K12 Schools Must Fill Need For Digital Media Skills
There is a new urgency to teach digital media literacy as a study finds students are taking online information for granted
Absolute Software’s Computrace is a computer recovery software program that is now available with GPS geolocation tracking. This new tracking capability complements Computrace’s Internet-based tracking and reporting capabilities by enabling users to pinpoint the location of a missing laptop on a map to within 33 feet. IT personnel or other users are also able to remotely delete sensitive information in the event of a theft, easily inventory all computers regardless of their location, remotely inventory software licenses, or detect hardware changes or prohibited software installations. Computrace software is embedded in the firmware of computers from leading manufacturers to prevent any possibility of tampering, and will survive operating system reinstallations, as well as hard drive reformatting, replacement or reimaging. www.absolute.com
ANGEL ePortfolio provides both students and administrators a digital destination to collect assessment results and other evidence of educational growth. Students can build electronic portfolios of their educational achievement and personal growth, and administrators can manage evidence of program achievement. As an easily integrated complement to ANGEL’s Learning Management Suite, ePortfolio allows students to collect and organize their work from both inside and outside the classroom, teachers to assign work and collect evidence of student performance, and administrators to organize and access a database of this information. Version 2.1 offers a redesigned user interface and enhanced compatibility with LMS. www.angellearning.com
This visual presenter features a 5-megapixel camera, full HD 1080p output, and 20X optical zoom to provide exceptional image quality. The SPB350 also includes interactive software, network sharing capability, and a 4 in. by 3 in. presenting lightbox. The 5-megapixel camera captures 30 frames per second, ensuring clarity of moving images. The networking capability allows users to connect to and view a live presentation through a local area network and to control features such as annotation, zoom or image capture over a LAN. The included software offers features such as enhanced annotation, image capture and video recording with audio, full visualizer control, copy and paste, continuous time-lapse image capture, and more. www.aver.com
CarLine Manager is a new, free tool released by carpooling organization Divide the Ride that is intended to help schools and parents coordinate and efficiently manage afternoon pickups of students. Parents use the service by logging in to the secure site and filling out pickup assignments for each day, specifically which parent, relative or other approved adult will be arriving. Every day just prior to dismissal, CarLine Manager automatically sends an e-mail report to administrators with these up-to-date car assignments. Last-minute changes and updates by parents are fast and easy to make and are e-mailed immediately to administrators and other school staff. The ease of use and simple coordination will encourage carpooling, improve student safety, and make dismissals more efficient and orderly. www.dividetheride.com
EXTRON
VoiceLift, Microphone, Hardware, Contact manufacturer for price
Extron’s VoiceLift is an infrared wireless microphone designed to integrate seamlessly into new or existing Extron PoleVault classroom technology installations. This small, rechargeable unit can be clipped on to clothing or worn on a lanyard around the neck and creates a sound fi eld that enables a teacher’s voice to be heard clearly through PoleVault speakers. Infrared systems like the VoiceLift are more advantageous in the school setting than traditional radio frequency wireless systems, because their signals do not pass through walls and are immune to interference. A fully charged microphone will last up to 8 hours and includes an “Instant Alert” e-mail notification ability that allows teachers to request emergency assistance with the touch of a button. The VoiceLift package includes one wireless microphone and a receiver that can be mounted on the ceiling or wall. Optional accessories include a second microphone and dual charging station. www.extron.com
