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November 15, 2002
What's New
Hardware
Data Collection
The EasySense Flash card logger from Data Harvest connects the full range of SmartQ Sensors to a Pocket PC through its Compact Flash expansion slot. Immediately display sensor readings in a variety of graph types, and combine up to three analog and/or digital sensors for simultaneous use. Data Harvest Educational, 255 Coopers Ave., Unit 110, Tonawanda, NY 14150; (800) 436-3062
Desktop Computers
IBM's NetVista A-Series desktops come with Pentium 4 processors, integrated Ethernet, six USB 2.0 ports, and Rapid Restore PC software designed to restore data, applications, and operating systems if necessary. The new Pentium 4-level NetVista S42 is a space-saving desktop that measures 12.2 inches wide by 13.6 inches deep by 3.3 inches high-about the size of a collegiate dictionary. Other features include up to 2GB of memory, integrated Ethernet, plus optical and diskette drives. The base price for the A-Series is $847. Prices for the S42 start at $949. IBM Corporation, 1133 Westchester Ave., White Plains, NY 10604; (888) SHOP-IBM
Software
E-mail Application
Pen&Internet's riteMail allows users to e-mail handwritten notes, formulas, or drawings from their handheld or desktop. A 30-day free trial is available at www.ritemail.net/rm/downloads/index.asp. Pen&Internet, 710 Lakeway Dr. #290, Sunnyvale, CA 94086; (408) 746-9900
Instructional Mangaement
AEL has released Data Connections: Using Assessment to Improve Teaching and Learning, an interactive CD designed to help teachers analyze and interpret test data, develop standards-aligned classroom assessments, and plan effective instruction based on the data. AEL, 1700 N. Moore St., Ste. 1275, Arlington, VA 22209; (800) 624-9120
Internet Services
Apple recently announced .Mac, a suite of Internet services that replaces iTools as a paid membership program, and which features expanded versions of iDisk, HomePage, and IMAP e-mail. Schools can purchase one-year subscriptions for $59 per user (minimum of 10 subscriptions). Apple, 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014; (800) 780-5009
Security
Norton Internet Security 2003 from Symantec features a simplified user interface and updated firewall, intrusion detection, privacy control, antivirus and content filtering technologies. Other features include enhanced spam filtering and ad blocking. Symantec, 20330 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014; (408) 517-8000
Student Information Management
ACE Software offers the ADM-2000 student system, a client-server and Web-based student information system that handles attendance, demographics, grading, scheduling, discipline, medical, graduation planning, and academic history functions. ADM-2000 runs on Windows 2000 Server, IBM-AIX, and HP-UX operating systems. ACE Software, 6110 Enterprise Pkwy., Grove City, OH 43123; (800) 837-2692
Books
The fifth edition of ISTE's The Best Web Sites for Teachers lists more than 1,200 currently active Web sites, categorized by content area by whether the sites have lesson plans or other resources. Written by educators, the book also includes forms for evaluating and creating customized lists of Web sites. $34.95. ISTE, 480 Charnelton St., Eugene, OR 97401; (800) 336-5191
A guide to using assessment data to improve instruction, Data-Based Decision-Making outlines the state of testing today, then describes how schools can link to state standards and use technology to the fullest in assessing students. Included are Web resources, best practices, recommended books and articles, and a glossary of assessment terminology. $24.95. National Association of Elementary School Principals, 1615 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314; (800) 236-2377
Dates & Events
November 13-15: National School Boards Association's Technology + Learning Conference, Dallas, Texas.
December 3-5: Eighth Annual Educational Technology Leadership Conference, Roanoke, Va.
February 4-6, 2003: Florida Educational Technology Conference, Orlando, Fla.
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