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August 15, 2001

Gone Fishin' For The Latest Software And Web Site Releases

By Kristen Kennedy

We've reeled in the latest products, updates, and forthcoming innovations. Read on for what's new for fall.

Streamline and merge are the watchwords of this season's education technology conversation. Companies made stoic strides this year to hone existing Web and software offerings into refined packages. Others took advantage of mergers to infuse new content and tools into your old favorites. Take, for example, PLATO Learning's acquisition of Wasatch Interactive, a relationship that will greatly enhance courseware content for primary grades on the PLATO Web Learning Network this fall. Conversely-and in a more targeted move-Lucas Learning recently decided to focus its attention on curriculum products, moving out of the consumer marketplace and squarely into the classroom. The assessment and accountability trend also finds its way into the fall lineup with products such as iAssessment's self-tests for teachers, Lightspan's Assessment Center, and Scantron's Classroom Wizard. The line between hardware and software continues to blur, as wireless systems like the TI-Navigator and its handheld companion, the TI-83 PLUS Silver Edition, both from Texas Instruments, offer a moveable classroom feast of software and Web tools.

Publishers have teamed up to bring you more curriculum products, professional development resources, and administrative tools, as well. Web sites now offer a variety of subscription-based options for customization, communication, and frequent content updates, and the theme of violence prevention takes a place in this fall's lineup of Web resources. Of course, the younger set will still find their favorite familiar faces revisited in the latest kids' software, along with a few innovative newcomers, such as Reading Village's inventive icon-based e-mail program for pre-readers.

ABC-CLIO

Adding to their suite of online social studies resources, announces the American History subscription Web site. This reference-to-curriculum resource offers a range of Web tools, such as customization for different classes, a student forum for extended discussion, a focus on current events, searches for standards-aligned reading materials, and more. (800) 368-6868

Achievement Technologies

Achievement Technologies' SkillsTutor line is releasing several new science, algebra, and reading modules to add to their existing offerings, as well as a Spanish voice-over feature designed to add another learning modality for ESL students. (888) 391-3245

Aims Multimedia

AIMS Multimedia DigitalCurriculum.com customers now have the option of storing programs on their computer hard drives for future viewing. Subscribers can either download any DCc title directly to their desktop or upload a program from an AIMS CD-ROM. The new features are designed to alleviate delays caused by inadequate Internet connections. Also new to the AIMS DCc are "Key Concepts" Video Clips, indexed online video segments arranged by concept and available for download; and Online Interactive Quizzes and Tests, fully editable quizzes that accompany DCc titles. (800) FOR-AIMS

Apex

Apex Learning will soon offer six new core curriculum second-language courses. French, German, and Spanish AP courses will be available for students in grades 9-12. (800) 453-1454

Apple

Apple recently announced AppleWorks 6.1 for Education, an upgrade to their productivity application. The enhancement now features support for both Mac and Windows machines and translators for Word and Excel. Available for the Mac OS 9 and OS X, AppleWorks 6.1 lets students access files and work in mixed-platform environments. (800) 800-2775

Bascom

Bascom, makers of filtering technology, announced the release of the Internet Communications Server 4.0, which will allow teachers to integrate online resources into instruction. (631) 434-6600

Beyond Books

Beyond Books continues to expand its online curriculum and program offerings with the addition of Geometry, Spanish, and Introduction to Physics Concepts to its current selection of 20 social studies, language arts and literature, science, and electives programs. (877) 946-4622

Bigchalk

Bigchalk just released Integrated Classroom, an online teacher resource providing multimedia content and full-text magazine and newspaper articles. New enhancements to the bigchalk Library will also be available this summer, including an online Bookcart, which lets librarians and teachers customize and match reference materials to help students with research. (800) 860-9228

Brainium Technologies

The wireless DreamMax 700 is now available. Using Windows CE 3.0, the DreamMax 700 runs a variety of applications, provides Internet access, and offers new USB port add-ons. An updated version of DreamWriter 450 is also offered this fall, in addition to online teaching resources designed for use with the DreamWriter. Brainium Technologies. (800) 663-7163

