Tech & Learning is excited to announce the winners of the T&L Stellar Service Awards. These awards were established to honor the great achievements in customer care and satisfaction in the edtech industry, providing another look at what influences the buying decisions. A product and how it performs both need to be backed up with a team, a Web site, support, and service.
BEST USE OF AFTERSCHOOL TIME (BEST ONLINE PD TRAINING)
ATOMIC LEARNING
At Atomic Learning, we view our relationship with schools as a partnership. Atomic Learning is a true partner who is interested in helping schools meet their goals—knowing that utilization is simply a byproduct. Below are four strategies that have driven successful results with partner districts: 1. Ensuring Optimum Access 2. Broadening the Impact 3. Ensuring Relevancy & Awareness 4. Regular Communication.
BEST EXCUSE TO LEAVE THE CLASSROOM (BEST IN-PERSON TRAINING PROGRAM)
GAGGLE
Extend the knowledge and utilization of Gaggle or other tools—such as Google Apps for Education (GAFE) and Office 365—with training and professional development designed for administrators, facilitators, instructional coaches, and teachers. A certified Google Education Trainer leads GAFE training, while a Microsoft Innovative Educator Trainer leads Office 365 training.
THE NUMBER YOU HAVE ON AUTODIAL (BEST TECH SUPPORT)
AVER
Our number one priority is to take care of our customers and leave them happy. AVer’s U.S.-based Technical Support Teams are well-trained, knowledgeable experts who do not robotically follow a script. Our team goes beyond the minimum to assure customers are getting the IT support they need through a multitude of options, from live chat to email and phone services. Each interaction is treated with impeccable quality and professionalism resulting in effective solutions for customers.
THE HELP SITE YOU WANT TO KEEP GOING BACK TO (BEST HELP SITE PORTAL)
VERNIER
Vernier’s Technical Information Library (www.vernier.com/til) provides an extensive collection of support materials for Vernier’s products, including 1,000+ troubleshooting tips, detailed product specifications, and answers to a curated collection of FAQs from Vernier customers. Additionally, it includes links to product-specific tech tip videos produced by Vernier product developers and to Vernier’s Personalized Training Webinars, which provide individual schools and districts with a free, customized way to get educators trained on specific Vernier technology.
THE BEST EDTECH REP (YOU WOULD HIRE IF YOU COULD)
CURRICULUM ASSOCIATES
With 25+ years at Curriculum Associates, Cynthia Austen is a rock star edtech rep. She truly cares about her customers and the success of students and is known for her strategic advice, product knowledge, and fun personality. Cynthia is extremely conscientious, never overselling and always looking to save customers money. A tremendous asset to the team, she has even turned down management roles so she could maintain direct customer interaction, which is her passion.
THE ULTIMATE REPUTATION SAVER (BEST WARRANTY PROGRAM)
EPSON
The TFCInfo Projector Brand Customer Perception and Preference Study 2015 identified Epson as the most widely-used brand in education. This is in part because of Epson’s Brighter Futures program, a unique sales and support initiative available specifically for schools. As part of the program, schools receive a three-year projector warranty, which no other projector manufacturer currently offers; a 90-day limited lamp warranty; a replacement program with free shipping; and dedicated technical support services.
SALES SUPPORT YOU CAN BELIEVE IN (BEST SALES SUPPORT)
SECURLY
Securly’s sales support goes above and beyond just implementing a solution. It all starts with engineers who truly care about the customer and empathize with their current situation, and who realize it is not just about getting the product working, but also making sure a real personal connection is made. A Securly engineer is someone who listens, understands, and creates an experience that is pleasant and sets the tone for the future support relationship with the company.
FREQUENT BUYER SMILES (BEST PERKS & EXTRAS)
DISCOVERY EDUCATION’S DISCOVERY EDUCATOR NETWORK (DEN)
Discovery Education’s Discovery Educator Network (DEN) honors the important work teachers do year-round, but Teacher Appreciation Week brings celebrating teachers to another level. During the week, DiscoveryEducation.com is re-branded with celebratory messaging, product enhancement announcements, and messages from Discovery Channel talent.
THE VIDEO MOST LIKELY TO GO VIRAL (BEST ONLINE PRODUCT DEMO)
MAX INTERACTIVE
Thousands of schools throughout America have entrusted their large-scale rollouts to MAX cases protecting their devices. Following their Best of Show award at ISTE 2015 for their Extreme Shell line, MAX has created the most innovative product video to demonstrate power behind it. Here is the link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePZj8m5NWrY&feature=youtu.be
