“When am I ever going to use this in real life?” It’s a question that has stymied educators for generations as they struggle to demonstrate the relevance to students of facts and formulas drawn from decades-old textbooks. RGS, a business unit of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), is helping school districts across the U.S. transform their approach to education and inspire students to take on more complex challenges, to collaborate better and to see greater context in their daily assignments by introducing high-performance learning devices and dynamic new curricula to the classroom with its SmartStart in-classroom digital learning pilot program. RGS will be presenting highlights from successful SmartStart pilots at the upcoming International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Conference, June 28-July 1 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia.

Click to Tweet: Stop by @RGS_Tech booth #1363 at #ISTE2015, June 28-July 1 for insights from Ed Tech experts including @IntelEDU http://bit.ly/1ll33LR

At RGS booth #1363, ISTE attendees can learn more about how, in less than six months, RGS’ SmartStart in-classroom pilot program has helped schools across the U.S. to quickly and tangibly determine the value a 1:1 digital learning deployment offers in improving learning outcomes and preparing students with 21st century skills for lifelong success. RGS SmartStart allows schools to test out several aspects of RGS’ digital learning portfolio, for a minimal cost, before investing in a large-scale deployment.

The individual elements of the SmartStart solution are drawn from RGS’ existing selection of education technologies and classroom support services, including the RGS Windows® Wi-Fi Learning Device and RGS Education Chromebook, both purpose-built for education; and the RGS Classroom Game Server, optimized for game-based learning with the popular MinecraftEdu© game. The program also includes access to a comprehensive range of training and professional development options and modular classroom support such as web filtering and related teaching resources.

“The RGS SmartStart pilot gives schools the chance to test drive an integrated approach to digital learning that includes purpose-built digital learning technology, comprehensive services, as well as content and learning management resources with less risk and instant student/teacher feedback,” said Scott MacDonald, vice president and general manager, RGS. “Another benefit of the pilots is that we have been able to quell educator concerns that giving students laptops would only add to the classroom distractions. To date, our pilots have demonstrated that these devices, combined with appropriate curricula, are awakening students’ curiosity and creativity. It’s been amazing to see how, with the right tools, classrooms can quickly become incubators for both the technical and cognitive skills today’s youth need for lifelong success.”

RGS will also offer ISTE attendees the opportunity to hear from subject matter experts from Intel, Agilix and MakersFactory, as they discuss topics including the impact of Moore’s Law on Ed Tech, tips and tricks for educator professional development, and the benefits of gaming applications, such as MinecraftEDU, in the classroom.

RGS’s digital education portfolio targets the growing need among school districts today to transform traditional classrooms into interactive, technology-enabled learning environments that are more student centered and engaging.

For more information, meet RGS representatives at ISTE booth #1363 or visit the RGS website at http://avnetrgs.com.

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About RGS

RGS, a business unit of Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), is a solutions integrator adept at tailoring hardware, software and a full suite of lifecycle services designed to meet the unique needs of customers across a wide range of end-market segments. RGS works to solve the business challenges of OEMs, independent software vendors (ISVs) and channel partners, resulting in better cost optimization, deeper market penetration and accelerated sustainable growth for those customers. RGS leverages a wide array of innovative technologies from leading providers, as well as a portfolio of standard and customizable servers and purpose-built appliances developed in-house. RGS operates within the Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas business region of Avnet, Inc. More information about RGS can be found at www.avnetrgs.com.

About Avnet, Inc.

Avnet, Inc. (NYSE: AVT), a Fortune 500 company, is one of the largest distributors of electronic components, computer products and embedded technology serving customers globally. Avnet accelerates its partners' success by connecting the world's leading technology suppliers with a broad base of customers by providing cost-effective, value-added services and solutions. For the fiscal year ended June 28, 2014, Avnet generated revenue of $27.5 billion. For more information, visit www.avnet.com.