In the digital age there are two new rules for schools — the first rule is that the Internet is a tool that should be used for both educational and administrative applications. The second rule is that broadbroad connections are becoming almost as essential as textbooks and blackboards.
Looking to bring broadband connectivity and Web-based educational software together, Sprint announced today that it has signed a three-year agreement with LearningStation, a Charlotte, N.C.-based ASP that serves the K-12 education market. The companies will develop a distribution relationship and joint marketing and sales plans to offer LearningStation software and Sprint services to schools in the United States as part of Sprint’s Empowered Education initiative.
“The relationship is a perfect fit for the delivery of our Education Desktop. The combination of Sprint’s networking services and LearningStation’s library of content enables us to create powerful education solutions for all schools systems, regardless of size,” said Jim Kirchner, president of LearningStation.
Under terms of the agreement, Sprint will pair its network expertise with LearningStation’s educational content. LearningStation, through personalized Web-based Education Desktop, claims to offer the most comprehensive suite of education content for K-12 students. Sprint will provide schools with the network and infrastructure to deliver that content.
“The beauty of their service is that schools no longer have to maintain software content on the desktop computer in the classroom since it’s all available through a Web portal managed by LearningStation,” said Mark Cosby, public sector manager, Sprint. “This has the potential to reduce schools’ costs by cutting down on training and maintenance expenses.”
Schools can also receive funds and credits for Sprint services through Sprint’s E-Rate program, Cosby said.
Sprint is listed by ASPnews as a Top 30 Service Enabler.
