What's
New
This information is compiled from press releases that come into
the ISTE
editorial office. The products and resources are not reviewed by the
L&L
staff and are offered here without recommendation. Send press
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Contests
& Giveaways | Hardware
| Software | Books
| Resources
Contests
& Giveaways
 eInstruction will give away 36
interactive
response systems, Classroom Performance Systems (CPS), in early
2006.
Underwritten by the Engaging Kids to Learn Grant, the program is open
to any
educator who applies before December 31, 2005. The complete system
includes
one 32-pad CPS system, a CPS chalkboard, and CPS content from Prentice
Hall
and Scott Foresman. The content will be specific to the winning
teacher's subject.
Applicants need apply only once during the year, and nine winners will
be drawn
each quarter, three each from elementary, middle, and high
schools.
MORE INFO: eInstruction, http://www.einstruction.com
Educational Resources is offering schools a three month subscription
to QuickMind.net
if they try out the service for three months during the summer
months. QuickMind.net
provides K-12 educators and students lesson planning, homework, and
assessment
resources anywhere they have an Internet connection. The Web site
includes standards-based
curriculum, interactive homework assignments, project templates,
tools, lesson
plans, reference materials, and online professional development, as
well as
a recently-added Parent Center. Schools that try the summer school
subscription
of QuickMind.net this summer will receive three months of the service
at no
cost if they buy an annual subscription afterwards.
MORE INFO: QuickMind.net, 1.800.624.2926, http://www.quickmind.net
Teachers and students in K-12 can win 25 portable NEC VT47
projectors
for their school. These projectors can be used in classrooms,
hallways, or auditoriums,
and can be placed on a media cart for sharing with other teachers and
classrooms.
Applicants must submit a two-minute video in VHS, DVD, Quicktime, or
Windows
Media Player that demonstrates how display technology would positively
affect
learning in their classroom. Videos will be judged on creativity,
imagination,
and enthusiasm. The top five entries will be posted to the NEC Web
site and
members of the general public will vote for their favorite. All
submissions
must be received by September 1, 2005, the winner will be announced on
October
3, 2005.
MORE INFO: NEC, Inc., 1.800.632.4636, http://www.necvisualsystems.com
Hardware
The Vex Robotics Design System is a 500-piece starter kit for
designing
and constructing radio-controlled robots that can lift and throw
objects, and
even move about the room. Partnered with Carnegie Mellon University to
develop
a curriculum that teachers can use to incorporate 'bot building in
their class,
Vex's basic kit includes variable-speed motors, multiple gears, a
programmable
micro-controller, multiple wheel types and sizes, and a configurable
chassis.
Additional kits are available for further functionality. The starter
kit costs
$299.
MORE INFO: Vex Robotics, 1.866.VEX.ROBOTICS, http://www.vexrobotics.com
Toshiba's TDP-SC25U mobile projector includes multimedia
capabilities
and connectivity options such as composite, component, and S-video
inputs and
audio in/out capabilities. A monitor output connector allows the user
to view
presentations from an external display in addition to what is
projected on the
screen so they don't have to turn to see their presentation on the
screen. Users
can also connect the projector to a standard cable connection or DVD
player.
According to the company, the TDP-SC25U is the only projector to
include a built-in
document camera that shows 3D objects, physical demonstrations, and
projects
any document type onto a screen. The document camera detaches from the
projector
for positioning at various angles or distances from the projected
object. The
projector weighs 8.6 lbs including the camera, and sells for
$1,199.
MORE INFO: Toshiba America Information Systems (TAIS), http://www.toshiba.com
 The SmartNAV mouse tracking
device
replaces a computer mouse by tracking the movements of the user's
head. According
to the company, the SmartNAV can be used by a wide range of people,
from those
needed relief from Carpal Tunnel syndrome or increasing their
productivity,
to users who have physical challenges like ALS and quadriplegia. The
device
works by tracking small head movements with infrared light reflected
off a removable
receptor on the head. The tracker includes software that allows for
customized
mouse control, such as speed of tracking, double click commands, and
general
preferences. The SmartNAV product line ranges in price from $199 to
$399.
