Heard in the Channel: Avnet’s RGS Launches Digital Learning System

July 7, 2014
The first product in RGS’ digital education portfolio includes hardware, services and digital content from global education leader Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; plus news from TLC Electronics and NKK Switches.

Avnet Inc.’s RGS business unit launched the inaugural product in its digital education portfolio, aimed at helping school systems adapt to the “21st Century Classroom” with connected content and technology solutions. RGS’s 1:1 Learning System--Chromebook™ with Wi-Fi includes hardware, services and digital content from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) designed to offer schools a cost-effective, flexible end-to-end digital learning program.

The product “targets the growing need among school districts today to more effectively make the connection between technology in the classroom and learning efficacy,” according to RGS. Digital learning is a new model in education designed to make American schools more competitive and improve the education experience by making it “personal and dynamic,” the company added.

The 1:1 Learning System – Chromebook™ with Wi-Fi includes hardware, digital content from HMH—including core curricula, assessments, and teacher resources—as well as a range of strategic services addressing professional development, technical support, and asset life cycle management. The systems meet the content requirements of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC), and the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

RGS’ Vice President and General Manager Scott MacDonald emphasized the changing American classroom and its growing need to integrate technology and learning.

“… School districts today are being challenged to very quickly implement these highly connected ‘21st century classrooms’ that are not just about using technology, but really adopting an entirely new teaching paradigm,” he said. “With the 1:1 Learning System – Chromebook™ with Wi-Fi, as well as crucial services like professional development and training, educators get everything they need to transform their classrooms into interactive student-centered learning environments.”

“No two classrooms or districts are the same,” added Dan Cavalli, senior vice president of special sales at HMH. “Our partnership with RGS allows us to deliver customized digital content that is fully integrated with devices, technology services and professional development, enabling all education stakeholders to truly benefit from the power of digital tools.”

RGS operates under the Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas region, Avnet’s electronic components distribution business. RGS develops integrated solutions that combine hardware, software, and a suite of lifecycle services for customers in a wide range of end-markets.

In other industry news:

  • TLC Electronics, Inc. hosted its 30-year anniversary celebration and marked the retirement of co-founders Rich and Terri Crofford in June.  
  • Electromechanical switching device manufacturer NKK Switches and online product configurator provider CADENAS PARTsolutions announced the migration of their 3D switch library and configurator directly to NKK’s website, www.nkkswitches.com.
  • Distributor TTI, Inc. announced the addition of a new connector supplier, AirBorn Interconnects.
  • East Coast Microwave Distributors (ECM) announced the following new authorized distribution agreements: with MECA Electronics Inc., to supply its line of USA made Rugged & Reliable RF/Microwave passive DC–20 GHz microwave components and solutions globally; with Molex RF Inc., to supply its line of connectors and cable assemblies for high performance reliable RF/Microwave passive components and solutions; and with The Phoenix Company of Chicago, to distribute its line of RF/Microwave blindmate contacts and connectors.

And don’t miss these upcoming industry events:

EVENTS

Mixed Model Line Design Workshop
July 15-17
Toyota Material Handling USA National Customer Center
Columbus, Ind.

ISM Risk Management Summit
July 16, 2014
New York Marriott Downtown
New York City, New York

2014 ECIA Executive Conference
October 26-28, 2014
Rosemont, IL

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