The background
Longview Independent School District is the largest and most comprehensive school district in the northeastern Texas area, serving more than 8,500 students with over 5,900 devices. Since 2015, Longview ISD has trusted Impero Education Pro to manage devices, manage the school network and keep students safe.
The requirements
As a district with multiple types of devices and an IT helpdesk managed by instructional technology staff, Longview ISD needed a network and classroom management solution that was comprehensive, accessible and easy to use. Prior to adopting Education Pro, the district ran several different software solutions to manage computers, which became cumbersome over time.
Our approach
The district chose Impero Education Pro because it consolidated network management, troubleshooting and classroom management into one easy-to-use solution. Additionally, Education Pro was the best solution for classroom teachers to manage students’ devices in class.
“We realized that Impero supported our idea of a holistic approach to technology management by combining all of the functions of all the other software into an easy-to-use interface,” said Brian Pitts, Technology Director at Longview ISD.
The district implemented Impero Education Pro quickly and with ease. Within weeks, helpdesk staffers were working independently in the Education Pro dashboard, creating rules and using functions with little to no training. Teachers immediately adopted the software and began asking IT to set up features for classroom management.
The outcome
Using Education Pro for network, classroom and internet safety management has allowed the Longview IT department to make technology more simple and useful for instructors and students.
“We find enormous value in Impero because it brings the functionality and information of technology down to the people who use it. Impero is not overly technical,” said Pitts.
Using the classroom management features of Education Pro, teachers can customize internet and software application usage per class or per student. This allows the teacher to offer more technology resources to students without feeling like they are policing them.
“With Impero, teachers open up the internet with certain classes and block things that don’t pertain to the lesson. Education Pro completely found a place with everyone in our school,” said Pitts.
Rather than simply blocking online content, Education Pro allows Longview ISD to monitor student devices. This approach allows educators and administrators to review and assess logged activity based on contextual information.
“We’re excited to implement the updated keyword library features of Education Pro to provide further internet safety for the students. Impero Education Pro is the key to providing a holistic approach to technology management in schools,” said Pitts.
To learn more about how Impero can empower your teachers and support your students, book a free demo here.