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Jan 15, 2001
What's New
Hardware
Desktop PC
The Veriton FP2 from Acer features a compact modular form, frontal USB ports and audio jacks, two interchangeable drive bays, built-in security, and a liquid crystal flat panel LCD. Run by a Pentium III processor, the computer sports 128MB SDRAM (expandable to 512MB), and industry standard ATA 66/100 HDD (choice of storage capacity).
Acer America, 2641 Orchard Pkwy., San Jose, CA 95134; (800) 551-2933; www.acer.com
Reader Service Number 251
Presentation Tool
Numonics' Interactive Presentation Manager is a digital electronic board that connects to a PC and an LCD projector to create a large interactive screen. The computer is controlled by touching the board surface with an electronic pen, so teachers can stay in front of the class while displaying PowerPoint slide shows, Internet sites, and more.
Numonics, 101 Commerce Dr., P.O. Box 1005, Montgomeryville, PA 18936; (215) 362-2766; www.numonics.com
Reader Service Number 252
New Web Sites
Online Development
SchoolKit offers classroom-ready activities and templates, professional development resources, do-it-yourself tools, and sample activities. Limited access to the service is free; full access is available for a fee. Requires Microsoft Office 95 or higher. www.SchoolKit.com
The Online Teacher Development Institutes created by Apex Learning, Inc., feature instructor-led online workshops. Workshop topics include standards, teaching methods, classroom management, assessment, technology, and more. www.teacherdev.com
MarcoPolo offers free, on-site professional development for teachers that highlights the Internet skills necessary for successful Web-based classroom instruction. A free Teacher's Guide for teachers grades K-6 and grades 6-12 may be ordered or downloaded from the site as well. www.worldcom.com/marcopolo
Updated Web Sites
ePALS Classroom Exchange allows students and teachers in 182 countries to share information on cultural and curricular subjects. This free e-mail service provides built-in language translation, teacher- and parent-monitored e-mail, lesson plans, and more to prepare students for the emerging global community. www.epals.com
Software
Assessment
iMind Education Systems offers three products to assist teachers in assessment, management, and resources. iMind TutorPro takes students through a diagnostic test, then recommends software for an individualized course of study. iMind Integrator uses a template with customizable fields to help teachers easily and quickly create engaging lesson plans and correlate lesson objectives to state standards. Finally, iMind has three Internet hubs to help students, teachers, and parents select and use online learning resources.
iMind Education Systems, 21 Tamal Vista Blvd., Ste. 101, Corte Madera, CA 94925; (415) 945-6240; www.imind.com
Reader Service Number 253
Math and Reading
The Denali Project has released version 2.0 of its Summit Math and Summit Reading, designed to improve student performance on standardized tests. More than 900 learning activities are included in the comprehensive curriculum for students in grades 3-8. A management system provides detailed reports to teachers about student progress.
The Denali Project, 3887 Okemos Rd., Ste. A2, Okemos, MI 48864; (877) 347-1629; www.denaliproject.com
Reader Service Number 254
Visual Learning
Inspiration Software, Inc., announces Kidspiration, a visual learning product adapted specifically for beginning and emerging readers and writers in grades K-3. Students organize their thoughts using interactive maps and webs. The program also offers integrated Picture and Writing views for students to move from graphic to written expression.
Inspiration Software, Inc., 7412 S.W. Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy., Portland, OR 97225; (503) 297-3004; www.inspiration.com
Reader Service Number 255
Dates and Events
July 11-13: Aligning Technology Resources, Bristol, R.I. Insights into the latest strategies for the effective planning and implementation of learning technologies. The conference, which is presented by Alan November and Renaissance Learning, may count as one graduate credit. (781) 416-4002; www.anovember.com
March 26-29: Technology in Education International Conference & Exposition, Ontario, Calif. The latest programs and solutions shaping education's future. (916) 418-5151; www.TechEdEvents.org
March 29-31, 2001: SchoolTech Expo, New York, N.Y. Learn from the country's leaders and trail-blazers in this show for technology-using K-12 educators. (888) 857-6883; www.SchoolTechExpo.com. T&L-sponsored event.
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