Technology & Learning - September 2008 - (Page 22)

PRODUCTREVIEWS PRODUCT: MICROSOFT EXPRESSION STUDIO 2 www.microsoft.com/expression Price: $110 educational pricing for Expression Studio through CCV Software. Web 2, Blend 2, Media 2, and Encoder 2 can be purchased separately; Design 2 is only available as part of Expression Studio. DESCRIPTION: A primarily Windows-based suite of highend Web design tools, including: Expression Web 2 (Web site design and graphical Web page editing); Expression Blend 2 (Interactive WYSIWYG design tool with support for Silverlight, Microsoft’s new cross-platform, crossbrowser interactive presentation technology plug-in); Expression Design 2 (an illustration application), and more. HOW TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM: Suitable for advanced Web design classes in high school. PROS: The suite of products works together to produce engaging, interactive Web sites. The Expression Web 2 interface not only sports a conventional program menu and button-rich toolbar, it also includes six commonly used Task Panes visible in 4 windows. The graphical editor lets you see how your page will look as you build it, but you can switch to Code view if you want to adjust specifics or go the Split view route to edit in both modes simultaneously. Web editor checks spelling as you type. Includes several great-looking Web site and page templates. CONS: Microsoft Expression Web 2 does not work on Mac. Pages created using Dynamic templates do not work with Safari. OVERALL IMPRESSION: Expression Studio 2 may be too advanced for younger grades. There is a document titled "Learning Guide for Expression Web" available at https://www.academicresource center.net/curriculum/pfv.aspx? ID=7208. The companion "Your Learning Guide to Expression Web Tutorial" can be downloaded from https://www.academic resourcecenter.net/curriculum/ pfv.aspx?ID=7357. The curriculum and its companion tutorial are geared to high school students interested in learning the basics of Web design. Both require about 10-15 hours of class time to complete. It is possible that students in grades 5-8 could also work through the sample curriculum to strengthen their Web design skills. But you would need to allow more time for instruction. PRODUCT: EDUGRADER www.edugrader.com Retail Price: $24.99 DESCRIPTION: This combination ink pen and electronic grading tool marks paper-based assignments and tests with comments you write, while keeping track of the final score as you mark the work. HOW TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM: Teachers program the pen for highest possible score by entering that number in the non-illuminated LCD window. They grade the work by pressing the error button each time there’s a mistake and can add bonus points for extra work. The pen displays the final score in percent. It also shows number of points awarded for correct answers, the number of points deducted for wrong answers, and maximum points possible. PROS: The pen automatically calculates the score in percent while keeping track of right and wrong answers. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and uses relatively inexpensive common button cell batteries and ink cartridges. CONS: The pen clip isn’t really designed for use on a lanyard, and it’s a bit bulky to hold. It doesn’t just power on with a simple click. OVERALL IMPRESSION: The Edugrader pen is very useful for teachers who must grade printed tests. It’s a number cruncher made in heaven. 22 | TECH & LEARNING http://www.microsoft.com/expression https://www.academicresourcecenter.net/curriculum/pfv.aspx?ID=7208 https://www.academicresourcecenter.net/curriculum/pfv.aspx?ID=7208 https://www.academicresourcecenter.net/curriculum/pfv.aspx?ID=7357 https://www.academicresourcecenter.net/curriculum/pfv.aspx?ID=7357 https://www.academicresourcecenter.net/curriculum/pfv.aspx?ID=7357 http://www.edugrader.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Technology & Learning - September 2008

Technology & Learning 9/08 Contents Editor’s Desk News & Trends Put to the Test Lessons on Leadership What, You Worry? Back Office Business How to Get your MEd Online What’s New Student Response Systems Get Smarter Leader of the Year Profile: She’s Got Game

Technology & Learning - September 2008

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