Stay Ahead of the Curve: Why Gynzy Is Replacing Oktopus in Classrooms

Sep 16

Interactive flat panels (IFPDs) are now a fixture in classrooms, but the software behind them ultimately determines whether they get used…or gather dust.

Many teachers are familiar with Oktopus, known for its subject tools and split-screen games. While those tools had their place, today’s classrooms demand more: ready-to-teach lessons, simple adoption, and seamless student participation across devices.

That’s why schools are moving to Gynzy, ensuring their panels stay relevant, engaging, and fully used.

Why Software Choice Matters for Panels

For years, the conversation around panels focused on hardware specs. But districts, resellers, and partners have learned that if teachers don’t use the software, adoption stalls. The risk? Panels become expensive “shelfware.”

Oktopus addressed this with subject widgets and GameZones, but it was primarily PC-tethered and designed for local use. Teachers had to build lessons themselves or purchase upgrades for cloud access and student participation.

By contrast, Gynzy is cloud-first and teacher-centric, making it easier for classrooms to see daily value from the start.

What Schools Gain by Moving to Gynzy

When partners bundle Gynzy with their panels, teachers get more than just software; they get a complete classroom solution.

Here’s how it compares conceptually:

Content depth: Gynzy includes 100+ interactive tools and games, and over 2,000 ready-to-teach lessons across math, literacy, SEL, and more. Oktopus requires additional upgrades to access online lessons. Why wait when these resources are already available?
Setup: Gynzy runs directly on any interactive flat panel or web browser. Oktopus needs a PC or Mac connection to run. With classrooms moving fast, can you afford to stay tethered to old ways?
Connectivity: With Gynzy, integration with Google Classroom and cloud storage comes standard. Oktopus offers a paid “Blend” add-on to reach the cloud. Cloud-native is no longer optional; it’s the baseline.
Student participation: Gynzy allows students to join quizzes and live interaction activities from their own devices,with no login required. Oktopus only has live student participation on the MyClass platform as an upgrade. Don’t miss the shift toward device-driven engagement.
Updates: Gynzy evolves continuously with new tools, AI features, and fresh lesson content. Oktopus licenses are perpetual, with limited updates. If your software isn’t improving, it’s already outdated.

Easier for Teachers, Stronger for Partners

Oktopus often pointed to professional development programs as a way to get teachers up to speed. But long PD sessions are tough to schedule — and they can slow down rollout.

Gynzy takes a different approach. It’s intuitive from day one, with guidance and on-screen support that help teachers start using it immediately. While others are still arranging training, classrooms with Gynzy are already up and running.

The benefit is straightforward: with Gynzy, teachers spend less time preparing and more time teaching.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Panels are only as effective as the software that powers them. While Oktopus has provided a foundation for some, Gynzy is setting the new standard in interactive teaching for the future.

Schools worldwide are already making the switch — saving prep time, boosting engagement, and ensuring their panels are used every day.