June 2004 — Product Watch
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Administrative & Student Management Software
EMS Enterprise 3.0 and its Web-based component Virtual EMS by Dean Evans and Associates (www.dea.com) are scheduling solutions that help manage the scheduling of rooms and resources, as well as the processing of changes for event-related services. The new version works with the Microsoft .NET platform, which adds performance and functionality to the program. Improving on the previous version, the updated "Query Builder" function allows users to develop ad-hoc queries, personalized browser displays and simple custom reports. EMS Enterprise 3.0 also features improved security functions that allows multiple departments to share space in a single database, while keeping information completely confidential. In addition, the Web application, Virtual EMS, has been redesigned to accommodate e-commerce with "cart" and "checkout" functions familiar to most Web users.
CrossTec Corp.'s NetOpSchool v3.0 (www.crossteccorp.com) is a class management system with many features and functions to assist teachers in the classroom. Teachers are able to remotely control their students' computers by disabling student access to certain programs or URLs. Instructors can view individual students' screens or view all student screens as thumbnail images on a single screen. In addition, prerecorded lesson plans can be created with NetOpSchool 3.0 that teachers can play back later and save for future classes. Rounding out the new features are a new teacher interface, CD-like playback controls such as pause and skip, and the ability to zoom in to a portion of the screen.
The process of enrolling students in classes - with all of the accompanying challenges and problems - has been made easier with the launch of Chancery Software's Chancery SMS v4.2 student management software system (www.chancery.com). This updated version includes the "Master Schedule Builder" and student-scheduling tools that allow schools to create classes; determine and adjust teacher loads; and automatically schedule classes with teachers, rooms and meeting times. The system offers a "student loader" feature that balances sections as it fills student schedules. It also provides for alternate runs with adjustable weighted rules and options. In addition, Chancery SMS gives teachers various options to perform functions in grading, reporting, searching and transcripts.
A management system for classroom handheld use is now available from GoKnow Inc. (www.goknow.com). PAAM 3.0 (Palm OS Archive and Application Manager) for Windows and Macintosh is a software program that allows teachers to manage and monitor their students' handhelds. With PAAM 3.0, teachers can install applications and e-books on all handhelds in their class, view all applications on each handheld, and delete any unapproved software applications. Students are able to organize and archive their work in electronic portfolios, print course materials, as well as access their handheld coursework from any desktop computer. For a free 45-day trial of PAAM 3.0 or other applications from the company's Handheld Learning Environment, visit www.goknow.com.
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