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Feb. 15, 2001
What's New
Hardware
CD Burner
Users can copy all audio and data CD formats using MediaFORM's Reflection one-to-one CD-R duplication system. The product features BURN-proof technology that allows the recorder to resume the writing process in the event of a buffer underrun. The 12X unit is self-contained and weighs under 15 pounds.
MediaFORM, Inc., 400 Eagleview Blvd., Exton, PA 19341; (800) 220-1215
Reader Service Number 256
Videodiscs
The National Gallery of Art offers videodiscs on the gallery's European and American collections. Each disc features paintings, sculpture, drawings, watercolors, prints, decorative arts, and a 30-minute introduction by the gallery director. Both videodiscs are available on loan for nine months, free of charge, to educational institutions, community groups, and individuals.
National Gallery of Art, Department of Educational Resources, Education Division, 4th St. at Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 50565; (202) 737-4215
Reader Service Number 257
Web Sites
Fund-Raising
SchoolMall is an online shopping mall featuring retailers including Borders, Office Max, Dell, and Hallmark. Community members are notified of the fund-raiser through a mailer; participating schools earn up to 40 percent of every product purchased.
StarshipFund is a Web-based system that automates fund-raising for schools. Club advisors or school administrators select the product(s) to be sold and set a fundraising goal, then a customized Web page for the sale is created. Customers place their orders and arrange for payment online and have purchases shipped directly to their homes.
Teacher Tools
About Learning, Inc., offers a resource for language arts, social studies, and science teachers that provides lesson units-including step-by-step instructional guides, handouts, and comprehensive bibliographies-for $15.95 each. Units are written and field tested by teachers.
Visitors to edumatch.com can conduct custom searches for curriculum software. The search engine includes a database of educational standards from all 50 states, fields that permit a teacher to define several kinds of criteria, and software titles from more than 150 publishers. Every title listed includes a detailed description of features, reviews, standards or curriculum keyword matches, and pricing.
Global Chalkboard, from BASCOM Global Internet Services, Inc., is an education portal designed to help teachers harness the benefits of Internet-enriched curricula. The site offers educators the opportunity to connect with colleagues, share ideas, and exchange learning resources.
Key features include a custom school page, easy site administration, and custom views of grade-specific sites.
Reference
e-global library provides access to an extensive collection of electronic resources to support research needs. Designed for students in Web-based programs and developed by a team of 25 professional librarians, services include online tutorials, research guides, databases, a core collection of Internet resources, and government resources. There is also a reference desk and document request option and special sections for distance learning-related needs.
Learning Network has launched Fact Monster, a new site for students ages 9-14 that combines reference materials, fun facts and features, and individualized homework help. Resources include an encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas, and almanac.
Book
The National Education Association's Foundation for the Improvement of Education has published Connecting the Bits: A Reference for Using Technology in Teaching and Learning in K-12 Schools. The free 170-page book is a collection of seven papers that provide practical, research-based information about best practices for using computers in the classroom. Topics include an introduction to technology use in teaching and learning, use of technology to enhance project-based learning, and the promise of technology for at-risk students.
National Education Association, 1201 Sixteenth St. NW, Washington, DC 20036-3207; (202) 822-7840
Reader Service Number 258
Software
Curriculum Alignment
The CD-ROM version of Resource Correlator from MediaSeek Technology gives districts the option of doing their own correlations or contracting with MediaSeek for consulting services. On-demand reports are available based on updated lists of correlated standards, and account status information can be readily accessed through the Web.
MediaSeek, 119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 1400, Bellingham, WA 98225; (800) 372-3277
Reader Service Number 259
Library Automation Software
Winnebago Spectrum 5 is the latest update to the well-known integrated library automation program from Sagebrush Corporation. The newest version includes an enhanced user interface and an optional Visual Search feature, which can be used to help younger patrons find materials. There are additional new features such as HTML reports, an advanced booking feature, global subject edit, and online help.
Sagebrush Corporation, 2800 National Dr., Ste. 100, Onalaska, WI 54650; (800) 533-5430
Reader Service Number 260
Keyboarding
Teachers of grades 3-12 can evaluate their students' keyboarding progress with the release of Type to Learn Assessment, a companion to Type to Learn that can also be used independently for testing, assessment, and reporting. Students may choose from three different testing styles and five different content themes. Teachers may set individual or group performance goals, print scored tests, and create certificates for students.
Sunburst Technology, Dept. BD, 101 Castleton St., Pleasantville, NY 10570; (800) 321-7511
Reader Service Number 261
School Management
Limitless Inc. recently announced the release of School Space, a software package designed to give administrators the power to organize, store, and retrieve information such as attendance, schedules, grades, and facilities management. Teachers use the School Space Analysis Suite to evaluate student performance, and several additional features facilitate communication between home and school.
Limitless Inc., 1555 N. Sheffield, Chicago, IL 60622; (312) 254-0113
Reader Service Number 262
Dates & Events
March 17-19: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development 56th Annual Conference and Exhibit, Boston, Mass. (800) 933-2723
March 29-31: SchoolTech Expo, New York, N.Y. Learn from the country's leaders and trail-blazers in this show for technology-using K-12 educators. T&L-sponsorred event.
Read other articles from the February Issue
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