Aven has released a microscope with
advanced digital enlargement and image capture features for classrooms and
science instruction labs. The handheld iLoupe XL
magnifies 3–300 times and has a 5.1-megapixel, high-resolution sensor for detailed images. Six white-light LEDs
with an adjustable intensity control ensure clear, bright
images. The lens tube rotates 180 degrees to capture any
angle. A rechargeable lithium-ion battery allows continuous operation for five hours or standby use for up to seven
hours. The unit is 2. 5 inches (65 mm) wide, 6 inches (157
mm) high, and 1. 5 inches ( 39 mm) deep.
MORE INFO: 1.734.973.099 or www.aveninc.com
Pitsco has launched Tetrix, a new metal building system
compatible with the Lego Mindstorms robotics line. Made
of heavy-duty aircraft-grade aluminum, Tetrix parts come in
a variety of sizes that lend strength to robotic builds. Metal
gears, plates, brackets, and
mounts combine with channels,
wheels, hubs, and tubing to create an ideal platform for flexible
and creative robot design and
construction. The Tetrix Robotic
Education Base Set includes
more than 550 parts and comes
with a user guide that covers
building a basic robot body, wiring and using a remote control, designing gear assemblies, building arm mechanisms
and end effectors, and more.
Tech Training4Teachers is offering scholarships to K– 20
teachers interested in taking online courses from Fresh
Perspectives. To apply for the Technology Skills Enhancement scholarship, teachers select a course from the
website www.fresh-perspectives.biz and write an essay of
fewer than 250 words explaining how the content of that
course would enhance their personal/professional productivity or ability to enhance learning for their students. The
Technology Boot Camp scholarship is for the rookie who
needs to learn the fundamentals of Office 2003 or 2007
for Windows. Five winners will be selected each session
and will win Introduction to Word, PowerPoint, and Excel for
Classroom Teachers. Optional graduate credit is available at
additional cost through Chapman University College or Adams State College. For an application, e-mail Stan Dunlap
at app@techtraining4teachers.org.
MORE INFO: www.fresh-perspectives.biz
MORE INFO: 1.800.362.4308 or http://shop.pitsco.com
Educational publisher
Weekly Reader has
launched WR Digital, new online resources designed
to engage kids in literature, current events, science, and
writing. Weekly Reader’s READ Great Authors series will
connect middle and high school students to literary giants,
beginning with Edgar Allan Poe, Geoffrey Chaucer, William
Shakespeare, and Mark Twain. WR Digital enables educators
to integrate text, sound, video, and animation right into their
lessons. Among the features are embedded video and audio
clips, a pop-up dictionary, cool zoom tools, slide shows, and
animated learning activities.
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MORE INFO: www.weeklyreader.com
Coming Next Issue in
What Do Your Leaders Know?
Administrators and teacher leaders must
personally take responsibility for understanding changes in implementation and integration in their buildings and classrooms, rather
than simply relying on technology support
staff, writes Mike Ribble, author of Raising a
Digital Child, and coauthors Lotta Larson and
Teresa Miller of Kansas State University.
Computing in the Clouds
It’s a good time to consider the impact of
cloud computing and netbooks on our classrooms, libraries, and school systems, writes
Doug Johnson, director of media and technology for Mankato (Minnesota) Public Schools.
With the price of netbooks dropping, the cost
is affordable even in tough economic times.
IT and ET: Bridging the Gap
Is there tension between the IT department
and the educational technology staff at
your school? The key to getting that special
“magic” between IT and ET has a lot to do
with respect and understanding on both ends,
writes Arlene Anderson, ed tech specialist at
Saugus Union School District in Santa Clarita,
California.
November 2009 | Learning & Leading with Technology 45
