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September 15, 2002
What's New
By Troy Watson
Hardware
Network Tools
NetSupport has released version 4.5 of its NetSupport TCO asset management software, which allows teachers and administrators to execute and distribute software to multiple PCs, track laptop and software inventory, restrict software applications to keep students from playing unauthorized games, block Web sites during certain times, and monitor Web site usage. New features include unattended software installation, custom reporting, and remote client deployment. NetSupport, 6815 Shiloh Rd., Ste. A-7, Alpharetta, GA 30005; (888) 665-0808
Volera offers Excelerator, a content networking platform designed to increase Web infrastructure speed, reliability, and flexibility. In addition to speeding up Web site downloading times, the software intercepts requests on the way to an organization's Web server and then supplies frequently requested content from cache. Volera, 2211 N. First St., San Jose, CA 95131; (800) 219-1800
Scanners
Epson has announced its new suite of scanners: the Epson Perfection 2400 PHOTO, the Epson Perfection 1660 PHOTO, and the Epson Perfection 1260 PHOTO. The models offer 48-bit color depth and four-button automated scanning for scanning images into preprogrammed applications (start, scan to Web, copy, and e-mail). All Epson Perfection scanners include Epson Smart Panel software, with new features including the ability to scan to handheld devices and to Print Image Matching-enabled devices for better color accuracy. $129-$229. Epson, 150 River Oaks Pkwy., San Jose, CA 95134; (800) 228-3964
Science Tools
Ken-A-Vision has released "The Professor," a new microscope for younger students that features 40X, 100X, and 200X magnification with a 10X eyepiece, shock-resistant construction, and non-removable parts. The microscope, which runs on AA batteries and a 10-watt light source, also comes bundled with a set of experiments for exploring microscopic images. $50. Ken-A-Vision, 5615 Raytown Rd., Kansas City, MO 64133; (800) 627-1953
Software
Assessment
TaskStream has introduced the Standards Manager, a Web-based tool for administrators, educators, and preservice teachers to track completed student work against a designated set of teaching and learning standards. Using this application, educators can create a target list detailing all the standards that must be addressed by the end of the school year, and then track progress at the individual level, across a grade level, or across a discipline. TaskStream, LLC, 242 West 36th St., New York, NY 10018; (212) 868-2717
Vantage Learning has released version 8.0 of its IntelliMetric automated essay-scoring engine, which scores and assesses students' competency in a range of subjects using artificial intelligence technology. The new version incorporates several advances, including detailed line-by-line student writing feedback and feedback on several different dimensions of writing ranging from organization to mechanics. IntelliMetric 8.0 also offers improved "legitimacy detection," which helps educators determine if scores are based on legitimate submission from students. Vantage Learning, 113 Floral Vale Blvd., Yardley, PA 19076; (215) 579-8390
Reference
Microsoft has launched Encarta Reference Library 2003, offering new features that include Homework Center, Literature Guides, Book of Quotes, Chart Maker, and Project Starters-all tools designed to help students research and organize assignments and gain insight into the most commonly read works of literature. $75. Microsoft, 1 Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399; (800) 892-5234
Security
Asynchrony has released PDA Defense, a security application that protects information stored on Palm OS, Pocket PC, and Blackberry devices. Designed to secure five primary applications (Address Book, Date Book, To Do List, Memo Pad, and Mail), the program offers data encryption, auto-lock setting, and password protection. PDA Defense Standard: $19.95. PDA Defense Professional: $29.95. Asynchrony, Inc., 1709 Washington Ave., Ste. 200, St. Louis, MO 63103; (314) 436-3101
Training
Curriculum Associates now offers training for its products through CA101, free online training modules that consist of downloadable handouts, Flash-supported audio/visual presentations, and multiple-choice "Test Yourself" quizzes. Currently CA101 provides help to educators with Student Behavior Intervention Planner, a program that allows all school staff to collectively report on a student's behavior. Curriculum Associates, 153 Rangeway Rd., North Billerica, MA 01862; (800) 225-0248
MINDS and The Management Council of the Ohio Education Computer Network have partnered to provide free professional development content delivered over the Internet. "Training Tuesdays Programs" are one hour in length and include such topics as national goals for technology integration, e-learning, virtual private networks, and interactive learning. Training sessions can be accessed on designated Tuesdays through the MCOECN Web site. MINDS, 37562 Hills Tech Dr., Farmington Hills, MI 48331; (248) 489-8400
Videos
United Learning has announced the addition of 436 titles to its video library from such content providers as Sunburst Communications, Environmental Media, Rainbow Educational Media, Weston Woods, and the California Institute of Technology. United Learning's core-curriculum content can be delivered via VHS, video-on-demand streaming, and video-on-demand downloading. United Learning, 1560 Sherman Ave., Ste. 100, Evanston, IL 60201; (800) 323-9084
Web Sites
BrainPOP, maker of animated math, science, health, and technology movies for kids, now offers animated shorts that cover the middle school English curriculum. Topics include The Writing Process, Parts of Speech, and Similes and Metaphors. One-year subscription for schools: $135.
Power to Learn's newly redesigned site provides standards-based content, collaborative learning opportunities, and educational games for enhancing classroom activity. The site also features school-to career resources, Web publishing tools, lesson plans, grade-specific information, and discussion forums.
Dates & Events
September 23-25:
Online Learning Conference, Anaheim, Calif.
September 29-October 1:
National Quality Education Conference, Columbus, Ohio.
October 3-5:
National Tech Prep Network Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio.
October 9-12:
Second Annual Conference on Teacher Induction and Mentoring, Arlington, Va.
October 10:
Tech Forum, New York, N.Y. (T&L-sponsored event)
October 10-12:
National Association of State Boards of Education Annual Conference, San Diego, Calif.
October 11-13:
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Conference on Teaching & Learning Standards, New Orleans, La.
October 24-26:
Computer-Using Educators Fall Conference, Sacramento, Calif.
November 13-15:
National School Boards Association's Technology + Learning Conference, Dallas, Texas.
December 3-6:
International Conference on Computers in Education, Auckland, New Zealand.
Technology & Learning Wins Community Service Award
Technology & Learning and its parent company, CMP Media LLC, were recently honored with the William D. Littleford Award for corporate community service from American Business Media. The award celebrates T&L and CMP's long-standing relationship with the Malcolm X Academy, a K-5 school in the Bayview-Hunters Point district of San Francisco. Over the past five years, CMP staffers have enjoyed spending time with the kids, tutoring, giving art lessons, coaching basketball and other sports, participating in holiday read-alongs, and hosting students at our offices for job shadowing days. A highlight for both kids and adults was the e-mail pen pal program, which allowed each participant an "insider's" view of the other's world.
Correction
The Skills Evaluation and graph on page 22 of "The Administrator's Guide to Data-Driven Decision Making" (June 2002) was developed and written by Doug Johnson. For the most recent version of these technology skill assessments, visit their Web site.
The rubrics featured in our June issue also form the basis of Johnson's new book, The Indispensable Teacher's Guide to Computer Skills, 2nd edition, which delivers tools for staff development planning, in-service training and evaluation, and over 40 additional rubrics designed to gauge educator effectiveness of computer and information technology. Written for the preservice teacher as well as the seasoned administrator, the book also includes portfolio ideas and teaching tips. $37.95. Linworth Publishing, 480 E. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. L, Worthington, OH 43085; (800) 786-5017
Troy Watson, an instructional technology major at California State University, Chico, was Technology & Learning's summer intern.
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