Hardware
Presentation Technology
The AMX Control System allows audio/video, environmental, and communications technologies including cameras, projectors, computers, lighting, and thermostats to be controlled using one user interface. More than 30 models are available; contact company for dealer information.
AMX Corporation, 3000 Research Dr., Richardson, TX 75082; (800) 222-0193;www.amx.com
PLUS Vision recently unveiled its thinnest projectors (1.38 inches high): the 800-lumen V3-111 SVGA and the 1000-lumen V3-131 XGA. Both models feature a 2,000-to-1 contrast ratio, password security protection, and support for the latest video standards. V3-111: $1,595. V3-131: $2,295.
PLUS Vision, 9610 SW Sunshine Court, Ste. 800, Beaverton, OR 97005; (800) 211-9001;www.plus-america.com
Handhelds
A new version of the Sagebrush In-Hand handheld computer allows librarians to search, verify, and cross-check patron and collection data from anywhere in the building. Also, a new Misshelved Materials alert sounds whenever materials placed out of call number sequence are scanned by the device's built-in scanner. Version 3.1 is included with all new In-Hand computers; upgrades are available for $95.
Sagebrush Corporation, 3601 Minnesota Dr., Ste. 550, Minneapolis, MN 55435; (800) 533-5430;www.sagebrushcorp.com
Software
Assessment
Curriculum Associates has introduced a Web-based version of its Student Behavior Intervention Planner program, a subscription-based system that lets users track and analyze student behavior to meet IDEA mandates. Included in S-BIP Online are a variety of forms for incident observation, behavior analysis, discipline action plans, and more. Annual subscription: $199.95 per building. Volume discounts are available.
Curriculum Associates, 153 Rangeway Rd., North Billerica, MA 01862; (800) 225-0248;www.curricassoc.com/sbip
Communication
US Netcom has introduced PhoneMaster for Windows and Web Version 4.6, which allows users to record messages, make calls, create voice mail boxes, and build information lines. Other key features include the ability to use your computer's USB or serial cable to download contact information, e-mail text messaging, and powerful reporting features that provide proof of contact. Contact company for pricing information.
US Netcom Corporation, 710 South Maiden Lane, Joplin, MO 64801; (800) 695-7788;www.usnetcomcorp.com
Multimedia
Adobe Systems' new Creative Suite Premium Edition combines the company's creative professional software into a complete design environment. Included are all new full-version upgrades of Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and GoLive, Acrobat 6.0 Professional, and Version Cue, Adobe's new file version manager. A Standard Edition of Creative Suite, which does not include GoLive or Acrobat, is also available. Premium Edition: $1,229. Standard Edition: $549.
Adobe Systems, 345 Park Ave., San Jose, CA 95110; (800) 833-8867;www.adobe.com
XStandard from Belus Technology is a new WYSIWYG editor that generates clean XHTML markup, taking some of the difficulty out of building accessible Web sites. The program also has a Screen Reader preview that displays content in linear fashion, allowing authors to modify content for accessibility. XStandard is offered as freeware and shareware, and can be downloaded at xstandard.com/start.
Belus Technology, 550 Eglinton West, Toronto, Ontario, M5N 3A9 Canada;www.xstandard.com
IntelliTools' Classroom Suite combines three pre-K-8 classroom tools into a cross-platform, network-ready suite. The programs included are IntelliPics Studio 3, a multimedia presentation tool; IntelliMathics 3, a virtual math manipulatives tool; and IntelliTalk 3, a talking word processing tool. The suite is OS X compatible. Contact company for information about special introductory pricing.
IntelliTools, Inc., 1720 Corporate Circle, Petaluma, CA 94954; (800) 899-6687;www.intellitools.com
Reading
Merit Software has introduced Reading Comprehension Booster and Read and Respond Punch, two new reading skills programs. Reading Comprehension Booster features six levels that test and reinforce reading skills. Read and Response Punch combines reading comprehension and writing skills in three levels with both multiple-choice and essay questions to test comprehension. Both programs are available for Windows, and offer a Home version and tech support. Home version: $27. School version: Starts at $89.
Merit Software, 132 West 21 St., New York, NY 10011; (800) 753-6488;www.meritsoftware.com
Web Sites
Professional Development
A new online professional development resource from EdGate provides teachers with interactive technology training. Examples of online training activities include Using the Internet for Research, Curriculum Development and Technology Integration, and Teacher, Student, and Parent Communication. Annual subscription rate depends on the number of users; contact company for more information.
EdGate, 3214 50th St. Court NW, Ste. 200, Gig Harbor, WA 98335; (800) 873-1310;www.edgate.com
Scholastic Red is offering individual teacher subscriptions to its online professional development courses on reading instruction. The self-paced program addresses NCLB standards for early reading and includes lesson plans, graphic organizers, management tools, and reproducible student handouts. Teachers enrolled are eligible for graduate credits and continuing education units. Contact company for pricing information.
Scholastic Corporation, 557 Broadway, New York, NY 10012; (866) 888-5392;www.scholasticred.com
Books, Guides, & Videos
HelpDeskCards has added to its product line Microsoft Office 2003 DeskCards, reference cards that offer advanced tips and techniques on how to use the software in addition to basic facts for novice Office users. The complete DeskCard Library includes reference cards for over 50 applications and costs $500 for a campus-wide license. This includes Intranet hosting, unlimited printing, and distribution rights to all staff and students, plus one year of free updates.
HelpDeskCards, PO Box 3844, San Diego, CA 92163; (800) 335-0688;www.helpdeskcards.com
Viewpoints Research has released Powerful Ideas in the Classroom by B.J. Allen-Conn and Kim Rose, a how-to book that includes math and science projects children (grades 3-8) can undertake using Squeak, an open source media authoring tool. $18.95.
Viewpoints Research Institute, 1209 Grand Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91201;www.squeakland.org/sqmedia/sqmediahome.html
Schlessinger Media has announced the release of several new educational programs on DVD and VHS. New titles include Biomes Of the World in Action, Space Science for Children, Math for Children, Drug Education for Teens, and Greek Mythology for Students. Prices range from $29.95-$39.95.
Schlessinger Media, 7 East Wynnewood Rd., Wynnewood, PA 19096; (800) 843-3620;www.schlessinger.com
Dates & Events
January 22-24: Florida Educational Technology Conference, Orlando, Fla. www.fetc.org
January 26-28: Midwest Education Technology Conference, St. Louis, Mo. www.csd.org/metc2004
February 11-14: TI:ME National Music Technology Conference, San Antonio, Texas. www.ti-me.org
March 2-3: CoSN 9th Annual K-12 School Networking Conference, Arlington, Va. www.k12schoolnetworking.org
Read other articles from the January Issue
