Hardware
Digital Media
Apple has announced the availability of a Digital Media Authoring solution that bundles cameras, software, and professional development for use of digital media in the classroom. Each package includes a digital still camera, a digital video camera, a one-year subscription to Apple Professional Development online, and a collection of lesson plans for using iLife in the classroom. Intermediate and advanced packages add Final Cut and DVD Studio software and additional training. Getting Started package: $575. Intermediate: $899. Advanced: $3,999.
Apple Computer, Inc., 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014; (800) 692-7753; http://www.apple.com/education/digitalmedia
The Landro Play Analyzer allows coaches and teachers to categorize their video content for instant recall and playback. Features include a 120 MB hard drive that can store up to 5,000 minutes of content, an RF-equipped remote control and keyboard, and connection via S-Video or RCA. $4,995.
IRIS Technologies, RR 12 Box 36, Greensburg, PA 15601; (866) 354-4747; http://www.landro.com
Mobile Computing
Toshiba has introduced three new notebook computers, the Satellite A10-S100, A40-S161, and M30-S350, which come loaded with Windows XP, a 256MB hard drive, and DVD/CD-RW multifunction drive. The M30, weighing in at slightly over six pounds, features a 15.4" display, a Pentium M (1.50 GHz) processor, and Intel's Centrino technology. A10-S100: $1,049. A40-S161: $1,179. M30-S350: $1,599.
Toshiba America, 9740 Irvine Bvld., Irvine, CA 92618; (877) 850-2687; http://www.shoptoshiba.com
Network Infrastructure
Alvarion's BreezeACCESS VL equipment brings wireless broadband access to educational and municipal organizations. The solution, which is based on orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing technology, and operates in an unlicensed spectrum (5 GHz), supports data rates up to 54 Mbps. Contact company for price information.
Alvarion, 5858 Edison Place, Carlsbad, CA 92008; (760) 517-3100; http://www.alvarion.com
Software
Cross-Curricular
Destination Success from Riverdeep combines standards-based assessment, a learning management system, courseware, and professional development to help schools raise test scores. This total solution for reading and math assesses a student's skills and provides an individualized learning plan with prescribed tutorials and exercises. Teachers can track student progress relative to state standards and adapt instruction to meet specific needs.
Riverdeep, 500 Redwood Blvd., Novato, CA 94947; (888) 242-6747; http://www.riverdeep.net/products/success
Writing Tool
Stationery Studio from FableVision lets students and teachers customize and print writing paper for stories, letters, reports, shape books, mini-books, and other creative projects. The program includes 226 curriculum-based borders and shapes along with tools to customize writing line styles, line widths, layout, color, and text to create unique writing paper.
FableVision, 44 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472; (888) 240-3734; http://www.fablevision.com
Web Sites
Connexions, a Web portal from Rice University, allows educators to create, share, and modify course materials for free. The site, which adapts the open-source concept to scholarly content, already contains more than 1,600 educational "modules" designed to supplement or replace textbooks. http://cnx.rice.edu
Dates & Events
April 29: Tech Forum: Strategies, Solutions, and Innovations for Technology Leaders, Itasca, Ill.
A T&L - sponsored event