MORE INFO: Natural Point, 1.541.753.6645, http://www.naturalpoint.com/smartnav
Berry handheld organizers have all the functionality of a PDA
without
the wireless capabilities. In four fruity
"flavors"-BlueBerry, GreyBerry,
GrapeBerry, and StrawBerry-the Berry organizes information like a
handheld,
storing phone numbers, e-mail addresses, schedule and calendar
information,
and is password protected. The Berry also doubles as a landline phone
by plugging
into any phone jack. Used with a hands-free ear piece, the Berry
enables the
user to IM, download music or perform other manual tasks. The Berry
runs on
two AAA batteries and costs $19.99.
MORE INFO: Sakar International Inc., 1.877-397-8200, http://www.sakar.com
 Readingpen personal reading tool
scans,
pronounces, defines, and translates any printed text. When a single
word or
full line of text is scanned, text appears on a built-in LCD screen,
and correct
pronunciation can be heard either from integrated speakers or
plugged-in standard
headphones. The pen provides synonyms and a nested dictionary to
clarify words
within a definition. Words can be translated into 25 languages, and
data can
be transferred to other devices. The pen retains the last 80 words
scanned,
recognizes font sizes 6-22 and inverted text, can be set for left- or
right-handed
use, and runs on two AAA batteries. Readingpens are available at an
educational
discount of $99 each in a package of 10.
MORE INFO: The Reading Pen Group, 1.877.344.4040, http://www.readingpen.com
Software
FASTT Math (Fluency and Automaticity
through
Systematic Teaching with Technology) is targeted instruction and
practice of
math fact fluency in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division. The
built-in, ongoing student assessment presents a small number of
unknown facts
interspersed with known facts in daily practice sessions, which,
according to
the company, are transferred from a student's working memory to
long-term memory.
Teachers can track student progress through reporting tools, and
generate customized
worksheets for paper and pencil practice as needed. The program is for
grades
2 and up, and includes a teacher's guide, age-appropriate activities,
assessments,
lesson plans, and a Mac/Win CD-ROM for network and stand-alone use.
The software
costs $250 for one computer, $2,000 for 10 computers, or $7,500 for
unlimited
computers.
MORE INFO: Tom Snyder Productions Inc., 1.617.926.6000, http://www.fasttmath.com
 Measurement in Motion is an
interactive
software package that, according to the company, allows students to
define mathematical
measurements on top of QuickTime movies and to connect and work with
those measurements
in multiple formats, including tables, bar charts, line graphics,
histograms,
scatter plots, and statistical views. By placing points, lines,
angles, or area
measurements on each frame of a selected movie, students can isolate
real-life
motions. Measurements in a graph correspond to frames of the movie,
and a text
tool lets students take notes and write about their observations. The
software
includes 19 movies and 10 investigations, and is for grades four and
above.
The software is available for both Windows and Mac platforms, costs
$129, and
a network version and site licenses are available. Learning in Motion
also offers
a 30-day preview at no cost.
MORE INFO: Learning in Motion, 1.800.560.5670, http://www.learn.motion.com
Macromedia Breeze is an online conferencing and collaborative
web communication
for anyone with access to an Internet browser. According to the
company, Breeze
lets users enter an online meeting or access on-demand presentations
without
the need for large client downloads by deploying the existing Flash
player.
The software includes Voice-over-IP, on-demand video, real-time
multipoint video
conferencing, and recording capabilities. For on-demand e-learning
courses,
Breeze includes multi-course curriculum management, full-screen video,
enhanced
tracking and reporting, and expanded question and quiz types, even
inside a
firewall. Special pricing is available for K-12 schools and
districts.
MORE INFO: Macromedia, http://www.macromedia.com
bSphereT is an integrated financial and student administration
software
for K-12 online fund accounting and business management. According to
the company,
the application is Web-based, so there's no code on the client
computer, and
is delivered in a Web browser environment that uses an Intel-based
server. Modules
include General Ledger, Banking, Budget Management, Human Resources,
Payroll,
Accounts Payable, Bidding, Inventory, and Capital Assets. The
architecture is
fully scalable, and is available as a hosted system or licensed for a
school
district to host on its own servers. Please contact company for
pricing.
MORE INFO: TENEX Systems Inc., 1.610.239.9988, http://www.tenexsys.com
 Music Ace Maestro features 48
self-paced
lessons and games that teach elementary school beginning music
students the
basics of music, including theory, note reading, listening, notation,
keyboard,
scales, rhythm, melody, key signatures, time signatures, and harmony.
