District Administration - September 2007 - (Page 56)

NewProducts THE LATEST OFFERINGS IN HARDWARE, SOFTWARE and THE INTERNET • Carol Patton and Ken Royal AS GOOD AS A LAPTOP? Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC) devices are becoming an interesting option to consider for district 1:1 programs. DA shares a few of these alternatives to laptops for getting computing power into the hands of students and teachers. ADOBE Captivate 3 www.adobe.com Software, $699 Captivate software was designed to rapidly create engaging learning experiences. It offers multimode recording where users can record once and generate an automatic rerecording for Web applications in Internet Explorer 6. They can also randomize quiz questions and answer choices to improve assessments, provide just-in-time information, include video and images and animate concepts in PowerPoint, and bring the animation into the software. Other new or improved features include rapid development with different recording modes, automatic text captions, scenario branching, multimedia support and effects, and easy localization and updates. FOURIER SYSTEMS Nova5000 nova5000.fourier-sys.com Hardware, Starting at $499 Fourier's small 9 ½ x 7 ½-inch, 2.7-lb. student computer comes with word processing, spreadsheet, Portrait 4 graphing and calculator software, and Web browsing via Ethernet or built-in WiFi 802.11g, and uses the Windows CE 5.0 operating system with built-in 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of memory. It features a bright LCD screen, eight-hour battery life, remote desktop connection, built-in speakers, and VGA external connection for monitors and projectors. Additionally, the Nova5000 interfaces with sensors for data logging and analysis with MultiLab software, making it a portable science lab. A stylus can be used for writing directly on the touch screen, although there is driver support for peripherals such as keyboard, mouse and printer. INTERWRITE LEARNING Interwrite Pad www.interwritelearning.com, Hardware, $249 Interwrite's Bluetooth wireless classroom pad with interactive pen now features an improved look and includes Workspace, the company’s next-generation teaching software for the digital classroom. Teachers can create an interactive whiteboard on any surface in their classroom and move among their students while interacting with their lesson materials projected at the front of the classroom using a standard digital projector. It provides remote access, lesson materials and control of the nd teacher’s computer (Mac or Windows). When passed to o students, it enables them to become directly engaged in the lesson without ever having to leave their seats. NE NETSUPPORT Re Resource Center co content.netsupportschool.com, Internet, Starts at $19 per license Th The Resource Center provides teachers with over 1,000 curriculum-based questions and resources that can be used within its software. They can also access a forum area where they can upload their own ca curriculum content or download content developed by other educators, leave comments, rate questions, cu browse through available questions by topic or category, and identify useful multimedia resources bro educators. supplied by other educators In the testing modules, questions are automatically marked as students take their tests. Teachers can also provide instant feedback to students and identify subjects that need clariﬁcation immediately. 56 September 2007 District Administration http://nova5000.fourier-sys.com http://www.adobe.com http://www.interwritelearning.com http://content.netsupportschool.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - September 2007

Cover
Contents
Editor’s Letter
Letters
News Update
Curriculum Update
Inside the Law
District Profile
Administrator Profile
District Buying Power 2007
X-Factor Student Achievement Awards 2007
We've Got Mail
Supporting New Teachers
How Well Does This Web Site Work?
New Products
Problem Solution
Computer Literature
Research Corner
Online Edge
Supervisor’s Opinion
Speaking Out
Calendar of Events
Understanding the Times

District Administration - September 2007