab is used to teach students of all ages, from kindergarten to eighth grade. They were looking for a solution that would work well for all of the age groups. St. Mary School first purchased and installed a LinkNET LINK System in 2000. They later upgraded the LINK System instructor equipment in 2011, but opted to leave the student equipment in place. Amazingly, St. Mary School is still using the same LINK System student hardware that was sold to them in 2000. After fourteen years of service, the equipment is still functioning as it did on the day it was first installed.
LINK SYSTEM CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
Kathy Lyons, the Technology Instructor for the school, has been using the LINK System for years with celebrated success. When asked how she would rate her experience with the LINK System, Mrs. Lyons emphatically states “Excellent, I could not function without it, especially for the primary grades.” Applied Computer Systems, Inc. and its employees are proud to hear her sterling praise of the LINK System, a product that was first patented by the company founder in 1984. “Receiving rave reviews from customers is something we never tire of,” reveals Todd Broceus, President of ACS. “As an elite provider in the educational industry, ACS has been providing innovative classroom management solutions for over thirty years now and we are continually improving on our technological offerings. We work with one goal in mind, to strive to provide each of our customers with services and solutions that they cannot live without.”
The LINK System has a wide array of features, all accessible via its simple-to-use touchscreen interface. When asked how the LINK System benefits her most, Mrs. Lyons cannot narrow the answer down to just one feature. “The feature that benefits me the most is to be able to control each individual computer and also to be able to demonstrate procedures to the class on their individual computer,” replies Mrs. Lyons. The LINK System allows her to not only remotely view a student’s screen but also the ability to remotely control the computer as well. Prior to students starting their assignments, she is able to demonstrate the proper procedure to her students by transmitting, or broadcasting, her instructor screen to the student screens. “I use the system all the time to show students how to do different projects step by step.” Her classroom is equipped with two televisions that are used as projectors, but as is the case with many classrooms, they do not provide each student with a perfect view. Displaying the instructor’s desktop on each student’s monitor ensures that each student has a pristine view, regardless of their location in the classroom. Furthermore, the LINK System delivers a live video feed to each monitor, providing the user with full-motion capabilities that are just not possible with a software classroom management solution. If the video is on the instructor’s screen, the instructor can rest assured that it is being displayed on the students’ screens as well with no lag or degradation in video quality.
A LINK System provides many benefits, but one of the most commonly addressed is the amount of time that can be saved when using one. Mrs. Lyons indicates “One of the biggest benefits is it is much quicker to be at the computer and help students with questions than to walk around and help students.” If a student has a problem, the student can select Help from their Windows Taskbar, and the teacher will be alerted immediately. The teacher does not need to go to the student’s desk; she can simply receive, or view, the student’s screen from her desk. If the student needs further assistance, the teacher can take control of the student’s keyboard and mouse and guide them even further.
The LINK System also saves time by minimizing a teacher’s effort when trying to gain the class’s attention. In a typical classroom, a teacher must verbally gain everyone’s attention, which has varying degrees of success. However, when using a LINK System, a teacher can gain each student’s undivided attention instantly by initiating the Blank All feature. When Blank All is enabled, each student’s monitor is immediately turned off, taking away any distraction that the computer may provide for the students. When the teacher is finished with his or her announcements, the students’ screens are restored by selecting Reset.
During the most recent visit to St. Mary School by an ACS representative, Mrs. Lyons was shocked yet pleased to learn that the LINK System is compatible with iPads and other mobile devices. By simply plugging the device’s video adapter into the LINK System’s auxiliary input, a teacher can broadcast the output of an iPad, Android, or other mobile device to each student’s monitor. Any device with a video output can be connected to the LINK System, the possibilities are endless! Just one more way the LINK System can positively impact the learning experience in the classroom.
Want to experience a LINK System first-hand? Inquire about our 14 day trial and see for yourself how a LINK System can completely alter your way of teaching. You too will find it is an indispensable tool in the classroom. Speak to one of our knowledgeable sales representatives at 800-237-5465 or visit our website at www.acs-linksystems.com
Bloomfield Central School District Benefits By Using Classroom Management System
April 21st, 2014 by admin
John Wright, an instructor at Bloomfield High School, was tasked with designing and building a CAD/CAM lab for Bloomfield’s Technology Department. “We were looking for a management tool to enhance instruction and to allow the monitoring of students as they work.”
Mr. Wright researched software classroom management solutions first. “We tried several network systems but found the intensive graphic requirements of the cad and 3D solid modeling software made the video response too slow.” Later, Mr. Wright was fortunate enough to see the LINK System installed in a college. “I saw the LINK used at a local college, that was all it took. I knew I had to have it!” Ultimately, Mr. Wright and his colleagues found the LINK System was the best solution for their CAD/CAM lab.
The LINK System is a computer classroom management system that offers instructor’s the ability to broadcast crystal clear demonstrations directly to each student’s screen. Using the LINK System’s features, students are able to see all of the details of the CAD/CAM program no matter where they are seated in the classroom, contrary to classrooms that use only overhead projector. “The ability to focus each student on their own screen during direct instruction is invaluable,” says Mr. Wright. The proverbial “bad seat” is eliminated from the classroom. In the event that an instructor prefers to use a projector, the LINK System works flawlessly with the existing equipment. Not only can instructors broadcast their own desktop to the projection screen, they can project any student’s desktop to it as well.
When asked which of the many features that the LINK System has is most useful to him, Mr. Wright said, “The ability to take control of the student station from the teacher station is important. If a student has a question there is no need to go to that station.” Using the LINK System’s intuitive touch interface, simply select a student station and their desktop is instantly displayed on the instructor’s monitor. Make an additional selection on the screen and you now have remote access to the student’s keyboard and mouse. Mr. Wright continues “if you would like to use that student’s screen for helping or instructing other students you can transmit that individual student’s screen to all the other student stations.” This collaborative teaching style eliminates the need to explain the same procedure to multiple students during the class period. The LINK System will allow you to engage students more effectively, will save you instructional time, and will help to increase student comprehension.
Bloomfield Central School District purchased the most reliable classroom management system on the market. “We have used the LINK System since 1999,” says Mr. Wright. Since that time, the school updated the motherboard in the instructor’s LINK System equipment in 2004. Incredibly, Bloomfield Central School District is still using the same LINK System equipment that was installed more than 15 years ago! Due to the longevity of the LINK System, Applied Computer Systems, Inc. (ACS) has developed upgrade paths for customers. Customers have the ability to use their original student equipment while upgrading their instructor’s equipment. Later, when budgets allow for it, the student equipment can be upgraded as well.
When asked about his experience with ACS’s customer service, Mr. Wright expressed only praise. “Excellent. Their customer service is second to none! They are prompt, and courteous. If you call with a problem, they will do whatever it takes to solve that problem.”
Applied Computer Systems, Inc. does offer free onsite demonstrations of the LINK System. The LINK System is used in computer classrooms to effectively enhance the teaching and learning process. It improves retention rates and keeps students on task. It is a cost-effective computer classroom management system built to last for many years.