software & online
AEROHIVE HIVEMANAGER
(www.aerohive.com)
Aerohive has enhanced its HiveManager cloud-based management system with new client management capabilities, combining device configuration, management, and monitoring with policy-based network access and an employee self-service portal. Together this solution provides a single product for school districts who support BYOD in conjunction with school-issued devices, and helps transform your network into a platform for mobility.
BRAIN PARADE
(www.brainparade.com)
Brain Parade, a developer of learning solutions for children with special needs, has released See.Touch.Learn. Site Edition. The See.Touch.Learn visual learning iPad app is available for private implementation in classroom, school, and district settings. The package provides training sessions to educators and enables them to share custom content with teaching aides, therapists, and parents in their communities. The Site Edition offers the option to create private communities where teachers can share individualized, custom lessons with others involved in the child’s education plan.
BROADCAST PIX 3.5
(www.broadcastpix.com)
Broadcast Pix has released Version 3.5, bringing the cloud-based file and data access of its Flint integrated production system to its Mica and Granite systems. The software upgrade connects any system to Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft SkyDrive, or any cloud-based resource for access to graphics, animations, and clips during live productions.
DRAGON NOTES
(www.nuance.com/dragon)
Nuance Communications, Inc. has released Dragon Notes, a new app for Windows 8 that lets users quickly speak notes, to-do lists, reminders, status updates, Web searches, and emails. Dragon Notes is optimized for Microsoft Windows 8 touchscreen tablets, including the Microsoft Surface Pro. Dragon Notes is also great for quickly capturing and organizing notes and ideas on Microsoft Windows 8 touchscreen PCs and Windows 7 PCs.
ECHALK PERSONAL DASHBOARD
(echalk.com)
eChalk launched its new Personal Dashboard, which lets users interact with and prioritize Web-based information through a drag-and-drop interface featuring customizable, movable tiles. The new management tool saves users time by reducing “information sprawl,” enabling single-click access to favorite content and leveraging eChalk’s Mosaic technology to deliver personalized communication and content. eChalk will roll out the Personal Dashboard throughout the summer.
EDGENUITY PD SERVICES
(www.edgenuity.com)
Edgenuity has enhanced its Professional Development (PD) services. Edgenuity’s PD teams consist of masters-level educators who average 15 years of teaching experience and comprehensive technical knowledge. The PD offering consists of two tracks—one at the district/school level and one at the teacher level—and explores how to measure and drive student engagement, progress, and achievement.
IPIXPANEL
(www.broadcastpix.com)
Broadcast Pix has released Version 2.0 of its iPixPanel iPad App, which can control any Broadcast Pix integrated production system to provide an intuitive, wireless control surface for the operator. V2 adds a three-axis virtual joystick, rotary knobs, additional mnemonics, and enhanced connectivity.
MY BIG CAMPUS
(www.mybigcampus.com)
My Big Campus has been redesigned to make the learning platform even easier to access, share, organize, and store resources. The new homepage features a simplified signin process and specific site information tabs for students, teachers, parents, IT staff, and school administrators. For new users and visitors to the site, an updated, comprehensive Campus Tour is also featured on the homepage.
MYCORE
(www.insighteducationgroup.com)
Insight Education Group has announced myCore, a cloud-based Common Core solution that offers teachers on-demand support in creating rigorous, engaging, standardsaligned lessons. “Conversations” between teachers and instructional coaches are stored in a Facebook-type mail system so they can be easily tracked and reviewed. Teachers can analyze standards through a color-coding tool, and use the built-in coaching tool whenever they need extra support.
MYLUNCHMONEY
(www.mylunchmoney.com)
Heartland School Solutions just launched MyLunchMoney, a mobile payments application for parents to manage school meal expenses from smartphones and tablets. The app, available for iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile devices, lets parents prepay for student meals, replenish their child’s account using credit cards, debit cards, or electronic checks, and view recent activity for their children.
SAMSUNG SCHOOL
(www.samsung.com)
Samsung has announced the availability of the Samsung School solution, an integrated technology platform combining the latest tablet and e-board technology. Following classroom pilots in 20 countries globally, Samsung School packages are now available for school districts looking to create a dynamic 1:1 learning environment.
SCIENCE OF GOLF
(www.nbclearn.com/golf)
NBC Learn has released the Science of Golf, an educational and fun 10-part video series. The series features USGA scientists, who uncover the STEM topics behind the game of golf. The Science of Golf includes classroom lesson plans aligned to standards from Framework for K-12 Science Education and Next Generation Science Standards.
SKY SKILLS STUDIOS
(www.engageproductions.com)
Engage Production Ltd. has teamed up with Sky broadcasting to create Sky Skills Studios. Aimed at students aged 8 to 16, Sky Skills Studios offers the chance to tour the main studios at Sky, meet broadcasting professionals, and take part in producing their own documentaries. Children take on roles such as camera operator, scriptwriter, editor, presenter, director, producer, and graphic designer.
SKYWARD STUDENT REWARD SYSTEM
(www.skyward.com)
The Skyward Student Reward System allows students to assume a virtual identity, or avatar, and earn points for academic-related activities and game play. When students accumulate points, they are able to customize their avatar, advance to new levels within the system, and enjoy other incentives, including the ability to redeem “virtual” points to purchase items from their school store. Students are able to safely share their avatars and point totals with family members and peers in a positive online environment. The reward system is fully customizable, enabling districts to rename the program under their own brands.
