Technology & Learning - October 2008 - (Page 26)

PRODUCTREVIEWS PRODUCT: TIMELINER XE www.tomsnyder.com Retail Price: $99 one computer; $2,600 unlimited site license can use TimeLiner XE to show the timeline and add graphics of all the people that were involved in this evolution. In a computer application class, the teacher can show the development of the computer over the last 200 years. There are many other possible uses for this graphical timeline software for any curriculum. PROS: The program is available in English and Spanish. The files can be saved as pdf files, Web sites, graphic references from the Web, or can be presented as a slideshow. The tutorials are excellent. CONS: None. OVERALL IMPRESSION: This program impresses for several reasons. First, it is very easy to use. Second, it automatically sites resources used off the Internet. Third, it saves files as pdf files. All of these make this program a good choice for schools in that it teaches good copyright practices and the proper way to save documents. DESCRIPTION: Software program for producing graphical sequences of history in all subject areas. HOW TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM: When discussing the development of atomic theory in a science class, the teacher PRODUCT: FUJITSU LIFEBOOK www.shopfujitsu.com Retail Price: $1,399 DESCRIPTION: Tablet PC. HOW TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM: Tablet PCs like the LifeBook for staff are a good choice over standard laptops. They are good for presentations with a lower cost of ownership than standard laptops, and can take the place of several pieces of technology in the classroom, such as computers, interactive tablets, and interactive whiteboards. By adding Microsoft’s OneNote (standard as part of Office 2007 professional), students can easily take notes on the Tablet. They can incorporate text, graphics, video—even the instructor’s audio—all into one document. PROS: The built-in Web cam allows the teacher to do Web videoconferencing directly with the LifeBook. Using Windows Vista, the instructor can display an image of a map or a diagram of an animal and make notations directly on the image using the tools in the Tablet PC. This new file can then be saved as a new image that includes the teacher’s notes from class and either printed or posted on a class Web site. A teacher could also include this new image in a video blog of the day’s class activities. The LifeBook’s drive shock protection and non-glare screen would allow students to use this in an outdoor lab or while walking around the library. Administrators could use it in a cafeteria or hall to access the school’s SIS. These same features would make it good for a teacher to take on a field trip with a broadband connection card to connect remotely to the school’s SIS in case of an emergency. CONS: The short battery life means one would need at least 4 batteries for the average school day. The way the screen locks is a longevity concern for the requirements of the K-12 classroom. The fingerprint sign-in will be a problem with some parents. OVERALL IMPRESSION: It is a good value for a tablet computer of this speed and memory. Generally, the tablet is rugged enough to stand up to the abuse of a K-12 classroom. 26 | TECH & LEARNING http://www.tomsnyder.com http://www.shopfujitsu.com

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

Technology & Learning - October 2008 Contents Editor’s Desk News & Trends We All Stream for Video Put to the Test Special Needs Guide to Tech Products The New Rules of Copyright Picture Perfect What’s New Leader of the Year Profile

Technology & Learning - October 2008

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