Referred to as “e-cigs,” “vapes,” and “Juuls,” these devices, when used, produce an aerosol or “vape” that is inhaled into the lungs and exhaled into the air—very similar to second-hand smoke.  The dangers of nicotine addiction are not to be taken lightly, as per the CDC, “Using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.”  Due to the multi-functional use of some vaping devices, i.e. marijuana and other drugs, it is now more important than ever for school districts to remain one step ahead of these dangerous trends.
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          In order to help our customers combat the vaping epidemic, DCTS has partnered with IPVideo Corporation as a seller of the HALO IOT Smart Sensor—a real-time vape detection device.  The HALO IOT Smart Sensor is capable of detecting vape, smoke, and THC around areas of your school otherwise prohibited from video surveillance.  Additionally, sensors can be placed inside each classroom to discourage secret vaping, and allow teachers more time to focus on other important things, like educating.

          

In order to keep up with evolving classroom needs, ViewSonic has recently added some great new features to their ViewBoard Interactive Displays; each component enhancing the overall learning experience.   ​

​​We know what you’re thinking—computers are not cars.  But, hear us out . . .

​If we were to hop in a car and travel from Boston to Los Angeles without stopping other than to sleep or refuel, the trip would be tiresome and boring.  The driver would dread the trip, as would the passengers due to a lack of engagement.  All interest in the trip would be gone, with the driver and passengers simply going through the motions of travel, and failing to be impressed by the sights seen along the way. 
 
The same concept applies to education. 
 
In the past, teachers were limited in their resources, often clocking hours upon hours of extra time, effort, and planning into their lessons—all for the sake of reinforcing concepts and reaching as many students as possible.  Nowadays, through the use of technology, teachers have access to easy-to-use tools and resources designed to enhance the learning process, without requiring countless hours of extra work.  In hindsight, the Internet is the interstate of the educational world.      
 
“Interstate Internet” is nothing more than a name for the metaphorical highway teachers and students use to travel from Kindergarten to Graduation.  But its presence in education is nothing short of reliable and necessary, and is a priceless commodity to education as a whole.     
 
Referring back to the cross-country road trip analogy, if we were to replace Boston and L.A. with Kindergarten and Graduation, teachers become the drivers, and students become the passengers.  Without access to engaging sights meant to invest them in the trip, they, too, become uninterested.   Therefore, “Interstate Internet” is a game changer.   
 
In 2018, Acer published a twelve-page brochure highlighting 50 different tools designed to inspire students with Chromebooks.  These apps and tools serve as the “rest stops” intended to aid and refresh students along their academic journeys.  Erin Kohl, Principal of West High School, Oshkosh, WI. says, “Chromebooks help students take ownership of their education.  Accessing materials at the level they want each day dials them into the classroom experience, leading to better behavior, and higher grades,” (2018).  
 
Acer Chromebooks are, without a doubt, the vehicles driving academic success . . . and their versatility is the key that sparks their engines.  If you’re interested in learning more about the different tools and apps available, feel free to check out the K-12 Educators page on our website.  



Works Cited
50 Tools to Inspire Students with Chromebooks. Acer Inc., 2018.