Lightspeed Activate vs RefynED

Lightspeed Activate app pairs with a Lightspeed Instructional Audio system to control the Activate System, record video and audio in the classroom, and other advanced features. From their iOS device, teachers can simultaneously select individual 2-way audio Pods to listen into student small group collaboration, gaining critical insights to the learning process. Teachers can also speak to individual groups and enable student sharing from the palm of the hand. Finally, within the app, teachers can capture audio and video recordings of critical teaching and learning moments in the classroom.

RefynED helps school leaders make evaluation decisions based on evidence—not opinion. Built for principals, instructional leaders, and districts, RefynED transforms classroom observations into meaningful feedback while improving evaluator consistency and reducing administrative burden. With RefynED, school leaders can: * Capture classroom observations using voice, notes, photos, and documents * Automatically organize evidence aligned to instructional frameworks * Review AI-assisted evaluation insights and calibration recommendations * Manage teacher artifacts and supporting documentation * Improve consistency across evaluators and campuses * Reduce documentation time while increasing evidence quality * Monitor evaluation progress and identify areas requiring attention * Support district-wide instructional initiatives with actionable data District administrators gain visibility into evaluation quality, evidence completeness, and calibration trends across schools, helping ensure fair, defensible, and consistent evaluation practices. Key Features * AI-assisted observation capture * Evaluation and walkthrough management * Teacher artifact library * Evidence alignment to instructional frameworks * Calibration and consistency reporting * Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive integration * Secure cloud document management * Role-based access for school and district leaders RefynED is designed for K–12 school districts seeking to strengthen instructional leadership, improve teacher growth, and build greater confidence in evaluation decisions.