District Administration - June 2012 - (Page 78)

newproducts • • Courtney Williams The laTesT in hardware, sofTware, Books & MaTerials, faciliTies and The inTerneT K12 respondents report that an average of 30 percent of their new data-center purchasing is green, and 64 percent see cloud computing as an energy-efficient approach to IT.– Source: CDW-G’s Energy Efficient IT Report (2012) Bretford PowerSync Tray for iPad, $999 This new product from Bretford, available exclusively through Apple, allows educators to charge and sync up to 10 iPads at once. Users can move selected apps, books, videos and more to each iPad. By connecting multiple trays, users can sync up to 30 iPads on a single USB port. Other features include a security lid with a user-programmable security lock, and a laser-cut numbering system to keep iPads organized. School SpecIalty Full Option Science System, 3rd ed., $500; volume discounts available FOSS is an inquiry-based science program for elementary school students that allows them to discover ideas on their own by taking notes, asking questions and making observations. The third edition focuses on active learning and helping students develop critical thinking skills. Modules are available for physical, life and Earth sciences. FOSS was developed at the University of California at Berkeley. School Improvement network LiveBook, $34.95; LivePlanner, $175; site licensing also available School Improvement Network has released two new online professional development tools—LiveBook and LivePlanner— to help educators prepare for the transition to the Common Core State Standards. Mapping to the Core by Heidi Hayes Jacobs, author and expert in curriculum mapping, is the first LiveBook available. It can be updated by the author to keep the text relevant, and educators can write notes, share ideas and influence the development of the text. LivePlanner provides tools to create customized curriculum maps that support teachers in aligning their lessons to the Common Core. follett Software company Destiny 10.1, contact Follett for pricing With this updated version of Destiny, a library management system, educators can seamlessly integrate with other Follett products, including Titlewave, a collection development and management tool, and Aspen, a student information system. Other updated features include integration with FollettShelf, which allows students to browse Follett’s eBook collection, check out eBooks using a digital reader application, and read on a tablet, laptop or PC. Existing Destiny users with current technical support receive the upgrade for free. archIpelago learnIng Study Island, pricing varies Archipelago Learning has added new features to its popular online platform Study Island, which provides instructional content, practice exercises, assessment and reporting aligned to state standards in all content areas and grade levels. The new Teacher Toolkit facilitates access to the platform’s extensive library of resources, including lesson plans, animated lessons, virtual science labs, teacher videos, project-based learning activities and Khan Academy videos. 78 June 2012 District Administration

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - June 2012

District Administration - June 2012
Contents
From the Editor
News update
Arts update
District Profile
Administrator Profile
Geography Ed for a Flat World
Her Own Brand of Education Reform
Finding a Cure for Senioritis
Principals as Instructional Leaders
CIO news
One Tablet Per Child?
Changing Lives With Assistive Technology
Going Mobile
Student Counsel
New Directions
Product Focus
New Products
Online Edge

District Administration - June 2012