The International Society for Technology in Education held its annual conference in Denver from June 27 to June 30. ISTE 2010, formerly known as NECC, is the same premier event that has had edtech professionals worldwide returning year after year. This year’s social-media advocacy included a Tweeting for Education Technology campaign that sent 1,600 messages to Congress; an ISTE Advocacy YouTube Channel; and the campaign “Top Ten in ’10: ISTE’s Education Technology Priorities for 2010.” Following are some highlights from the show floor.
DYMO/MIMIO INTERACTIVE TEACHING TECHNOLOGIES
(www.mimio.dymo.com) launched the MimioClassroom product suite, an integrated, easy-to-use suite of interactive teaching tools and services, including teacherfriendly interactive whiteboard devices, student assessment systems, document cameras, accessories, and software.
LEXIA LEARNING
(www.lexialearning.com) launched Lexia Reading Version 7.0, which offers age-appropriate support for the development of critical reading skills. Version 7.0 features new progressmonitoring tools that will give educators longitudinal, standards-based data on students’ mastery of reading skills.
TEXTHELP SYSTEMS
(www.text help.com) announced the newest release of its literacy support software solution, Read&Write 4 GOLD for Mac, which includes new features like Screenshot Reader, Screen Masking, a MOBILE USB version, and Feature Video Tours.
LEARNING.COM
Learning.comintroduced the inSky Provider Program, a network of companies that use key features in the Sky digital-learning environment, such as single sign-on, to enhance their users’ experience.
SHMOOP
(www.shmoop.com) announced the public beta test for Shmoop Economics, a free online resource that uses humor, current events, pop-culture references, and games to capture student interest.
SMART TECHNOLOGIES
(www.smarttech.com) announced the fourth-generation SMART Board 600i series interactive-whiteboard system. Available in both standard and wide-screen, it features an extended control panel and an integrated short-throw projector that is 3D-ready and has a longer lamp life.
MAPS101
(www.maps101.com) demonstrated its online K-12 map and geography resources, including the new Bing Maps search feature, the recently added Spanish Language Content, and the National Geographic collection.
ATOMIC LEARNING
(www. atomiclearning.com) has just released more than 950 new training tutorials, including training on Google SketchUp 7, OneNote 2010, Word 2010, Photoshop CS5, Flash CS5, and Excel 2010. Of special note are the new iPad and iPod touch series, including the iPad as an i-Reader: An Orientation for Educators and Tech Integration Project: Budgeting Basics 101—Money & Notes apps for the iPhone and iPod touch.
LG
(www.lgsolutions.com) showed off its latest Network Monitors, digital signage, LCD displays, and projector solutions. LG’s Network Monitor solution provides a virtual-desktopcomputing option that is available in both 11- and 31-monitor (model N+) configurations.
AMX
The AMX SchoolView solution (www.amx.com) is a hardware and software package that permits a district administrator to manage a school or an entire district from one location. Campus administrators and teachers can control the programmed features of SchoolView through a small touch-panel unit.
NETTREKKER
(www.nettrekker.com) launched a new version of its search tool, renamed netTrekker Search, which offers separate interfaces for teachers and students and a series of customizing options.
POLYVISION
(www.polyvision.com) released eno one, a comprehensive classroom solution that combines the e¯no classic interactive whiteboard, multimedia short-throw projector, lessondevelopment software, and eno stylus in one package.
HATCH®
(www.hatchearlychildhood.com) introduced the iStartSmart™ All-in-One Computer Learning System, which combines researchbased adaptive teaching technology with automated progress tracking and is designed to increase school-readiness skills through research-based activities and provide monitoring through individualized performance reports.
TEXAS INSTRUMENTS
(www.ti.com) introduced the TI-Nspire with touch-pad graphing calculator, designed to enable students to take a more active role in their learning. The handheld calculator features a streamlined keypad and an alpha keyboard, an enhanced home screen, a scratch pad, and extended battery life. Also demonstrated was the TI-Nspire Navigator wireless classroom network system, which enables interactive, collaborative classrooms. The system connects TI-Nspire handheld calculators to teachers’ computers and projectors.
