from Technology & Learning
Get up to speed on the latest product releases in the education market.
Hardware
The Radius Audio Learning System guides students through activities ranging from math and science to reading and ELL instruction. The unit's interactive audio feature allows students to listen to their responses. Each system can accommodate as many as four sets of headphones.
The Radius Audio Learning System from Learning Resources
The Indigo Learning System from LearningSoft, LLC has new features, including a text editor and the ability to use Web and e-book clippings. The wireless, handheld system lets educators create assessments using the Indigo test bank of questions, which is aligned to state standards for math, language arts, science, and social sciences.
The Indigo Learning System from LearningSoft, LLC
Software
Kid Works Deluxe by Knowledge Adventure has been upgraded to run on the new Windows Vista operating system and includes improved text-to-speech technology. The software combines a paint program and a word processor so elementary school students can create their own stories that feature multimedia content.
Protect-On2 from GenevaLogic lets educators restore previous computer configurations after a damaging virus or unwanted changes by a student. It allows for remote rebooting of computers and virus protection updates.
StudyDog is a K-2 reading system that manages 30 students in a password-protected environment. Educators can track how many lessons students have completed, as well as performance. Reports for parents can be printed out with details about specific student strengths and weaknesses.
Elluminate's vRoom provides VoIP, direct messaging, application sharing, file transfers, and live video for online tutoring, small group meetings, and so on. The system works on Mac, Windows, and Linux, and up to three users can use vRoom at one time.
Toon Boom Studio V3.5 Service Pack 1 has been upgraded to work with Windows Vista. Service Pack 1 is free for current Studio V3.5 customers and can be downloaded from the company's Web site.
Interactive CD-ROM books from Capstone Press allow students to listen to the audio of highlighted text and navigate to relevant Web resources. Titles are available in English and Spanish and can be used on Macs or Windows-based PCs.
Online
PBS TeacherLine's professional development service for educators will include online science courses by WGBH Education Foundation's Teacher's Domain in late spring. PBS TeacherLine offers more than 100 online courses in math, reading, language arts, and instructional technology strategies.
Resources
SchoolWorld's Ed-Alert is a Web-based system that offers district officials the ability to call parents and staff remotely via text messages and e-mails. Parents can register at SchoolWorld's Web site.
The SOCSmail e-mail service provides 25 MB of storage space, virus protection, and backup features for students, educators, and administrators. Lockers allows educators and students to download, store, and share files in a Web-hosted, password-protected environment.
Scantron's Achievement or Performance Series assessment systems now have access to netTrekker d.i.'s Internet search engine. Users can also publish tests using the ExamView test creation software.
Educators who use Classroom Jeopardy by Educational Insights have new third-party game cartridges at their disposal, as well as a new training DVD and an updated Web site. Evan-Moor and Pflaum Publishing have developed series that cover math, language arts, and geography for grade 3-7 students.
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Discovery Education's PowerMedia Plus.com media-on-demand service now features an improved search service and the addition of more than 100 new video titles and podcasts in English and Spanish. Subjects include nature, technology, and state testing preparation.
The PLATO Learning Straight Curve Mathematics Series now covers grades K-2 and grade 6. Educators can subscribe via the Web to access a user interface for assessing student progress and prescribing individualized instruction.
