Luidia, Inc. has debuted its collection of new products and interactive education capabilities to the California audience at Computer-Using Educators, Inc.’s annual CUE 2011 Conference. Held this year from March 17-19, 2011, in Palm Springs, Calif., this conference brings together classroom teachers, administrators, library media teachers, higher education, school board members, technology leaders, IT professionals, parents and those who support CUE's mission of advancing student achievement through technology.
Luidia demonstrated its interactive education products, including the company’s neweBeam® Engage™ interactive multimedia system.
“eBeam Engage is just a lot more convenient,” said Robert Pronovost, Second Grade Teacher at Belle Haven Elementary School in Menlo Park, Calif. “I spend less time fumbling with technology and can incorporate additional content during class to better reach my students without losing a moment of instruction.”
California is currently at the forefront of the national education reform debate as the state’s $26 billion shortfall and Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed plan of tax extensions and reductions to protect K-12 education spending are scrutinized by politicians, teachers, parents and students. According to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office and as reported by San Jose Mercury News, K-12 education cuts could reach $4 billion or more if the temporary taxes expire this year and the Legislature suspends the state's minimum-funding guarantee for schools, making the need for educators to do more with less more urgent than ever before.
Traditional interactive whiteboards are typically fixed-board solutions that require expensive “rip and replace” installation or leave teachers with outdated, unusable surfaces. With eBeam Engage, users can use any existing surface such as a whiteboard or wall as an interactive teaching space.
“California has always been on the forefront of progress when it comes to the environment and social issues, and now it’s time to focus on education and provide educators the tools they need to raise the future leaders of tomorrow,” said Rafi Holtzman, CEO, Luidia. “Governor Brown’s proposed budget plan, alongside President Obama’s March 8 proposal for $90 million in funding for the creation of ARPA-Ed, are positive steps forward, but also reminders of the budget constraints and challenges schools districts face year-round.”
Luidia also demonstrated eBeam Edge Projection and other eBeam products used by schools and major school districts throughout California including the San Mateo-Foster City, Fremont, Vallejo, Los Angeles, Panama-Buena Vista and Bakersfield school districts. The company provides complete hardware and software solutions that enable interactivity in a wide range of products, from small and portable devices, to projectors and mounts, to flat panel.