STRAIGHTACE LEARNING
(www.straightace.com)
Benesse America has launched StraightAce Learning, a digital learning system designed specifically for middle school students. The cloud-based software focuses on math and English concepts, resulting in an interactive, multi-platform learning tool that is fully aligned with Common Core State Standards. The learning system prepares students for high school and post-secondary success, and saves progress across all Web-connected devices. Additionally, the company has launched StraightAce English: Writing, which enhances 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students’ ability to hone their composition skills.
STREAMING PLUS
(www.discoveryeducation.com)
Discovery Education announces significant enhancements to its popular Discovery Education Streaming Plus platform, now featuring hundreds of model lessons, performance tasks and instructional exemplars supporting both novice and experienced educators in implementing Common Core State Standards. Discovery Education Streaming Plus, which provides an enriched curriculum offering of more than 155,000 dynamic resources, supports all subject areas and multi-modal learning styles.
STREAMSIE
(www.discovervideo.com)
Discover Video, LLC. has released “Streamsie,” a new video, streaming iPad app. Streamsie instantly sends live video from the iPad to the Discover Video DEVOS or Arcus system, or to virtually any Flashcompatible live streaming server or CDN. The video stream can be viewed on a PC, Mac, tablet, or smartphone.
TALENTED PERFORM
(www.netchemia.com)
Netchemia has teamed up with Stronge and Associates to create a uniform evaluation system, pairing Netchemia’s TalentEd Perform cloud-based K-12 teacher evaluation software with the Stronge Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Performance Evaluation System. Schools and districts can use tablets and mobile devices to complete evaluation steps on the spot, manage and automate all teacher, educational specialist, and administrator evaluations within one system, incorporate student growth data, integrate with current HRMS to eliminate redundant tasks, and access easy-to-use reporting tools and analytics on demand.
TIPTXT
(www.blackboard.com)
Blackboard Inc. has launched TipTxt, a twoway texting service that encourages students to confidentially notify school officials of activity related to bullying or school safety. The service is available for free to all U.S. K-12 schools and districts. In addition, Blackboard has partnered with the National PTA to bring visibility to the program and help address bullying in schools.
TOOLSFORSCHOOL.COM
ePals Corporation announced the launch of Toolsforschool.com, a global pre-K-12 marketplace where educators can buy, sell, and share digital curricular materials for 21st century learning across all subjects and in multiple languages. ePals’ Toolsforschool will comprise vetted education content from both teacher-contributors and ePals’ partner publishers and organizations, available through a series of online “storefronts.” As with the ePals community, there are never membership fees and content is moderated for meaningful projects, activities, and resources.
WEBNETWORK AND LANSCHOOL
(www.stone-ware.com)
Stoneware’s webNetwork allows schools to create a Unified Cloud, allowing students, staff, and parents access to files, applications and reports from anywhere, using any device. Teachers can use LanSchool to collaborate with and monitor student devices in the classroom.
WALL STREET MAGNATE
(www.wallstreetmagnate.com)
Wall Street Magnate is a new virtual stock trading community. The Web site helps kids learn math in a fun, real-world environment. Students can compete with friends, family, and classmates to build the greatest portfolio. It also offers access to realworld information, like financial news from Reuters, Wall Street Journal, and more. Beyond school, kids can engage with parents for one-one-one family competition.
Hardware
NEC (www.necdisplay.com) has announced the latest generation of its LED-backlit E Series commercial-grade displays. Models include the 42-inch E424, 46-inch E464, 55-inch E554, and 65-inch E654. The displays come with a three-year warranty, and their LED backlighting simplifies installation and maintenance.
Epson (www.epsonbrighterfutures.com) has introduced the PowerLite 4000 Series installation projectors. The PowerLite 4650, 4750W, and 4855WU deliver vivid images in full HD resolution. Other features including Faroudja DCDi video processing, a centered lens design, up to two times optical zoom, and lens shift for flexible installation.
Turning Technologies (www.turningtechnologies.com) has released the Triton Data Collection System. Triton combines ease of paper testing with computer-based testing, addressing common concerns of both methods. Triton Data Collection System comprises three components: Triton Web, Triton Receiver with Proctor Application, and the ResponseCard NXT clicker. Utilizing current test booklets, participants enter and submit test answers via ResponseCard NXT clicker. The Proctor Application is stored on a single USB Triton Receiver. Collected data is encrypted, backed up, and stored in three locations, including a central administration Triton Web portal that manages all testing elements.
Panasonic (www.panasonic.com) has announced upgrades to the Toughbook H2, a rugged, handheld tablet PC. The device includes a faster processor, expanded storage to 500 GB, and other improvements, while retaining critical features to enhance usability and durability—including the ability to survive a six-foot drop. It also features improved battery life, up to seven hours.
Optoma (www.optomausa.com) has introduced two new projectors that incorporate 3D capability and the most advanced image processing available in the 3 lb. portable projector class. Both the WXGA resolution W304M and the XGA resolution X304M feature Texas Instruments’ most advanced DLP chip set to deliver superior image quality and color performance.
Aruba Networks, Inc. (www.arubanetworks.com) has announced its flagship 802.11ac solution, delivering gigabit Wi-Fi combined with the device density and application intelligence required by today’s networks. The newly-introduced Aruba 220 Series Access Points (APs), featuring ClientMatch technology, address the needs of schools preparing students for the next-generation workforce.
LG’s (www.lg.com) 27’ UltraHigh Desktop monitor, the LG27EA83R-D, offers WQHD (Wide Quad High Definition) technology, boasting resolution that is four times higher than that of a conventional HD monitor. Users can view up to four different windows in eight different screen ratios without feeling cluttered. The 29’ UltraWide Desktop monitor, the LG29EB93-P, makes multitasking easy, thanks to its 21.9 aspect ratio.