BritannicaSchool

BritannicaSchool just announced its integrated suite of K-12 resources for the Web. Available for fall, the new site will offer reference, curriculum, and creativity tools for teaching and learning. (800) 480-0552

Chancery

Chancery Software is now shipping an upgraded version of its library information system, Library Pro 2.2, to customers on its support programs. This enhanced version is designed to integrate with Chancery's school-based management solutions, Win School and Mac School, to allow for enhanced data accuracy, reduce data entry time, and synchronize with existing databases. (800) 999-9931

Classroom Connect

In addition to its newly redesigned site, Classroom Connect launched an online subscription service, Classroom Connect NOW. This personalized, standards-based learning environment streamlines content and curriculum into three primary areas: Learning, Library, and Community. In addition to familiar Classroom offerings, such as Connected University and The Quest Channel, Classroom Connect NOW includes assessment tools, one-click standards correlations, and customization options. Individual classroom, building, and district pricing is available, starting at $499 for a one-year subscription. (800) 638-1639

Classwell Learning Group

Classwell has expanded its content offerings through a recent partnership with TIME for Kids, Thinkronize, and MATTI Associates, offering an expanded language arts and math curriculum. (866) 351-1953

CNN Newsroom

This fall, CNN Newsroom will offer a series of special reports from around the world, ranging from The Other Side of Africa to Native American History. A free daily classroom guide will accompany each special, with lesson plans, discussion questions, classroom activities, and links to outside resources. (800) 344-6219

CrystalGraphics

CrystalGraphics' Slides That Win! CD-ROM is available. The tutorial teaches skills and concepts for creating slide presentations in PowerPoint, as well as improving readability, comprehension, and the aesthetic quality of slides with graphics and animated effects. (408) 496-6175

Curriculum Advantage

Focusing on math and language arts skills and concepts, ClassWorks Gold for High School is designed to prepare students for success on high school proficiency exams with the help of individualized pacing and tracking options. Six customized editions, which meet individual state requirements for California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Arizona, New York, and Virginia, will be available this fall. All 50 states will have their own custom editions by early next year. (888) 221-0802

Curriculum Associates

Newly released Extensions in Reading is part of a supplemental program for improving students' reading comprehension. A series of eight books uses creative and research activities to provide extended reading practice for second- through eighth-grade students. Curriculum Associates has also added reading and mathematics to their TEST READY PLUS Advanced program. Both new products are sequels to PLUS Mathematics and PLUS Reading, which integrate testing strategies into the math and reading curriculum. (800) 225-0248

DiscoverySchool

The Teacher's Store is now open for business. Here, you'll find teacher resource books, Internet guides, CD-ROMs, and Discovery videos organized by core curriculum topics, along with some 300 teaching products-all correlated to national education standards. You can also access their shopping link through the Teacher Channel.

Educational Insights

JUMBLE, a problem-solving and vocabulary-building puzzle game that integrates science, social studies, math, and language arts, is now available for the classroom. Each reproducible book is $12.95 and includes 108 unique puzzles for grades 2-4 and 4-6. Additional releases include Phonics Teaching Tiles for pre-K and up; Phonics Firefly for toddlers through grade 2; and the newest GeoSafari Knowledge Pad Math CD-ROM titles. Educational Insights (800) 995-0506

Edulang

Edulang now offers its Gramster software, an interactive tool designed to improve English skills for elementary to advanced students. Focusing on grammar in action, Gramster gives students instant feedback in English or French, and coming soon, Spanish and German. (011 33) 2 98 63 11 78

Encore

Encore Software has several new titles and updates for fall. Their elementary through high school Advantage series includes new installments for study in 10 core curriculum areas. Also, the CD-ROM version of the PBS children's show Caillou will soon be available. The program features math, reasoning, and creativity exercises for preschoolers. Additionally, 2002 versions of Kaplan Higher Score test preparation tools are now shipping. (310) 768-1800

ESniff

ESniff announced the availability of the eSniff 1100, plug-and-play hardware designed to monitor Internet use. Using linguistic analysis, eSniff 1100 identifies, isolates, and stores student Internet activity according to predefined categories.

