Starting May 1st, 2024, your TeachSmart® device will automatically load our upgraded IgnitePanel software, provided the device is connected to the Internet.
This upgrade is FREE and will include all the same features you know and love as well as new updates and improvements!
Our platform offers a wide range of enjoyable activities designed to engage children with captivating technology. This makes learning not only fun but also highly interactive. For educators, we have a robust offering of features, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Comprehensive educational activities: We offer robust, engaging activities that align with educational standards. These activities are backed by the latest research and cater to early learners at all levels, supporting teachers in both small-group and whole-class settings.
- Flash end-of-life support: With the new IgnitePanel software, we've eliminated Flash objects, guaranteeing seamless functionality and longevity for all activities and ensuring that they remain effective well into the future.
- Customizable content: Teachers have the ability to create and tailor their own lessons using our provided templates, allowing for personalized educational experiences.
- Integrated daily activity planning: Our resources can integrate seamlessly into daily lesson plans, helping educators stay organized and efficient.
- Updated standards alignment: Our content now aligns with Teaching Strategies GOLD® and Desired Result Developmental Profile (DRDP) while maintaining alignment with national Head Start, state curricula, and core curriculum standards.
- Expanded e-books library: The e-books library has been expanded from 2 to 10 books, providing more varied reading options for classroom activities.
- Enhanced offline activities: We have strengthened our offline extension activities (Beyond the Technology – Curricular Experiences) to complement the digital content and offer more teaching flexibility.
- Extended professional development: Our embedded professional development program, Teacher Talk, now covers more learning objectives to enhance teaching capabilities in the classroom.
With this upgrade and a purchased subscription, you will also get the following:
- Educator dashboard: Hatch Insights™, our educator dashboard, offers valuable data about classroom usage and activities, aiding teachers in monitoring and optimizing educational outcomes.
Reach out to your customer success or sales rep to learn more about this new offering!
How Do I Know if My TeachSmart Device Is Upgraded?
When your TeachSmart device is upgraded, you will notice the message below when you open your teaching guide:
When you click Continue, you will see options to log in or skip login. At this point, we suggest that your program administrator contact us for help with getting set up.
If you're ready to go, click Go to Login to log in with your Hatch credentials.
If you don't have a login, then you can select Skip For Now so that you can use the device uninterrupted. You can also check the box in the lower left-hand corner to dismiss the pop-up for 90 days.
Still not sure if your TeachSmart device has been upgraded? Then, follow these steps:
- From the Teaching Guide app, select the Help tab in the top menu.
- Then, select About the Teaching Guide in the submenu.
- If your TeachSmart device has been updated, then the page will look similar to the image below.
Having trouble getting the upgrade? If it's past May 1st and your eligible device is connected to the Internet, then please contact our support team for assistance.