|
May 15, 2002
What's New
Hardware
Desktop Computing
The SmarteDesk is a fully functional computer built inside a standard student's desk. Features include a Pentium IV processor, flat panel monitor, 20GB hard drive, CD-ROM drive, and 256MB memory. The angled desktop, which is ergonomically designed and covered with a washable Plexiglas surface, provides a traditional desk and writing surface in addition to a computer station.
SmarteDesk, Spencer, MA; info@smartedesk.com
Mobile Computing
 |
| Omnibook XT by Hewlett-Packard |
Hewlett-Packard has unveiled a new laptop PC targeting the education market. The 5-pound Omnibook XT 6050 offers a 14" display, 128MB RAM, 10GB hard drive, and integrated 802.11b wireless LAN technology, with the option to add optical drives and "ruggedized" protective casing at extra cost. $1,199.
Hewlett-Packard, 3000 Hanover St., Palo Alto, CA 94304; (800) 613-2222
ImagiWorks has come out with four new product offerings: an ImagiProbe sensor interface that works with Palm m130 and m515 handheld computers ($279); a Distance Sensor for physics and mechanics experiments ($69); a Stainless Steel Temperature Probe for conducting chemistry experiments ($33); and a Starter Kit that includes ImagiProbe for the Palm III handheld, a temperature sensor, five temperature activities, and ImagiMath 2.0 ($299).
ImagiWorks, 60 East 3rd St., Ste. 302, San Mateo, CA 94401; (877) 373-0300
Networking Tools
Apple has announced Apple Remote Desktop for Mac OS X, which allows administrators and teachers to remotely manage other Mac desktops on a local area network or across the Internet. Administrative tools include system monitoring and easy software distribution, while communication features include real-time text chat and the "request attention" command. $299 for the 10-client edition; $499 for the unlimited client edition. Educational pricing is available.
Apple, 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014; (800) 780-5009
Neoteris has introduced an alternative to traditional remote access solutions (such as a virtual private network) called the Instant Virtual Extranet, a stand-alone appliance that provides educators, students, and parents secure access to Internet resources via any Web browser without the need for additional client software. Pricing starts at $10,000.
Neoteris, 161 East Evelyn Ave., Mountain View, CA 94041; (650) 605-4800
Printers
Brother recently released the HL-1870N laser printer, which prints up to 19 pages per minute and comes with 32MB memory, USB and parallel interfaces, duplex printing, 3-color backlit LCD display, and support for PostScript printing via USB. $699.
Brother, 100 Somerset Corporate Blvd., Bridgewater, NJ 08807-0991; (908) 704-1700
Whiteboard Technology
Virtual Ink has released mimio Xi, a portable device (nine inches in length when folded) that attaches to any whiteboard and can record up to 10 hours of whiteboard notes. The Xi package includes a "capture bar" that is positioned on the edge of a whiteboard or flip chart; color-coded marker sleeves; an electronic eraser; and a USB interface module for connecting to PC or Macintosh computers. The optional mimio classRoom plug-in allows teachers to distribute whiteboard notes to students in real time. $799.
Virtual Ink Corporation, 56 Roland St., Boston, MA 02129; (877) 696-4646
Software
Assessment
NCS Pearson has updated its eMeasurement Internet-delivered test system. Students now have access to eTools, a set of online testing aids that includes a compass, straight edge, calculator, highlighter, and more. The new version is easier to navigate and offers the ability to assign specific versions of the test to individual students. Also provided is a tutorial to acquaint students and educators with the system.
NCS Pearson, 11000 Prairie Lakes Dr., Eden Prairie, MN 55344; (800) 662-0727
Early Reading
Lightspan announced the release of the Early Reading program, a combined package of curriculum CDs, Internet activities, and assessment tools. All online content, including games, stories, and evaluations, is aligned to state standards. Designed for district-wide implementation, Lightspan Early Reading also includes an at-home component to extend literacy activities beyond the school day. Contact publisher for pricing.
Lightspan, 10140 Campus Point Drive, San Diego, CA 92121; (858) 824-8001
Problem Solving
Disney Interactive has released two new titles aimed at helping children develop learning skills. In Moop and Dreadly in the Treasure on Bing Bong Island, children ages 6-9 help shipwrecked characters explore an unknown island to find missing treasure. In Ollo: The Sunny Valley Fair, for children ages 3-6, an overgrown tomato breaks free from the vine and tumbles through the fair. It's up to students to put Sunny Valley back together through shape and color recognition as well as memory and logic games. Both products are $19.99.
Disney Interactive, 500 South Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521; (818) 553-5000
Software Training
Computer training provider CustomGuide has released print-on-demand Windows XP courseware. Teachers can construct a Windows XP course by choosing the lessons they need and printing any quantity of customized textbooks. The XP lessons, which include exercises, quizzes, and homework problems, can also be combined with other courseware offered by the company. Contact company for educational pricing.
Custom Guide, Inc., 1502 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403; (888) 903-2432
Web Sites
Manumit offers K-12 science teachers an opportunity to interact with peers and join a Web-based community in creating affordable tools for science classrooms. In addition to articles by the site's creator, there are threaded discussions, best practices, curricular integration, and a repository for open-source science education software.
Online Expedition
On the 510th anniversary of Columbus' voyage to the New World, Classroom Connect is sponsoring ColumbusQuest, an online learning adventure, this fall. Participants will explore the cultures of the Caribbean and learn about the islands' climate and environment through daily reports, in English and Spanish, from a team of explorers, archaeologists, and scientists. A $149 subscription includes a teacher's curriculum guide and a poster to trace the team's route.
Books
Computer Ethics, Etiquette, and Safety for the 21st-Century Student makes visible the hidden moral, social, and security issues that technology brings to everyday life. The book specifically addresses copyright infringement, plagiarism, hacking, harassment, privacy violations, and more. $34.95.
International Society for Technology in Education, 480 Charnelton, Eugene, OR 97401; (800) 336-5191
Designing Large-Scale LANs describes a vendor-neutral, deliberate path to a stable, reliable, and manageable large-scale network. The book tells how to develop network specifications and build a network, addressing security, bandwidth, scalability, and network reliability.
O'Reilly, 1005 Gravenstein Hwy. N, Sebastopol, CA 95472; (800) 998-9938
Weaving Technology into Your Teaching shows teachers how to use technology for teaching and for administrative tasks. Topics covered include using the computer to guide student practice of skills, foster cooperative learning and critical thinking, deliver lively presentations, track student progress, communicate with parents, and collaborate with colleagues. $19.95.
Tom Snyder Productions, 80 Coolidge Hill Rd., Watertown, MA 02472; (800) 342-0236
Grant Assistance
Lightspeed Solutions' Education Solutions Program helps schools and libraries obtain public and private grants to purchase Internet-related infrastructure products. Consultants conduct an analysis of the school's technology resources and then gather information about funds available to help schools connect to and explore the possibilities of the Internet. Purchase of Lightspeed products is not required.
Lightspeed Systems, 1800 19th St., Bakersfield, CA 93301; (877) 447-6244
Dates & Events
The Education Grants Summit 2002, presented by the Performance Institute, will offer sessions from industry and education experts on best practices for finding, winning, and managing grants for K-12 school programs. The conference, which takes place at the U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego, Calif., runs July 18-19, with early registration extended to June 18. To register and download a brochure, visit the site.
Read other articles from the May Issue
Send a letter to the Editor in response to this article.
|