Excelsior Software

Excelsior Software, provider of electronic grade books and student management systems, released Pinnacle System 4.0. New features include 17 expanded convenience tools for classroom management. (800) 473-4572

Follett Software Company

Follett's new software functionality is designed to help bilingual students find information resources more easily. Updated WebCollection Plus software, which allows users to search remote library connections, now lets students search for digital resources in English, Spanish, or French. (800) 323-3397

Freedom Scientific

WYNN 3.0 will be shipping this fall. WYNN lets students customize texts and fonts and use text-to-speech features as they practice reading skills. This updated and expanded version now offers word prediction, outlining features, OCR capabilities, and a talking Web browser. WYNN 3.0 prices at $495 for a single user, with multiple-unit pricing available. (888) 223-3344

Futurekids

Futurekids has introduced Classroom Currents Language Arts, a supplemental language arts curriculum for grades 2-8. Integrated with existing software applications, such as Office and AppleWorks, Futurekids offers project templates that are correlated to individual state standards. (800) 765-8000

Greenhaven Press

Greenhaven announces a new Web offering since their acquisition by the Gale Group. Launching this fall is the Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center, which integrates periodical content from Greenhaven with statistical data from Information Plus and reference content from Macmillan and Gale, for students researching social issues. (800) 231-5163

Hotmath

Hotmath.com is a new Web-based education service that offers guided solutions to math homework problems in standard textbooks for algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and calculus. Algebra and geometry tutorials are free during the school day and come from math textbooks used in most high school classrooms. Subscriptions for help in other courses range from $4-$9 per month. (510) 524-5525

iAssessment

iAssessment provides Web-based self-assessment tools for educators. This professional development resource is designed to help educators target their strengths and weaknesses in all teaching areas and then recommend a course for improvement. (801) 680-3669

Imagine LAN

Imagine LAN just announced RecoverySafe, a recovery program for small to medium-sized organizations, will be shipping this fall. RecoverySafe offers administrators and IT professionals with a centrally managed console the ability to safeguard and restore the Registry and system configuration files on Windows servers and networked Windows clients.

Knowledge Adventure

Knowledge Adventure's English Express Deluxe is now offered at a discounted price: $899.95 for teacher editions and $2,995 for network versions of this formerly custom-priced title. (800) 678-2167

Kodak

As part of its new digital imaging bundle, Kodak Professional announced Portraits & More PC Professional Software. The software, to be used in conjunction with printer and camera, offers image manipulation tools for portraiture, as well as composites, proof pages, and "memory mates," using either premade or custom composites. List price for the printer, camera, filter, and software is $14,995. (800) 235-6325

Leapfrog Schoolhouse

LeapFrog's phonetics-based Leap Into Literacy Center will see a revised and expanded curriculum of direct phonics instruction and segmented learning modules for kindergarten and first grade. These additions to existing core learning platforms will feature more teacher resources, including a year's worth of lesson plans and teaching strategies. Also available in fall 2001 is the Leap Into Language series, which targets oral language skills for students in K-2, ESL learners, and special education students. (800) 883-7430

Learning Company

New titles from The Learning Company's Reader Rabbit series now include Sparkle Star Rescue for preschoolers; Kindergarten Bounce Down in Balloon Town; First Grade Capers on Cloud Nine; and for second-graders, Mis-cheese-ious Dreamship Adventures. Middle-schoolers will also find some new adventures with the ever-popular Carmen Sandiego series; this time, it's Carmen Sandiego's World Treasures of Knowledge. Additionally, Zoombinis Mountain Rescue and Oregon Trail 5: Tales of the Oregon Trail are slated for fall release. Other multi-age products include the release of PrintMaster Platinum 11, Kid Pix Deluxe 3, and more. (800) 325-0277

Learning In Motion

Knowledge Forum 3.4 has just been released. Designed for communication and collaboration, this server-based management database offers note-taking, searching, and organizational features for building user communities. (800) 560-5670

Learning Network

Teacher Vision and Educators for Social Responsibility have teamed up to deliver online resources and lesson plans to help students and teachers deal with violence in schools. Also, the Learning Network announced a partnership with ebrary, developers of software for online delivery of copyrighted content. Now channels within the Learning Network will offer educators and students ebrary's resources.

