CDW-G and Educational Collaborators Offer One-to-One Computing Readiness Assessment Tool to K-12 Educators
Online Resource Provides Decision Makers with Critical Information to Accurately and Quickly Assess Readiness for a One-to-One Laptop Program

VERNON HILLS, Ill., and ST. LOUIS, Mo. – January 25, 2010 – CDW Government LLC (CDW-G), a leading source of Information Technology (IT) solutions to educators and governments, and Educational Collaborators, a national education consulting organization, today announced the availability of the One-to-One Readiness Assessment Tool, a no-charge, value-added online resource that provides K-12 educators with the information they need to successfully implement one-to-one laptop computing programs.

CDW-G and Educational Collaborators designed the tool to provide customers with strategic guidance and consultation to help them avoid common pitfalls and overcome the challenges of one-to-one programs. The tool assesses the technical and cultural readiness of a school's environment for a one-to-one program, assists schools in identifying critical success factors that teachers and administrators may not have considered and provides specific, next-step recommendations to reduce risk and time-to-launch.

"School leaders have to consider so many factors when they implement a one-to-one computing initiative, including goal setting, parental support, faculty preparation, infrastructure and sustainability, that they can inadvertently overlook steps in the planning process," said Bob Kirby, vice president, K-12 education, CDW-G. "The assessment tool, which is based on our years of experience with district and statewide one-to-one initiatives, provides educators with a solid foundation on which to build their program and confidence that they will succeed."

The CDW-G and Educational Collaborators One-to-One Readiness Assessment takes a three-phase approach to ensure a comprehensive review of a school or district’s initiative and encompasses the following:

• Online Survey: Schools gather key stakeholders – faculty, technology staff and administrators – to complete the online survey, ensuring that all aspects of the educational spectrum are represented
• Survey Review and Discussion: Based on the survey results, an Educational Collaborators consultant, specifically paired with the customer based on demographics, goals, objectives and other key factors, leads a one-hour review of the survey and discusses areas of concern or issues that require extra customer attention
• Summary Assessment and Recommendations: CDW-G and Educational Collaborators deliver a final report, summarizing key discussion points and recommending next steps for the customer

"A one-to-one program can have a positive, lasting effect on the entire learning community, whether it is for a single school or a large district," said Mike Manning, vice president, business development, Educational Collaborators. "The three-pronged approach ensures that customers have a well thought out plan."

"Developing a one-to-one initiative can be difficult, and districts need a clear direction before beginning the implementation," said Brion Deitsch, superintendent, Fairview Park City Schools, Fairview Park, Ohio. The district used the tool in spring 2009.

"It's easy to be sidetracked by technology, equipment and vendors, but it's important to remain focused on the end goals," Deitsch added. "The assessment tool enabled us to see the challenges ahead and develop a course for action and sustainability into the future."

Fairview Park's plan included understanding the challenges that a one-to-one program presented, developing strategies to secure and sustain funding and to extend the program across multiple grades, and most importantly, ensuring the technology was not a standalone program – that it had a positive, measurable impact on educational goals.

The CDW-G and Educational Collaborators One-to-One Readiness Assessment Tool is available at www.cdwg.com/1to1readiness.

About CDW-G
A wholly owned subsidiary of CDW LLC, ranked No. 41 on Forbes' list of America's Largest Private Companies, CDW Government LLC (CDW-G) is a leading provider of technology solutions for federal, state and local government agencies, as well as educational institutions at all levels. The company features dedicated account managers who help customers choose the right technology products and services to meet their needs. The company's technology specialists and engineers offer expertise in designing customized solutions, while its advanced technology engineers can assist customers with the implementation and long-term management of those solutions. Areas of focus include notebooks, desktops, printers, servers and storage, unified communications, security, wireless, power and cooling, networking, software licensing and mobility solutions.

For more information about CDW-G product offerings, procurement options, service and solutions, call 1.800.808.4239, email cdwgsales@cdwg.com or visit the CDW-G Web site at CDWG.com.

About Educational Collaborators
Educational Collaborators is a national consulting organization comprised of many of the best practitioners in the field of education. The company's collaborators are highly sought for their expertise and experience and lead some of the strongest technology programs in the country. Unlike most consultants who rarely see their ideas beyond the planning stages, collaborators work in schools today and see their ideas through to their fullest extent. As a result, they see the unanticipated and have daily experience working through the associated challenges. They are uniquely qualified to collaborate with school leaders to help them develop plans and programs that prepare students for the 21st century. For more information, please visit www.educollaborators.com.