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SmartLab Information
As of June 30, 2023, NDCDE will no longer install new SmartLabs, provide tier 1 support, or offer lab facilitator training. We have worked with vendors to ensure schools can continue supporting their existing SmartLab and easily identify vendor options for new SmartLabs and STEM Labs. Below is an overview of the vendor services available to North Dakota schools that have been vetted by NDCDE staff.
SmartLab Vendor Options
| Vendor Contact Information | FAQ |
|---|---|
| Vendor Name: Creative Learning Systems (CLS) Website: https://www.smartlablearning.com/ Vendor Contact Person: Kim St. George Vendor Location: 1801 Lefthand Circle Suite A Longmont, CO 80501 |
Supports Current NDCDE-Installed SmartLabs? Yes. This is the vendor that NDCDE contracted with to install and support SmartLabs in ND schools. The cost of annual support is $4000 for basic support if your district is using LearningHub and $2000-$2500 if your district is using Launchpad (which will be phased out after 2025). Has a Support Team in ND? No. All support is provided remotely by CLS staff. CLS's remote support service requires a staff member to be present in your lab when CLS is troubleshooting a support request. Provides Facilitator Training? Yes. CLS staff provides training for new and existing NDCDE-installed labs onsite or virtually. No CEUs are available for this training at this time. The cost is as follows: Two Days On-Site - $4000 Two Days Virtual - $1500 Provides Curriculum and Virtual Licensed Instructors? CLS's LearningHub contains standards-aligned STEM project starters, but no credit-bearing courses or licensed instructors are available through CLS to teach this content. Contact NDCDE if your lab needs a licensed instructor to oversee SmartLab coursework. Installs New Labs? CLS will continue to install new labs in ND, using its staff to perform this service. Labs are sold as turnkey facilities with all the software, technology tools, and kits sold together based on your district’s needs. |
| Vendor Name: Pitsco Education Website: https://www.pitsco.com/ Vendor Contact Person: Preston Frazier Vendor Location: 915 E Jefferson Pittsburg, KS 66762 |
Supports Current NDCDE-Installed SmartLabs? No. Pitsco Education provides STEM labs similar to SmartLabs but with different content and curriculum for grades PreK-12. Because Pitsco labs are highly customizable, schools are encouraged to set up a consultation to discuss their needs. This allows Pitsco to create detailed specifications for a STEM lab unique to each school. To learn more, visit the links below. Has a Support Team in ND? Pitsco Education has a full-time territory education advisor for North Dakota that can answer any questions and support any solutions Pitsco Education offers, Preston Frazier. Contact Preston at pfrazier@pitsco.com or 800-835-0686 Ext 4559. Provides Facilitator Training? Yes, for Pitsco labs only. Pitsco Education provides training for their STEM content and curriculum to help support the STEM labs and solutions they provide. A virtual session starts at $600, and an in-person onsite session starts at $4000. Provides Curriculum and Virtual Licensed Instructors? Pitsco Education provides valuable and meaningful hands-on learning experiences for grades PreK-12. While they don’t provide virtual licensed instructors, their curriculum is developed so that the teacher serves as a facilitator, while the content is student-led. Installs New Labs? Yes, Pitsco Education does install new labs through its delivery and installation process. Pitsco will deliver, organize, and install your equipment and curriculum if you purchase equipment and curriculum from them. After their installation, you will have keys to a brand-new STEM lab and will be ready for our professional development staff to come in and assist further! |
| Vendor Name: A+ STEM Labs, Inc. Website: https://www.aplustechnology.com Vendor Contact Person: David Antar Vendor Location: 1490 North Clinton Avenue Bay Shore, NY 11706 |
Supports Current NDCDE-Installed SmartLabs? A+ STEM Labs has finalized its review of current technology and infrastructure in North Dakota SmartLabs and has determined that it can provide basic remote support of the software and equipment for the installed equipment for $4000 per year. On-site support, if required, would be on a time and material basis at $200 per hour. Has a Support Team in ND? This vendor is working with Readitech, which has several regional offices in the state, to provide on-the-ground support to ND STEM labs. A+ will provide full remote and onsite support solutions for labs that they install. Provides Facilitator Training? Yes, for A+ Stem Labs products only. Provides Curriculum and Virtual Licensed Instructors? A+ STEM Labs has a curriculum to complement the technology in the STEM labs it installs. It does provide NY-licensed remote teachers. Installs New Labs? Yes. A+ STEM Labs embraces a flexible approach that provides a range of grade levels, experiments, and activities that map to the programs you already have in place. There is no “one way” or “right way” to use their labs. Their solutions are designed to support and enhance your curriculum of choice, letting you focus on the subjects and core competencies most relevant to your classroom. Learn more here: https://www.aplustechnology.com |