Lesson Logic

A Web-based supplemental curriculum, Lesson Logic now offers Cultural Survival social studies lessons for grades four and up. This new content will be available as part of an annual subscription.

Lexia Learning Systems

Lexia just announced Lexia Early Reading, a reading preparation software program for children ages 4 to 6. With up to 60 learning activities and over 1,100 words, the program promotes phonemic awareness and the development of reading skills. (800) 435-3942

LexisNexis

LexisNexis just released its Current Issues Universe (CIU), a Web-based research solution designed to provide students access to more than 7,000 documents related to current public-policy issues. CIU will offer access to complete documents, such as reports, theses, conference proceedings, editorials, and official documents not commonly found in commercial publications. (800) 227-9597

Lightspan

Lightspan announced the new version of its network, featuring standards-based interactive activities, a lesson plan builder, and a secure messaging center for teachers to communicate with students and families. New content will also be available this fall, with the addition of the Lightspan Reading Center, an online reading program; and the Lightspan Assessment Center, a tool that allows teachers to create and administer state-correlated assessments. (888) 4-ALL KIDS

Mathsoft Engineering & Education

New versions of StudyWorks Mathematics Deluxe and StudyWorks Science Deluxe software have just been released. Both programs offer enhanced Internet functionality, such as online publishing capabilities and a free Web service that updates and expands content. Now, MathSoft extends its line to grades 6-8 with Middle School Deluxe Math.

Microsoft

The newest version of Microsoft Office enhances standard software applications, such as PowerPoint and Excel, with a wizard feature that lets users know when additional Office features might come in handy. The new Office XP introduces Smart Tags, which offer short lists of commands for formatting; a new Task Pane which aids file, clipboard, and style management; as well as speech recognition and a Send for Review command for sharing and reviewing documents via e-mail. Upgrades range from $240 to $500. (800) 426-9400

Mindsurf Networks

Mindsurf, provider of wireless computing solutions, will add Discourse Technologies' groupware to its teaching tools. The new software component is designed to let teachers administer electronic curriculum and assessments via handheld computers. (877) 295-6168

NCS Pearson

NCS4School is a Web-based tool designed to connect administration, curriculum, testing and assessment, and community coordination programs into one online destination. Available this summer, the Solution Suite offers a range of communication tools that facilitate the integration of school, home, and community into a network of support systems that can target student performance and insure accountability across the education enterprise. NCS Pearson. (800) 431-1421

Neo/Sci

Neo/Sci Corporation has adapted its QX3 Computer Microscope for classroom use. The QX3 captures microscopic and macroscopic images and saves them to a PC, allowing for image manipulation and added audio effects. This $159 package also includes a 100-page activity guide, image gallery, microscope slides, and accessory kit. (800) 526-6689

NetSchools

StarClassroom, the newest component of the NetSchools e-learning curriculum and management suite, supports wireless computing in the classroom with the HP Omnibook 500. The program also includes professional development services to help teachers integrate Web-based learning tools with this new hardware solution. In addition, the Orion Gradebook will provide online recording of and access to students' grades. (866) 860-7348

Online Classics

Digital deliverers of real-time arts broadcasts just relaunched their site with new search tools that allow educators to search for arts by genre. Curriculum areas are also updated regularly and new live broadcasts will be added every week. Youth opera Zoe will be added this summer and used as a foundation for studying topical issues, such as genetic engineering, cloning, eco-activism, and teenage pregnancy. Online Classics.

Parlant Technology

Parlant Technology's ParentLink XP now features Attendance Messenger, a Web-based software solution designed to address student attendance problems. Using Attendance Messenger, principals can automatically notify parents of student absences and tardiness via phone, e-mail, or by form letter. (800) 735-2930

PLATO Learning

PLATO's fall product releases include Reading Strategies, the last in a series of middle school-adult reading programs, for the PLATO Web Learning Network. Additional PLATO Elementary Courseware from Wasatch, including PLATO Math Expediations and PLATO Projects for the Real World, will also be on the Web Learning Network in the fall of this year. Science from CyberED and Discovery Channel School Science courseware will be on the Pathways LAN System by the end of summer. Finally, PLATO's Simulated Test System, Web-based preparation for standardized tests, will release a Pre-Professional Skills Test in late summer. Additional state math tests and a collaborative project with the ETS will yield a national writing test by late fall. (800) 44-PLATO

Platypus Multimedia Software

Readingvillage.Com

ReadingVillage.com, a free Web site dedicated to teaching young learners how to read, introduced Power Email, an electronic mail program for children who do not yet know how to read and write. Using audio and textsupported pictures, children "write" e-mail. Icons are dropped into an e-mail window, which triggers the appearance and sound of the printed word. Once complete, both sender and recipient can see and hear the message.