PREMIER MOUNTS
(www.premiermounts.com) unveiled new mounting products for K–12 classrooms, including the first projector wall mount with an integrated audio system.
COMPASS LEARNING
(www.compasslearning.com) has added Odyssey Community and four new high-school electives to its Odyssey software suite. Odyssey Community is a social-media tool that facilitates online conversations to improve studentteacher interactions within a safe, secure environment. Teachers and students will be able to access Odyssey Community through the CompassLearning Odyssey log-in.
CISCO
(www.cisco.com) demonstrated its Connected Physical Security technology, as well as its broad portfolio of Connected Learning solutions, including video-enabled teaching and learning, Web-based collaboration, and Cisco TelePresence systems. Schools in the United States and abroad have deployed Cisco’s Internet Protocol (IP)–based video surveillance, access control, and first-response communication technology over their existing networks to support their campus-safety operations.
PROMETHEAN
(www.promethean world.com) announced the Activ- Classroom in Motion, a 36-foot RV-style bus that has been transformed into an interactive classroom on wheels and is equipped with interactive whiteboards with projectors, handheld learnerresponse systems, and other supporting- technology products.
MERU NETWORKS
(www.meru networks.com) announced that more than 1,000 education customers have deployed its virtualized wireless LAN (WLAN) solution across North America, Europe, and Asia.
RENAISSANCE LEARNING™
(www.renlearn.com) announced a joint agreement with IGNITE! LEARNING™ (www.ignitelearning.com) that will enable students to use the 2Know!™ classroom response system and the NEO 2 student laptops to interact with Ignite! Learning’s assessments.
CHIEF
(www.chiefmfg.com) showcased classroom short-throwprojector- mount solutions at ISTE 2010. Several installer-inspired features ensure fast, trouble-free installation. An industry-first micro adjustment for height and leveling permit an installer to position the projector perfectly, regardless of the environment. A built-in telescoping extension of up to 54 inches (1.4 m) helps achieve precise image alignment. The innovative lateral-shift capability allows the mount to span several studs. Built-in cable management facilitates a clean and safe installation every time.
PANASONIC SYSTEM NETWORKS COMPANY OF AMERICA
(www.panasonic.com/psna) released the Panaboard UB-T880 interactive multimedia whiteboards that allow simultaneous operation by as many as three students, seamless fingertip or electronic pen drawing, and full-screen media display. Available in two screen sizes and aspect ratios.
MCGRAW-HILL EDUCATION
(www.mheducation.com) announced partnerships and products including the selection of M&A Technology to manufacture the new Companion Touch device, a collaboration with Learn360, and the launch of ConnectED, an online resource center.
PASCO SCIENTIFIC
PASCO SCIENTIFIC’s (www.pasco.com) SPARKvue data-collection and -analysis app is now optimized for the iPad. PASCO scientific also released MatchGraph for the iPhone 4.
EPSON AMERICA
(www.epson.com) announced the IU-01 interactive module for projectors. It connects directly to a Windows or Mac computer via USB and integrates interactive capabilities with any projector while eliminating the need to purchase and install dedicated interactive whiteboards.
PLATO LEARNING
(www.plato.com) announced the expansion of its curriculum offerings, including new Advanced Placement courses for accelerated students. This introduction marks the first time the company will offer AP courses as part of its expanded courseware for school districts.
FOLLETT SOFTWARE COMPANY
(www.follettsoftware.com) introduces Cognite, a digital learning environment that integrates discovery tools, retrieval, collaboration, and communication for students in K–12.
BRAINPOP
BRAINPOP’s (www.brainpop.com) free Featured Movie app has been made universal and can be downloaded from the iTunes store for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. The app delivers animated movies daily, with content relevant to historical and current events and an accompanying interactive quiz. BrainPOP ESL received the Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers.
DISCOVERY EDUCATION
(www.discoveryeducation.com) announced new agreements with the BBC, Smarterville/Reading Rainbow, CBS News, and others to expand its content libraries. In addition to many others, Disaster in the Gulf: A Race Against Time has been added to Discovery Education streaming.
HITACHI AMERICA, LTD.