The lessons
have graphics, animation, sound effects, and an animated piano
keyboard to help
students visualize music concepts. Students can also compose and hear
their
own music using different instrument sounds. The software includes
Maestro Manager
for teachers, a suite of student assessment and curriculum management
tools,
student worksheets, and activity ideas. The CD-ROM comes in a
stand-alone version,
lab packs, or a network version that supports five to 5,000
workstations on
Windows and Mac platforms. Pricing starts at $127.95 for a single
computer version.
MORE INFO: Harmonic Vision, 1.800.474.0903, http://www.harmonicvision.com
Scantron's Achievement Series is a Web-based assessment
platform with
increased functionality for item-sharing. Teachers can manage current
tests
and develop new ones, administer tests online or on paper, and report
their
results immediately. Schools across the district can share
non-copyrighted test
items, which, according to Scantron, builds a district's library of
test items
based on their state standards. Reporting tools give teachers access
to student
performance data, and report formats are standardized for
consistency.
MORE INFO: Scantron Corporation, 1.800.722.6876, http://www.scantron.com
Books
 Integrating Handhelds Across the
Curriculum
is a teacher's kit for integrating handheld computers into the
classroom. The
kit includes a 128-page resource book with cross-curricular lesson
plans, quick
tip mini-posters, reference guides for popular software, classroom
management
pointers, and two full-color reference posters. A CD with the Handheld
Toolkit
provides software and content, such as eBooks, quizzes, templates,
handouts,
photographs, and assessment rubrics. A limited supply of SD cards of
installable
content is available with the kit that downloads lesson resources, a
Writer's
Style Guide for Students, eBooks, quizzes, and reference materials on
a student's
handheld. The kit costs $49.95 for a single teacher license.
MORE INFO: K12 Handhelds Inc., 1.800.679.2226, http://www.k12handhelds.com
The second edition of Reference Skills for the School Library
Media Specialist:
Tools and Tips addresses changes in the area of technology
reference, as
well as increased Web-based tools and new print resources. Author Ann
Riedling
answers direct questions from readers regarding professional
development resources
ranging from reference and information literacy to the reference
interview.
The book includes updated terminology and techniques, research
processes and
models, selection, evaluation and maintenance of reference sources, a
"webliography",
as well as scenarios and reference exercises of real-life situations.
The book
costs $44.95.
MORE INFO: Linworth Publishing, 1.614.436.7107, http://www.linworth.com
 An eBook from Oliver Dominguez, 101 American Sign
Language Signs,
teaches the 101 most frequently used signs of American Sign Language.
A PDF
download supplies graphical representations of signs, as well as
detailed descriptions
of hand position and movement. According to the author, the signs can
be learned
and mastered in 30 days, and improve spelling and communication
skills. The
eBook costs $37.
MORE INFO: Sign Language Is Easy, http://www.signlanguageiseasy.com
ISTE has published the second edition of Multiple Intelligences
and Instructional
Technology, by Walter McKenzie, with updated resources and tools
for K-12
teachers, curriculum developers, teacher educators, preservice
teachers, and
library media specialists. Lessons and activities in the book explore
the use
of existing digital technologies in the classroom. The book includes
additional
lesson plans and materials, new Web sites and online resources, and
activities
for the latest hardware. Also featured are worksheets, templates,
rubrics, and
guidelines for evaluating media and software, as well as a multiple
intelligences
survey on CD-ROM. All materials on the CD were created using Microsoft
Excel
and are Mac/Win compatible. The book is $39.55 for ISTE members,
$43.95 for
non-members.
MORE INFO: ISTE, 1.800.336.5191, http://www.iste.org/bookstore/
The Encyclopedia of Multimedia Technology and Networks covers
concepts,
issues, trends, and technologies in the multimedia discipline. Edited
by Margherita
Pagani, the encyclopedia explains emerging multimedia technologies and
applications,
its evolution, design, communications, e-commerce, education,
security, and
virtual communities. There are 1,350 terms and definitions and more
than 3,200
references, organized by titles and indexed by authors and topics. Key
terms,
figures, and information are cross-referenced. The encyclopedia is
available
in an online electronic version for $220. The print version costs $275
and includes
access to the electronic version.
