Web Resources
The Academic Resource Corporation has PDF guides on different math topics available for download from its Web site for $3.25 each. Topics include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and others.
The Dana Foundation's Brainy Kids Web site features links to science-related games, labs, science fair ideas, resources, and lesson plans for teachers and students on a variety of topics.
A Web-based reading, writing, and comprehension tool released this winter by Pearson Knowledge Technologies, WriteToLearn, helps students practice essay writing, summarizing, and reading comprehension in an active-learning format. The program gives instant feedback, which students apply to multiple summary and essay drafts.
LearntobeHealthy.org is a free online health education tool for K-6 teachers. The site includes lesson plans, games, and activities designed to help teachers encourage students to make healthy lifestyle choices.
Hardware
Vernier's ProScope Kit can connect to a traditional microscope.
Vernier's Biology ProScope Kit allows students to view microscopic images on Windows or Mac computers. The kit includes the ProScope digital microscope, USB Shot software, adapters, and a mounting stand, and it is compatible with traditional microscopes and Vernier's Logger Pro 3 software, which is sold separately. Vernier has also released a new spectrometer, which sells for about $1,200 and is compatible with Logger Pro 3 software.
FirmTek has released a serial ATA adapter designed to let users quickly and easily share data between laptop and desktop computers. The SeriTek/1SM2 supports two 3.5-inch hard drives and is compatible with both Macs and Windows. The device retails for about $90.
Wireless Classroom Sound Reinforcement, from Hamilton Electronics, is a portable wireless microphone and speaker system that can be used with or without headphones and costs about $250.
The IN1502, a two-input video scaler from Extron Electronics, helps users pairing VCRs, DVD players, and document cameras with high-resolution displays to view images at their optimal resolution. The IN1502 comes with an internal power supply.
Software
New language offerings have been added to CompassLearning's Odyssey ELL. New languages include Arabic, Chinese, Hmong, Portuguese, Russian, and Vietnamese.
ANGEL Learning has released LMS 7, its learning management suite. The program, which was shaped in part by focus group feedback, features virtual office hours, desktop sharing, instant messaging, and drag-and-drop editing.
The latest version of its spyware removal software, Spyware Doctor 3.5, has been released by PC Tools. The updated program has an advanced threat removal system called Kernel Delete as well as upgrades to its Cookie Guard.
Books and CD-ROMs
Interlingua Publishing has released a series of CD-ROMs for students taking the GED in Spanish, Domine El GED.
Literature Circles Through Technology by Terence W. Cavanaugh, a new book from Linworth Publishing, is a guide to engaging students in technology-based literature circles to improve their reading comprehension and learning.
A new book from ISTE, NETS*S: Resources for Student Assessment, offers K-12 teachers, district policy makers, technology coordinators, and others a guide to measuring students' use of technology for learning. The book is available online for $39.95 and includes models for classroom assessments of student technology use.
Professional Development
The College Board will sponsor workshops this summer for teachers interested in teaching AP courses. Pearson Prentice Hall will supply participating teachers with complimentary textbooks.
Spotlight on Digital Projectors
Budget
InFocus Learn Big
Epson's PowerLite 76c has a four-second start-up time and 2,000 lumens of brightness, and it features Epson 3LCD technology for vividness. The projector comes with a two-year limited warranty (90-day lamp warranty) and costs $999.
The mp3320, from HP, has 2,400 lumens of brightness and an optical zoom ratio of 1.2:1, as well as a wireless remote control. The projector comes with a carrying case and two warranty options, and it features a special economy presentation mode for energy conservation. The price is estimated at $1,399.
The InFocusLearn Big IN24 and IN26 digital projectors, which weigh less than six pounds each, have 1,700 lumens of brightness, contrast ratios of 2000:1, and 3,000 hours of lamp life. Learn Big projectors use Texas Instruments DLP technology and are compatible with a wide variety of hardware. Prices for the IN24 and the IN26 begin at $699 and $999, respectively.
Toshiba has released a digital projector that costs about $1,300 and has instant power shut down and a remote-control digital zoom function. The T95U uses Toshiba's Natural Color Enhancer2 technology and offers 2,200 lumens of brightness.
ViewSonic has five new portable projectors on the market. The Cine1000, PJ458D, PJ766D, PJ452, and PJ656 range in price from $899 to $1,499 and include three-year warranties and 24/7 technical support. The heaviest projector, the Cine1000, weighs less than nine pounds.
Mid-Range
Hitachi X255
Hitachi has released two new digital projectors, the CP-S245 and CP-X255. Both have RJ-45 Ethernet ports and 400:1 contrast ratios. The CP-S245 costs $1,995; the X255 costs $2,795.
Lenovo's ThinkVision C400 wireless projector weighs 7.5 pounds, has 2,650 lumens of brightness (1,850 in Eco mode), and a three-year warranty (lamp has a separate warranty of 90 days). The projector, which costs $2,499, has a traditional wired option, as well.
The XD8OU from Mitsubishi.
The XD8OU projector, from Mitsubishi, is smaller than a laptop and weighs less than three pounds. The projector has 1,500 lumens of brightness; various modes, including Dual Color mode and Dynamic mode; and controls to allow viewers to fine-tune balance and color. The suggested retail price is $1,995. The EP747, from Optoma, has a brightness of 3,000 lumens, a contrast ratio of 2000:1, and 4,000 hours of lamp life. The projector features special tunnel cooling system technology for near-silent operation. The EP747 retails for $2,999.
For the Well-Heeled
The new iVision 20 projectors from Digital Projection International start at $6,995 and feature Texas Instruments' DC3 DMD technology and vertical lens shift capability. The projector has a brightness of 2,500 lumens and a contrast ratio of 2500:1.
The NP1000 and NP2000, both from NEC, offer vertical and horizontal lens shift, optional bayonet lenses, lamp-saver technology, and integrated high-speed wireless. The projectors come with three-year limited warranties and cost $5,995 and $6,995, respectively.
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