(www.hitachi-soft.com) introduced the new StarBoard FXTRIO-77 interactive whiteboard, which allows three users to write on the board at once. Other features are 14 customizable buttons; an electronicsfree surface that works even if scratched or dented; and control by means of a finger, a stylus, or an electronic pen. New software version 9.2, featuring redesigned icons, menus, and a more intuitive graphic interface, has been released for Windows and Mac.
FUJITSU
(solutions.us.fujitsu.com) demonstrated the new LifeBook PH520 ultra-portable notebook and the recently introduced LifeBook T730 multi-touch-screen convertible tablet PC, enhanced professional-development services, and new data-center options, including cloud computing.
CTB/MCGRAW-HILL
CTB/MCGRAW-HILL launched the CTB Online Reporting System, a dynamic Web-based solution that enables educators to generate customized, real-time assessment profiles of students, classrooms, or schools. The system is available now for TerraNova™, Third Edition and InView™, and Primary Test of Cognitive Skills™ (PTCS™) and will be offered with other CTB assessment systems later this year.
MICROSOFT
(www.microsoft.com) continued to add educator-friendly features to its search engine, Bing (bing.com), such as Related Searches and Microsoft® Photosynth technology.
CRICK SOFTWARE
CRICK SOFTWARE’s (www.crick soft.com) writing support software, WriteOnline, now includes WorkSpace, at visual mind-mapping tool that enables students to organize their thoughts and ideas into diagrammatic format before they start to write.
LIVESCRIBE
The LIVESCRIBE Pulse smart pen (www.livescribe.com) is a computer in a pen that captures everything you write and hear. Use it for pen-casting, capturing ink and audio as a flash movie that you can post for public or private viewing.
BRETFORD MANUFACTURING, INC.
(www.bretford.com) announced the launch of an “Oldest Product” video competition, the winner of which will receive a full room of furniture for 30 students or professionals. The company also showed off a new RHOMBII flat-panel lectern, a Juice Power System and Book and Utility Trucks.
INFOSNAP
(www.infosnap.com/m/home), provider of online admission and registration solutions designed for pre K–12 schools, demonstrated its Web-based solutions and discussed client successes.
FARONICS
(http://readytodobattle.com/hero) released Faronics Anti- Virus—an integrated solution that combines anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-rootkit technology to provide a coordinated, pre-emptive response to advanced malware. It also integrates with Faronics Deep Freeze, their system restore solution, so anti-virus updates can be applied even while computers are protected in a Frozen state.
WATERFORD INSTITUTE
WATERFORD INSTITUTE’s Interactive Whiteboard Lessons (www.waterford.org) provide teachers with easy-to-use tools for group and classroom early literacy instruction. Incorporating the songs, books and characters of Waterford Early Reading, these 29 lessons assist in teaching literacy concepts.
LIGHTSPEED SYSTEMS
(www.lightspeedsystems.com) demonstrated My Big Campus, which offers a collection of user-submitted online resources and a suite of collaboration tools integrated into the Web filter to help schools streamline IT administration, protect students and the network, enforce acceptable-use policies, and maintain regulatory compliance.
CTB/MCGRAW-HILL (www.ctb.com) and PROMETHEAN (www.prometheanworld.com) announced an alliance linking the Promethean ActivExpression Learner Response Devices (“clickers”) to CTB’s Acuity UnWired® InFormative Assessment solution. Students take tests with the wireless ActivExpression, and Acuity UnWired instantly displays their responses and percentage of correct answers.
SERIF
(www.serif.com/iste) introduced an expanded Design Suite of integrated software programs that adds MoviePlus and Digital Scrapbook Artist to the core package of DrawPlus, WebPlus, PagePlus, PhotoPlus, and Teacher Resources. Serif also offered advice on how to integrate creative digital design projects into lesson plans.
GAGGLE
(www.gaggle.net) announced a collection of new online collaboration tools, Gaggle Apps, which are designed to help schools safely incorporate social networking and YouTube videos into education.
TEL.A.VISION
(telavision.tv) founder George Johnson spoke on “The Power of Creating Vision Videos with Students” at the Digital Storytelling Special Interest Group. He shared stories and examples of how “vision videos” have helped students make transitions in their lives. Also discussed were recent discoveries in neuroplasticity studies that show that one can change the structure and function of one’s brain with thoughts.
