from Technology & Learning
Get up to speed on the latest product releases in the education market.
Hardware
The new mimio Board HD 110, one of the four new models of the mimio Board, is the largest, fully integrated, single-surface interactive whiteboard available. The new product line combines technology with high-quality ceramic steel whiteboards. Both wireless and USB cable connection options are available. And, with an optional mimio Capture Kit, teachers can electronically capture, save, print, and share dry-erase marker notes, diagrams, and drawings.
Samsung's new S-Series S760 and S860 digital cameras feature a 3x optical zoom lens, digital image stabilization, self-portrait mode, and video- and movie-making capabilities. Building on previous S-Series models, and made with the entry-level photographer in mind, these two cameras make it easy to capture a good image in any setting.
The new, lightweight Hitachi CP-X417 3LCD Projector features wireless connectivity and networking and remote management capabilities. With Hitachi's PJ Man software, users can remotely control power on/off, input source, and lamp/filter hours. Other features include e-mail alerts for scheduled maintenance as well as password protection.
Software
Allegro Multimedia, a provider of music gaming software and music education tools, introduces the Music Wizard Academy product line to enhance the Piano Wizard, a unique, patented, four-step learning method that allows anyone to read and play music. The tutorial DVDs and songbook lessons guide teachers and parents on how to best mentor their kids to advance through the Piano Wizard songs and on to a real piano.
WebStudy, a software service provider specializing in educational technology such as course management systems for colleges and universities, has launched its CMS and product suites nationwide. Designed by educators, WebStudy products help deliver college courses, stream video content to students, store content, and conduct real-time live sessions, with a 24-hour help desk service. All products are hosted, fully supported at the administrator, instructor, and student levels.
Apple's MacBook Pro ExpressCard Wireless Upgrade lets users access virtually any wireless net work found while working mobile. New triple antennas, outside the 15-inch and 17-inch MacBook Pro case, provide the highest speed MIMO specification wireless performance. This upgrade also works with all Apple AirPort Base Stations, and it uses the computer's Express Card slot, so users don't have to disassemble their MacBook Pro to get inside the AirPort card slot.
GAMCO, a division of Siboney Learning Group, released an updated version of Worksheet Magic Plus ,the company's tool for building quick and creative supplemental classroom materials. Worksheet Magic Plus provides 15 different types of tests, worksheets, and puzzles a teacher can use to customize exercises for his or her classroom strategy.
The latest version of Astaro's unified thre at management solution, Astaro Security Gateway Version 7.1 integrates a new Web filter, delivering enhanced functionality and faster performance results. Version 7.1 security features include central administration, e-mail encryption, flexible and secure SSL VPN connectivity, and comprehensive clustering functionality to help users maximize security investments.
Staff Files Pro, launched by Atlas Business Solutions, is software that helps human resource specialists manage employee information, as well as prepare HR documentation such as employee handbooks, office policies, job descriptions, and forms and checklists.
Innovation First, Inc.'s Vex Robotics Education Web page is a new resource for educators looking to introduce robotics into their science, technology, engineering, and math curriculum. Based on the Vex Robotics Design System, the classroom lab kits help students design and construct radio-controlled robotic devices. Also availabe are games, competitions, and education materials.
Online
AdLit.org contains information and resources to help educators improve the literacy skills of 4th through 12th graders. The Web site features free instructional materials, research-based articles, best classroom practices, book lists with guided discussion questions, and author interviews.
Meet Me At The Corner provides virtual field trips for home-schooled children ages 8-12. Developed by children's author Donna Guthrie, this Web site provides informational "tours" of various landmarks from a child's point of view via podcast technology. Each episode offers suggested readings and follow-up activities, including the chance for kids to submit their own videos, as well as lesson plans for the home-school parent.
The Virginia Department of Education and Pokémon have teamed up to create the Pokémon Learning League's Internet Safety Program, which will provide administrators, teachers, and parents with engaging, high-quality instructional resources to help teach elementary grade students how to stay safe online. More than 4,000 students will start piloting the program this month, which consists of three interactive lessons, quizzes, tips for parents and guardians, a printable Internet safety certification for students, and a printable poster to remind students how to stay safe online.
Events and Contests
"Successful Teachers, Successful Students" is the theme at MetaMetrics' 2008 Lexile National Conference & Quantile Symposium June 16-19 in San Antonio. This year's conference will include the recently launched Lexile Framework for Writing and the Quantile Framework for Mathematics. Sessions will explore strategies for raising student achievement in reading, writing, and mathematics, and for preparing students for success.
