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December 15, 2006 2006 Awards of EXCELLENCE WinnersKristen Kennedy, Paul Jackson, and the T&L editors Page 3MATH AND SCIENCEEasyLink Quality math and science tools are always popular with judges, and this year was no exception. Vernier products always rank among the best of breed, and EasyLink adds another quality product to the list. EasyLink allows any of several Vernier probes to be connected to the widely-used TI-84 graphing calculator. Its simplicity and good design left judges nearly speechless. "It's seamless, inexpensive, and it works-there's nothing to review!" If you are in the tech business, you know speechless is a good thing. FLY Through Math Judges quickly warmed to the "innovative and interactive" pentop computer and math skill-building exercises that comprise the FLY Through Math system. Using optical character recognition capabilities, the computerized FLY PEN guides students through multiplication and division problems using the system's Math Pad and cartridges that generate challenging problems. Best of all, judges thought that the system's "cool" factor would appeal to those who may not think that math is that cool. Nutshell Math Nutshell Math supplements commonly used math textbooks with online tutorials, exercises, and practice quizzes. Simply choose your textbook, select a page number, and the program generates exercises and Flash-enabled video lectures that correspond with in-class instruction. One judge noted that "students who learn visually will appreciate reviewing lectures on video." Added another judge, "students can work independently on problems and then see their teacher when they need extra help," offering teachers an opportunity to deliver more targeted instruction. PASPORT Airlink SI This product received several rave reviews from our panel. Specifically, the Airlink is a Bluetooth adapter that allows PASPORT scientific probes to connect wirelessly with a host computer/ PDA. The judges found the adapter to be seamless, so seamless in fact that they had more time to play with the probe itself. Judges comments included, "cutting edge," "a brilliant tool," "very easy to use," and "loved it!" Pearson PASeries Algebra I PASeries Algebra I delivers state-standards correlated online assessments of student math skills. The judges particularly appreciated the program's test banks that could be used "as-is" in the classroom for immediate use and evaluation. Students will like the program's full-color test items, images, and manipulatives that guide them through the test-taking process. PLATO Earth and Space Science "Well-structured lessons," an "inviting interface," and thoughtful pacing all made this Web-based middle school science curriculum a favorite with the judges. Lessons begin with Planet Earth and conclude with a timely emphasis on Ecology and Natural Resources. Throughout these interactive, informational chapters, problem-solving applications and quizzes assess students' comprehension. One judge said the supplementary tool could "help students better understand what was explained in class" by reinforcing key concepts with interesting and engaging illustrations and examples. MULTIDISCIPLINARYGeeART16 Judges were captivated by geeART's Flash-enhanced animated lessons in art history and appreciation that challenge students to think about art across the curriculum and in their everyday lives. One judge wrote, "It's like watching a Pixar movie about art!" Just follow Furnace, the polar bear program guide, through structured lessons, assessment modules, and open-ended self-expression activities for an online exploration of personal creativity. Lesson Accelerators Judges were drawn to these ready-to-go, curriculum-based technology projects. Download lessons from the Web, and you'll have a complete sequence for teaching students how to design a PowerPoint presentation on Africa or create a classical mix for music class using iTunes. Each lesson includes an activity guide, assessment indicators, a sample completed project, and a Flash or QuickTime video that guides students through the process of using commonly available computer applications in a wide range of disciplines. PowerMediaPlus.com "I wish they had this when I was growing up!" wrote one judge about this powerful content delivery program. Combining digital images, video, audio, text, podcasts, lesson plans, and worksheets, PowerMedia Plus draws from the content assets of more than 30 publishers to deliver an online library of curriculum materials. Teachers enjoyed exploring the program's content as well as its applications in courses across the curriculum, noting the service's "powerful key search feature" that allows them to find, create, and manage the best media for teaching a wide range of subjects.
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