Renaissance Learning

Renaissance has announced its STAR Early Literacy, a computer-adaptive assessment and database that assists educators in evaluating pre-K-third grade students' reading comprehension. Using ten-minute assessment blocks, educators can test students' phonemic awareness, reading readiness, and vocabulary skills. (877) 988-8050

Riverdeep

With the help of Microsoft, Apple, and IBM, Riverdeep Interactive Learning will launch LearningNeeds.com, an online source of educational products and services for individuals with special needs. Educators will be able to research accessibility features and benefits of mainstream computer products alongside other accessibility aids needed for complete user solutions. With its recent acquisition of Teacher Universe, Riverdeep will also be expanding its professional development offerings through Teacher Universe's Web-based courses and content. In addition to a new site layout, Riverdeep now features Living Library, an online research tool; MuseumLearning for virtual museum visits; and more. (617) 995-1000

SAS Inschool

SAS inSchool has just released six new Web-based multimedia products, each with links and teaching materials from the standard curriculum. New titles include Historic Causeways: The American Revolution, Views and Voices: The Progressive Era, Vietnam: Views and Voices, and more. (888) 760-2515

Scantron

Scantron just introduced Classroom Wizard, a wireless assessment application using handheld technology. Students can access tests and quizzes via handheld and beam responses through the Quiz Wizard application to the teacher's desktop. The entire product includes three Internetconnected handhelds, desktop scanners, and an Internet assessment gateway.

Schepp Turner Productions

Free trial Web-based versions of Classroom Planner, a teacher productivity and management suite, are now available. Classroom Planner offers electronic classroom tools in Web-based, network, and CD-ROM formats. Schepp Turner Productions.

Scholastic

Recent upgrades to Scholastic's Reading Counts!, a reading motivation and management program, include Flexible Leveling System, a feature that allows teachers to select reading levels and customize point values for recommended reading. Other new features include student progress reports, import tools for customer upgrades, and specialized book searches with Book Expert. My Library has also been added, which analyzes school libraries' automated records with the Reading Counts! database of titles. Version 2.0 upgrades start at $49.95 for current customers. New accounts, which include whole-school licensing and technical support, price at $369. Additional Scholastic releases include IReAch, an Internet reading assessment tool available for home and school diagnostic use. (800) SCHOLASTIC

Schoolkit

SchoolKiT announced the summer release of Pedera Online Professional Development tools, a subscription-based professional development resource. The Pedera subscription gives users unlimited use of online workshops and Web libraries, and allows educators to choose activities and pacing according to their needs. Course-creation tools are also available with Course Studio, an upgrade to the basic online service. (425) 454-3373

Schoolpop

Educators can now create a wish list of needed items for their schools with Schoolpop's School Wish List feature. When participating school supporters buy items on a teacher's or school's Wish List, the school or teacher not only receives the wished-for items, but also gets a rebate for items purchased through Schoolpop's online merchants. (877) 724-5767

School Zone Interactive

Maker of electronic workbooks and interactive flash cards, School Zone adds four new titles to its library of resources for students from grades 2-12. Thinking Skills, Alphabet K, Phonics 2-3, and Multiplication & Division 3-4 are among the latest offerings of games and activities geared toward mastery of core skills. (800) 253-0564

Sierra

Sierra Games' newest installment of The Incredible Machine: Even More Contraptions, will feature 250 new puzzles, five levels of play, head-to-head mode, and the option of creating your own puzzles or trading via the Internet. This sequel to Return of the Incredible Machine: Contraptions will also include a PDA version. (800) 757-7707

Sirs Mandarin, Inc.