MORE INFO: Idea Group Reference, http://www.idea-group.com/encyclopedia
David Wetzel located online materials and resources for Web-based K-8
science
classes in How to Weave the Web Into K-12 Science. The book
explains
how Web-based resources support national and state standards, and
provides strategies
for one- and multi-computer classrooms, wireless and handheld
computers. The
three chapters contain information about search engines, directories,
and NSTA's
SciLinks and Webwatchers, as well as a listing of resources by
category and
science-content area. Additionally, a companion Web site has updated
Web addresses
and resources that came out after the book was printed. The book is
$11.16 for
NSTA members, $13.95 for non-members.
MORE INFO: NSTA, 1.800.277.5300, http://www.nsta.org/pressnew
Resources
The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse (ENC) launched its
goENC.com Web
site, a resource for K-12 science and mathematics teachers. The site
has a database
of more than 27,000 math and science product and Web site reviews,
lesson plans
to support standards-based teaching, articles about teaching ideas,
and success
stories. There is a professional development component, featuring a
personal
planning tool, articles on current issues, and activities for
supporting teacher
groups. Subscriptions for unlimited access are $349 a year, and
include online
and print magazines.
MORE INFO: Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics
and Science
Education, 1.800.471.1045, http://www.goENC.com
 The Flashlight Readers program
from
Scholastic Inc. is a virtual reading club for students in grades 3-5.
They can
participate in moderated author chats, trade instant messages with
other readers,
explore authors' original manuscripts, and play interactive games. The
Web site
includes a teacher's guide with lessons and activities to help
teachers meet
national standards, as well as a parent's guide with advice on how to
use the
reading club at home. Other features include an interactive
comprehension maze,
a book bulletin board, and book-related prizes, such as signed author
photographs.
There is no fee, but the site requires a user ID code to log in.
MORE INFO: Scholastic Inc., http://www.scholastic.com/flashlight
SurveySolutions Express is a Web survey site from Perseus
Development
Corporation. Users can design and publish a Web survey with no
knowledge of
HTML, incorporating questions from a template or creating their own.
Varied
response formats are available, including radio buttons, multiple
choice, and
text boxes, with a wide range of question types, advanced logic and
response
validations. Respondents access the survey through a Web site link,
popup, or
through an e-mail invitation. Results, statistics, and charts are
published
in real time, and can be exported to common formats. The site is
available at
no cost, although users must register.
MORE INFO: Perseus Development Corporation, 1.781.848.8100, http://express.perseus.com
The Daniel Pearl Foundation invites high school students
worldwide to
become certified PEARL reporters. The youth-run international news
service teaches
students to select issues to be reported, then collaboratively write,
edit,
and publish their articles on a Web-based news service. The articles
will be
made available for publication in student newspapers around the world.
Student
reporters and editors will use online forums to collaborate about
topics, research,
interviews, and editing. Graduate students from Columbia's Journalism
School
will serve as evaluators for the certification program, which is open
at no
cost to all high school students proficient in English and who have
Internet
access.
MORE INFO: PEARL World Youth News, http://www.danielpearl.org
 The New York Public Library's Digital
Gallery presents
275,000 digital images in a Web-based online collection. The Gallery
is for
public perusal and free personal use (including individual private
study, scholarship,
and research), and is available in both Flash-enhanced and HTML-only
versions.
From the home page, visitors can search by keyword or browse
collections by
name, subject, or library division. A Curator's Choice link highlights
a topic
of interest. The Gallery will ultimately increase in volume to
approximately
500,000 items.
MORE INFO: New York Public Library, http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/
BehaviorNotes.com documents in-class behavioral issues in a
standardized,
real-time method that tracks behavior patterns and issues. As a
Web-based application,
common fields on the forms such as behavior, participant, and
intervention,
offer data entry with pull-down menus so information entered by any
teacher
or administrator is consistent. Reports and analyses are generated
from parameters
shared between classrooms, schools, or districts, and can be filtered
by any
criteria. Subscriptions are $25 per class per year, or a group
subscription
is available for $1 per student per year based on 100 students. Both
subscriptions
include setup costs and unlimited users.
MORE INFO: BehaviorNotes.com, 1.650.631.6679, http://www.behaviornotes.com
Copyright © 2005, ISTE (International Society for Technology
in Education).
All rights reserved.
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