Overview
Lightspeed Systems is an educational software company that specializes in providing a range of solutions designed to support K–12 schools in managing technology, ensuring student safety, and enhancing the learning environment. Lightspeed Systems offers a suite of products that cater to the specific needs of educational institutions. These solutions are aimed at helping school IT administrators, teachers, and district leaders to manage devices, monitor student activity, and ensure a safe and productive learning environment.
Key Products and Features
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Lightspeed Mobile Device Management is a centralized, cloud-based solution that allows school IT teams to manage devices, applications, and policies in real-time. Key features include:
- Remote configuration and deployment of apps and policies by school, grade, classroom, and student.
- Real-time geo-tracking for iOS environments.
- Loss prevention through tracking and remote locking of lost or stolen devices.
- Hierarchical admin permissions and visibility for effective management.
Content Filtering
Lightspeed Filter is designed to block inappropriate content and ensure CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) compliance. It supports various platforms including Chromebooks, macOS, iOS, and Microsoft Windows. This tool helps protect students from inappropriate online content both on and off the school network.
Classroom Management
Lightspeed Classroom Management provides teachers with real-time visibility of student activity and control over their online workspaces. Key features include:
- Real-time monitoring of student screens.
- Ability to close distracting tabs and push URLs to all students.
- Tools to keep students focused on the right content.
Analytics
Lightspeed Analytics offers reporting on apps, applications, and websites used on school-owned devices. This helps IT and instructional technology leaders understand edtech usage, manage costs, and ensure data privacy compliance.
Alert System
Lightspeed Alert uses artificial intelligence and human review to identify threats of school violence or student self-harm. The system scans online documents, emails, chat messages, and browsers to flag concerning indicators and sends alerts to designated district staff and Lightspeed Safety Specialists for early intervention.
Additional Functionality
- Digital Insight: Provides a single view of district edtech usage, helping leaders understand approvals, cost management, and data privacy compliance.
- Policy Controls: Allows IT teams to remotely deploy, change, and revoke hundreds of policies without handling devices, reducing downtime and costs.
- App Management: Includes a Self-Service App Library where teachers and students can access and install approved curriculum and learning tools.
Benefits
Lightspeed Systems’ solutions are designed to enhance the educational experience by:
- Ensuring student safety through robust content filtering and threat detection.
- Providing teachers with real-time control over student online activities.
- Simplifying device management for IT teams.
- Offering comprehensive analytics to inform decision-making.
- Supporting compliance with educational regulations such as CIPA.
Overall, Lightspeed Systems’ products are tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by K–12 schools, aiming to create a secure, efficient, and productive learning environment.