Computer users with disabilities can now search full-text articles and Internet sites in SIRS' online reference database. Changes to the SIRS database now provide enhanced navigation and presentation for use with screen-reading technologies. Additionally, usability features have been added to SIRS Web sites to facilitate online accessibility. (800) 232-7477

Software Secure

Software Secure has just introduced Securexam, a Microsoft-based product that enables high school and college teachers to administer computer-based tests without allowing students access to other files or computer applications. (781) 221-0077

Sunburst

Sunburst has several programs shipping for fall. For the K-2 crowd, there's The Letterbugs, an early reading program that builds phonemic awareness-with bugs. Algebra Starts and an updated Type to Learn 3 will also be available. Additionally, Concert Tour Entrepreneur lets students play band managers while learning how to budget for a concert tour. (800) 321-7511

Surfcontrol

SurfControl has created a Town Meeting in a Box kit to help schools comply with filtering legislation. The kit is designed to assist technology coordinators, educators, and other school officials in communicating the requirements of the new law and how it affects students. The kit includes a policy implementation guide, presentation script, templates for invitations and press releases, case studies, and more. SurfControl also released Cyber Patrol 6.0. This filtering software includes real-time monitoring, expanded content filtering list, and automated reporting. (800) 368-3366

Test.Com

Test.com just launched a new Web site, complete with Java-compliant platform. The Private Accounts program lets schools set up their own test and survey centers. Private users can then enter assessments, quizzes, tests, and surveys through Test.com authoring programs. Pricing for K-12 is $1,000 for a school year and includes proficiency tests from Test.com's database. (216) 694-5744

Texas Instruments

Fans of the TI-83 Plus handheld will be happy to hear that Texas Instruments has added more memory and speed, not to mention a silver metallic case. The Silver Edition features 1.5 megabytes of Flash ROM, 24K of RAM, and easier download and sharing capabilities with TI-GRAPH LINK for Windows. Additionally, the company has launched its Algebra Online Resource, which offers ready-to-use activities and lessons for algebra classes. Educators with a subscription to the company's Web site can download teaching activities, many of which incorporate the TI-83 Plus handheld. Membership rates range from $45 for an individual six-month subscription to $325 per year for up to six math teachers. (800) 842-2737

Thinking Economics

This new software program teaches old-economy rules with new-economy technology. The CD-ROM delivers curriculum using animation, audio, video, the Internet, and self-testing. Lab packs and site licenses are available. Thinking Economics (877) 321-7002

Tom Snyder Productions

Tom Snyder released Graph Master, a tool designed to help fourth- through eighth-grade students create nine different types of graphs. Additionally, Reading for Meaning, a Web-based software tool, is designed to target core reading skills for students in grades 3-8. With 35 lessons, complete with graphic organizers and literary passages, students practice skills covered on standardized tests. Subscription rates range from $59.95 per year for a single teacher to $349.95 for a site license. (800) 342-0236

Tool Factory

Tool Factory announced the launch of several new products appropriate for ages 7 and up. Expect to see Tool Factory Workshop, a software suite of word processing, spreadsheet, and administrative tools; Multimedia Lab Family; Junior Multimedia Lab; a downloadable picture library; and more this fall. (800) 220-8386

Trivision Technologies

Trivision just released EonCampus IS 1.0, a Web-based student management system that allows educators and administrators to track training curriculum, course enrollment, and credential management.

Tutor.Com

Students can now get live and real-time tutoring help at Tutor.com. The company recently launched Live Homework Help, a service that enables libraries to connect students instantly with tutors for online homework help. (212) 528-3101

Wisdom Tools

Wisdom Tools just completed A Community Response to Hate Scenario, a Web-based tool to teach students about diversity. Based on actual hate crimes, the scenario consists of three episodes that address discrimination and diversity, followed by discussion forums, instant surveys, online debates, and computer-aided quizzes. (812) 856-4200

World Book

World Book 2002 Premier Edition CD-ROM, a four-disc reference set that includes homework wizards, an archive of primary source historical documents, and additional content from the Discovery Channel, is now available. (800) WORLDBK

Yearbook Interactive

Yearbook Interactive has developed authoring software for students to produce dynamic multimedia yearbooks on CD-ROM. (877) 463-6924

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