What's New
Samson Technologies has released the Expedition XP308i, a portable public address system designed for meetings, classrooms, and public performances. A compact PA system with dual two-way speakers, on-board mixer, and 300-watt power amplifier, the XP308i allows users to connect all the pieces into a single, lightweight, easy-to-transport case. The eight-channel mixer, which can be removed from the speaker for tabletop use, features four mic/line inputs, allowing users to connect microphones or line signals.
Deep Web Technologies has developed OpenSearch browser plugins for one-click searching of scientific information portals, including Scitopia.org, Science.gov, WorldWideScience.org, Mednar.com, Scienceresearch.com, and Scirus.com. Users can add any of these portals to their browser’s search engine box by going to www.deepwebtech.com/open-search.html and clicking on a portal. Typically, the browser search box is located in the upper right corner, and users can specify what search engine they would like to use from a drop-down menu.
Turning Technologies has launched TurningTalk, a social learning community for response-technology users to provide an open forum for the discussion and sharing of ideas and teaching strategies. Registered users can participate in forums, build their own blogs, and download valuable content.
LanSchool Technologies has released a new version of its classroom management software. LanSchool v7.3 includes many new features, such as the ability to block IP addresses, randomize test questions, immediately block current webpages, show available websites, and display unlimited Internet history. LanSchool v7.3 is a free upgrade for customers who purchased LanSchool v7.2 during the past year. Educational pricing starts at $299 for classrooms with fewer than 10 computers and $599 for larger classrooms. Volume discounts, competitive upgrades, and K–12 school and district site licenses are available.
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Dell has launched the Latitude 2100, a netbook designed for K–12 students. The Latitude 2100 includes features designed for students, such as bright primary colors and a more rugged, rubberized design that is easier for children to carry and use safely. It also offers wireless connectivity that teachers can monitor with a Network Activity Light on the netbook lid. An optional touch screen aids student interaction, assessment, and special education teaching. Additional options include a keyboard featuring antimicrobial protection, solid-state drives, a webcam, and quick-connect handles and shoulder straps for carrying.
Internet Radio Directory by MultilingualBooks.com now offers a clickable world map to make finding an international radio station easier. Want to listen to French Internet radio? Simply look for France on the world map, click on it, then choose from the list of radio stations that appears. The Internet Radio Directory gives you the option of listening to streams in MP3, Windows Media Player, and RealPlayer formats. You can go back and forth between stations without having to return to the radio stations’ homepages or check out the homepages if you prefer. Browse MultilingualBooks.com’s listing of more than 2,000 radio stations in more than 30 countries or search by genre.
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Hitachi has introduced the StarBoard WT-1 interactive wireless tablet, which comes equipped with an interactive pen with two customizable buttons. The WT-1 features a range of up to 30 feet by deploying RF technology and has a battery life of up to 16 hours. The tablet includes 16 shortcut function keys, handwriting recognition, search engine integration, and a built-in LCD indicator screen. It also features volume control from tablet to computer as well as the ability to advance PowerPoint slides with a function key. The tablet’s pen also features two shortcut options.
Boinx Software has released FotoMagico 3, an update to its storytelling software for digital photographers. FotoMagico 3 allows users to mix photos with HD movies. With support for multiple audio tracks and an integrated audio recorder, every show can be enhanced with soundtrack, audio effects, and narration. The new Instant Slideshow Assistant helps create presentations immediately. FotoMagico 3 allows users to mix high-resolution video provided by current camera models, such as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i), Nikon D90, and Nikon D5000, seamlessly with images.
TeachersFirst, a nonprofit group for educators, is offering free access to 10,000 online learning websites containing a wide variety of content for all subjects for grades K–12. The resource reviews include descriptions and highlights of each resource as well as practical suggestions for implementation in the classroom. All reviews are available, sorted by subject and grade level, at www.teachersfirst.com/matrix.cfm, or searchable by keyword at www.teachersfirst.com/search.cfm. About two dozen new resources are added each week. Some are created by TeachersFirst staff, and the rest are existing websites, including both education-oriented resources and general-interest sites.
NSF International, a nonprofit public health and safety organization, has developed a website that teaches children how to properly wash their hands. With flu season just around the corner, the NSF’s Scrub Club provides an effective way for kids to learn the importance of hand washing to protect them against influenza. The site features interactive games, educational music, and downloadable activities for kids as well as educational materials for teachers and program information for parents.
The Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies is offering a new series of free online cultural heritage tours that allow educators, families, and students to explore the Smithsonian’s rich array of cultural heritage–related treasures. Explore a dozen of the Smithsonian’s most thought-provoking objects. Featuring art and artifacts drawn from across the Smithsonian’s family of museums, the first two tours in the series focus on African-American and Latino history and culture. Look for upcoming tours on women’s history, American Indian history, and Asian Pacific history.
Discovery Education has added a new curriculum alignment service that will advise school districts about integrating digital content into day-to-day classroom instruction. Discovery Education’s team of subject-matter experts will use their library of more than 250,000 digital content assets, including video clips, writing prompts, images, audio files, virtual labs, games, articles, assessment items, and more, to help educators quickly find digital content.
Tangent Inc. has unveiled VITA LT, a space- and energy-saving all-in-one PC for the education market. It uses 72% less energy than standard Energy Star 4.0 compliant PCs. The VITA LT is 1.4 inches thick and weighs 10.5 pounds. It features a 4-in-1 reader, integrated webcam, integrated Intel GMA 950 graphics, and a crisp, clear widescreen display.
Copyright © 2009, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 1.800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 1.541.302.3777 (Int'l), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved.
September/October 2009 | Learning & Leading with technology
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