Aspen Learning, Inc. has releasedOpenC la ssroomServer,an an appliance for
K– 12 classroom or computer lab use combining learning
management tools, collaborative software, and personal
storage space. The self-contained server supports up to
200 students, is simple to set up and maintain, and delivers a suite of Web 2.0 applications to facilitate safe, private
collaboration and communication within a networked environment. The price is $1,200.
MORE INFO: Aspen Learning, 1.408.264.6767
http://www.aspenlearning.com
Mac users can more effectively stay organized by using
a new personal database created by FileMaker. Designed
specifically for Mac OSX Leopard, Bento allows users to
manage contact details, coordinate events, track projects,
catalog inventory, record hours worked and payments due,
and so on. The cost is $49 for one or $99 for a family pack
of five licenses.
MORE INFO: FileMaker, Inc., 1.800.725.2747
http://www.fi lemaker.com
Excelsior Software’s Comprehensive Grants and Funding
Program has been launched to support educators’ efforts
to boost student achievement. Designed to help educational
institutions obtain financial support for sustainable, standards-based learning programs, “This initiative is more than
a grants program,” said Ferdi Serim, the firm’s grants manager. “We will work with school and district coordinators to
develop strong proposals for state, federal, and foundation-based resources.” For prices, contact the company.
MORE INFO: Excelsior Software, 1.800.473.4572
http://www.excelsiorsoftware.com
Coming Next Issue in
Teen Girls and Technology by Lesley
Farmer provides a framework for teachers, librarians, youth workers, and parents
for empowering girls to succeed in the
hi-tech world. Exploring the disconnect man y girls have
with technology, Farmer instructs adults in what they can
do to create an environment in which girls are comfortable
engaging with and learning about technology. The book
highlights and examines successful school and after-school programs that have instilled confidence in teen girls
and increased their interest in technology-based careers.
Farmer is a professor and coordinator of the Librarianship
Program at California State University, Long Beach. The
book costs $21.95.
MORE INFO: Teachers College Press, Columbia University,
1.800.575.6566, http://www.tcpress.com
Hitachi America, Ltd. has
introduced the CP-X206 and
CP-X306 3 LCD projectors .
Bothofferremote-controla n d
maintenance via a LAN con nection. Also, by using
Hitachi’s proprietary My Image technology, administrators can send still images to every projector on the
network. To provide security instructions and information for emergency purposes, the images can be automatically displayed on every projector, regardless of
whether it is in use at the time. The machines feature
Hitachi PJMan software, allowing users to control and
monitor multiple projectors via a Web browser without
downloading and installing application software. This
allows the monitoring of lamp life on every projector on
the network from a single remote location. Additionally,
the timing of switching the projector’s power on and off
can be automatically scheduled from a computer. The
price for the CP-X206 is $795; for pricing on the CP-
X306 3L, contact Hitachi.
MORE INFO: Hitachi, 1.619.591.5413
http://www.hitachi.com
Ed Tech and Project Management
Project management is not a skill set schools
typically teach and assess, yet mastering the
process of managing projects is critical for students to succeed. Researchers Bjorn Norstrom,
Carol Smith, and Annika Haglund describe a
collaboration pilot initiative in project management education between IBM and a middle
school in Vermont.
E-Waste: Managing the Tech Waste Stream
Demand for environmentally responsible stewardship extends to the educational technology sector. L&L Senior Editor Caprice Lawless offers an
overview of local and national e-waste legislation
and resources for related classroom projects.
Staff Development Builds Community
Think back on the best professional development
experience you have ever had. What made it so effective? In most cases, memorable learning opportunities
are fun, collaborative, and influential. Jennifer Arns,
instructional programs director for the Organization for
Educational Technology and Curriculum, outlines the
Ed Tech Professional Development Cadre, a PD model
whose results have exceeded everyone’s expectations.
