ACTIVE Education (ACTIVE Net) vs. Unique Learning System

Really like the appearance of reporting and the web booking.

Incentivized

Unique Learning System is extremely good at covering math and reading, language arts components and providing differentiated materials and lessons for all types of learners. However, at times there is a lack of the same sort of lessons for very basic concepts of social studies and science that are not being covered in the overall thematic units. For example when teaching a unit on Science and Science experiments a lesson on the basic rules for a laboratory or units of measurement used in science specific activities such as units of temperature or metric and standard lessons would be beneficial during those units.

• Separation of payer and the person attending the activity. For example: children incur charges, but the parent is responsible for paying them.
• Fast - in our old system there was a delay while customers waited for the system to respond.

Incentivized

• differentiated reading levels with picture support
• constantly updated articles and materials
• ease of login for students with disabilities
• broad variety of topics
• easily accessible games for students of all cognitive levels

Incentivized

• I really like the look and feel of ActiveNet Reporting, but it isn't extremely customizable. Maybe there is something I am missing, but other employees have shared that same feedback.
• It would be nice to have the system synchronize with other software we use. (EMS, StarRez, etc.) When planning conferences, we currently have hotel guests and registration that we would like to share information for through each system. Currently it is just double data entry.
• Would like to be able to add more resources and details to a room booking and have the corresponding departments be notified of the order/track inventory.

Incentivized

• I would like the print options to be easier to use. I wish I could create a file of the pages I want to print instead of downloading the entire PDF across multiple levels and picking and choosing. My students do not all have digital access due to a variety of reasons and print is a better option for many.
• I would like Unique Learning System to offer shared licensing. We have classrooms of 6 students where there may be 1 teacher, 5 paraprofessionals, 1 BCBA, 1 SLP, 1 OT, etc. It is a group effort to prepare learning materials for the students and deliver the instruction. I would prefer the licensing to be by student instead of by teacher, it takes a village.
• I dislike how complicated materials have become with courses, the library, the units, etc. I wish there was a way it could all be organized a little better. I would also love small graphics to be paired with the materials so I don't need to open everything to find what I am looking for. Such as in the Transition Portfolio section.

Incentivized

I think the features are fairly easy to use, but not always easy to find. I can see how a new user may become overwhelmed. Once you get used to it, it’s fine. I think there could also be more professional development sessions to help with this.

Incentivized

The individuals helping have always been great. The response to requests for changes in functionality or reporting less so.

Incentivized

ACTIVE Network allowed: grouping of classes, good interface, allowed importing of records, complex payment plans, per class fee structures, user fees, and trial classes.

Incentivized

I have previously used other visual support software. Some required a subscription through a CD, and it wasn’t very seamless. I like that. The visuals are also used in the lessons, which helps the students generalize those skills and supports their communication efforts. with this consistency, students are able to learn grade level vocabulary, as well as practice every day language in order to achieve and make progress

Incentivized

• Not sure yet.
• It is newer to me and my department.
• Double data entry which is just extra man hours.

Incentivized

• There has been nearly 100% improvement in data collection for teachers who began implementing Benchmark assessments and Unit Checkpoints. Many teachers don't have the time or capacity to create their own data tracking tools - if it's not provided, it falls through the cracks.
• When content is applicable, Unique Learning System saves on planning time immensely. It is a grab and go resource, but also customizable based on student needs.
• I like how the checkpoints are modeled in a similar fashion to our Florida Alternate Assessment. This helps students practice how to test take throughout the year.

Incentivized