Products

March 2012, What’s New

2/29/2012 By:

Absolute Software has introduced theft recovery services for Android Tablets, via their Computrace Mobile product. It is a new service that makes it easier to secure these devices, and allow IT managers to activate security options including data freeze, data delete and geofencing to protect data stored on the device.

Brainchild’s new Achiever! app is designed for elementary and middle school students and has state specific and Common Core content available. The app delivers a full range of standards-based instruction and assessment on the iPad for Math and Language arts. Study mode provides immediate feedback for incorrect answers and allows students to work through problems until they get the answer correct.

PCI Education introduces Algebra City, a blended intervention program that focuses on the 28 most common algebraic misconceptions. Aligned to the Common Core State Standards, Algebra City is a four-part series, with each book covering seven misconceptions. The series is divided into Algebra Essentials, Equations & Inequalities, Graphing, and Polynomials & Factoring.

ASCD has released seven new PD Online courses to help support the implementation of the new Common Core State Standards. Three courses address integrating the new math standards, while the other four focus on implementing literacy standards across various academic subjects.

Atomic Learning has added new content to the online professional development collection, including an expansion of its iPad/ iPad2 training to support iOS 4 and iOS 5 users. The training covers the basic features and functions of iPads running iOS 5.

Cerebellum Corporation has released the Daily Planet: Social Studies Series and the Daily Planet: Physical Science Series. The Daily Planet DVD programs supplement science and STEM curricula.

School Improvement Network has updated its Common Core solution suite, Common Core 360. The new Learning Progression Tool helps educators implement the Common Core Standards and allows educators to browse the Standards for lesson planning, curriculum alignment, and special education planning.

Crestron Electronics enables control and monitoring of entertainment systems, lighting, shades, multi-room audio/video, heating/cooling, security, and more. The company recently released control solutions for Apple devices, including the iPhone and iPad.

Dreambox Learning Math features more than 100 new lessons for a total of over 600 lessons aligned to the Common Core State Standards, including in-depth fractions coverage for third and fourth grades, and virtual manipulatives for K-5.

eScholar myTrack facilitates collaborative goal planning. The platform allows educators to gain an individualized and a holistic view of each student, including her unique needs, deficiencies, and possible areas of improvement based on information.

Evernote for Schools offers online access to materials created for educators and a discussion forum. The site features videos, how-tos, guides, and case studies created specifically for the K12 community.

GradeCam announces a free formative application that automates multiple-choice test scoring and provides teachers with immediate feedback on the learning in progress in their classrooms. The Web-based program works with a standard web or document camera to quickly grade multiple-choice tests at no cost.

Super Duper Publications has released Language LAB , a new response to intervention (RTI) program designed to help elementary school students in grades K-4 improve their English language skills.

The MimioStudio Activity Wizard allows teachers to generate exercises targeted for specific ages and grade levels, across core subjects. The Wizard automatically populates the activity template with relevant facts from an extensive knowledge engine.

Novachi has launched Novachi 2.0, an Integrated Education System that allows educators to select and integrate the systems they need for their curriculum. The software helps integrate SIS, LMS, CMS, ILS, SMS and other systems that generally don’t communicate out of the box.

PBS TeacherLine is launching “TECH570: Fundamentals of Virtual K-12 Learning,” a six-week online course that helps teachers prepare for virtual education. Teachers learn about online tools for virtual education, as well as the knowledge, strategies, and techniques to support student learning in an online environment.

Pearson has launched PowerSchool for Parents and PowerSchool for Students, two free apps for iOS mobile devices. The apps provide real-time access to attendance, grades, and assignments for schools that use PowerSchool, the Web-based student information system.

iSwifter Learn has unveiled new features for Rover for Education, an iPad app that streams Flashbased online learning classroom content from leading content providers. Now, teachers can automatically communicate with school IT administrators to ensure the school’s firewall is properly configured and meets the CIPA requirements.

Shmoop has released a new AP Environmental Science learning guide to help students prepare for the exam. Shmoop also introduces a college readiness guide, covering a range of topics to help students prepare for standardized college entry exams. Shmoop guides offer humor and pop culture references to make studying a little more fun.

SonicWALL has announced the Mobile Connect App, now available in the Apple App Store. The app enables anytime, anywhere secure remote access and connectivity from Apple devices to all network resources.

