Volume 14, Issue 2 — January 19, 2021

rAVe ED [Education] — Volume 14, Issue 2

January 19, 2021 | Volume: 14 | Issue: 2

I feel fortunate as we head into 2021. Yes, last year was one of the worst years ever. But I have high hopes for this year as we start reacclimating and moving forward. Gary Kayye touches on this idea a little bit in his latest column. He has been very open about his participation in the Pfizer study in September — but if you don’t know, he was one of the very first to receive the vaccine. He thought it would be a good idea to write about his experience receiving both parts of the shot, whether it helps to dispel some of the rumors and fear around the vaccine or if it just makes you feel a little better to read about it before you receive it yourself. Either way, it’s a good read.

Other fun things in this issue:
— A Futuresource column on administrative tools. What is the impact of these in schools? Is there an opportunity there? Read to find out.
— I am studying for the CTS exam! Find out how you can study with me by listening to my brand-new podcast.
— rAVe has released the top 10 stories of 2020. Give it a read to see if your favorites ended up on the list!

Finally, if you haven’t already, please fill out our survey. We want to keep producing content you care about, and your answers will help us do it! Plus, one lucky person will win a $500 gift card, and it could be you!

Until next time,

— Steph Beckett

COLUMNS

+ I Got the Pfizer Vaccine in September; Here’s What You Should Know [Gary Kayye]

Yes, I received the actual vaccine rather than the placebo (21,720 people in the study received BNT162b2 and 21,728 received the placebo). My first shot was Sept. 4 and I received my second on Sept. 28; I am still in the trial for another 24 months. I thought I would put together my thoughts — as many of you will be eligible as soon as next week and might be either nervous or not sure what to do. Of course, this is an individual decision everyone must make on their own but I was hoping if I shared my story, it might make you feel better. If you have any questions, PLEASE reach out.

+ Administrative Tools Are the New K-12 Ed Tech Battleground [Chris Pennell]

As the number of electronic devices in use across North American schools continues to proliferate, K-12 curriculum leaders and IT decision makers are turning to administrative tools to manage data assets, track progress and provide support. A new end user study from Futuresource Consulting explores the impact of these tools, the current and projected ownership, key issues faced and the scope of the opportunity for vendors operating in the education space.

+ My New Year’s Resolution Is to Obtain a CTS Certification. Come Study With Steph! [Steph Beckett]

It’s that time of year again where everyone makes ridiculous resolutions they probably won’t keep. Instead of doing all that this year, I wanted to make a resolution that would be achievable — no matter how hard it seems. So, I am studying to get my CTS! To keep me accountable, my co-workers at rAVe encouraged me to make a corresponding podcast. Hence, Study With Steph was born.

+ The Top 10 Stories of 2020 [Gary Kayye]

2020 sucked! So, now that we got that out of the way, let’s review the top 10 AV, UCC and Digital Signage stories, according to data, in 2020!