The new integration between Herff Jones/ Nystrom’s StrataLogica software and 800 Series SMART board interactive whiteboards allows users to pick up digital pens to mark routes and add labels and then save the markings directly in StrataLogica. Built on the Google Earth API, StrataLogica is a Webbased product that delivers 2D and 3D layers of curriculum-based content in a collaborative learning environment.

CTB/McGraw-Hill has launched TerraNova Common Core, a newly developed national achievement test that represents the only field-tested, valid, and authentic measure of the Common Core State Standards. It is available in the subjects of reading, English language arts, and mathematics for Grades 3-8.

Texthelp Systems has announced the newest release of its literacy support software program, Read&Write GOLD 5 for Mac. The program offers a customizable toolbar that integrates with common applications, including Microsoft Word and Apple Pages. The company has also partnered with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to offer speech-enabled support for HMH Social Studies Series, with Texthelp’s literacy and language support technology, SpeechStream.

Intel (www.intel.com) helps lighten students’ backpacks with the Classmate PC, a rugged and student-friendly laptop that offers up to 10 hours of battery life and enhanced educational software for collaborative learning. It also includes eBooks, math, science, games, and art activities.

Epson (www.epson.com) has introduced the PowerLite 470, 475W, 480, and 485W— four bright and easy-to-install ultra-short throw projectors designed for the K-12 classroom. The projectors deliver comprehensive connectivity, including HDMI, and lower height requirements for mounting in classrooms with low ceilings.

Panasonic (http://www.panasonic.com/business/projectors/) has introduced the compact PT-LW25H Series portable LCD projectors. The series offers brightness up to 3,000 lumens and simple setup for classroom use.

Wyse Technology (www.wyse.com) introduces the E02 zero client, designed specifically to work with Windows MultiPoint Server 2011. The client offers a low cost alternative for sharing technology. Teachers connect the devices to the server via Ethernet cabling and the system starts up within minutes.

The 2.78 pound HP Mini 1104 (www.hp.com) is ideal for students, teachers, and administrators. Its 10.1-inch screen (measured diagonally) and 93 percent full-size keyboard make it great for students and staff on the go. Additional key features include up to 9 hours of battery life and a dual-core Intel Atom Processor N2600 for reduced power consumption.

KarbonStream (www.karbonstream.com) has launched KarbonPad, a write-on tablet that makes it easier to collect, analyze, and use data. It measures 14.5 inches by 10.5 inches, and weighs a light 2.2 pounds. No special equipment is needed—only ordinary paper, pens, pencils and erasers are used.

ELMO USA ’s (www.elmousa.com) Student Response System features a remote clicker for each student to participate in quizzes and interactive lessons. The clickers instantly record student responses, and allow teachers to assess their classroom and individual student performances.

The Casio (www.casioprojector.com) SLIM Series has been enhanced with six updated models: the XJ-A141, XJ-A146, XJ-A241, XJ-A246, XJ-A251, and XJ-A256. Weighing in at only five pounds, the new SLIM projectors are 1.7 inches high, making them the thinnest high brightness projectors on the market.

Userful (www.userful.com) and HP have developed a low-cost Linux thin client solution. The technology, called Userful MultiSeat, combines Userful software with the HP t200 thin client and a regular PC to truly redefine the cost of a full featured high performance computer.

Vernier Software & Technology (www.vernier.com) has developed new lab equipment and sensor technology for use in the science classroom. The Projectile Launcher and Polarizer/Analyzer Set help students investigate physics concepts, while the Constant Current System and Chemical Polarimeter aid students in chemistry experiments.

Hitachi America (www.hitachi.com) has announced the introduction of its CP-A301N (left), CP-AW251N and CP-A221N ultra short throw 3LCD projectors. All three models can project an 80-inch image at just nine inches from the front of the projector, making them ideal for use in classrooms, conference rooms, and applications where space is limited yet where bright, clear image quality is required.

Optoma (www.optomausa.com) has added interactive capabilities to its TW610STi short throw projector. The projector has been outfitted with PointBlank technology to deliver an interactive presentation environment without the additional investment and equipment. The TW610STi is 3D-capable in 720p HD and offers both PC-free operation through its USB port and remote command and control via Crestron RoomView technology.