THE Journal — Display/Presentation
Smart Brings Down Widescreen Whiteboard Price for Educators
Smart Technologies announced this week that it's dropping the price on its widescreen Smart Board 690 interactive whiteboard for educators. The 690, at 94 inches, is Smart's largest interactive whiteboard.
(5/14/2008)
VBA To Return to Mac; Office 2008 SP1 Released
Microsoft Tuesday released Service Pack 1 for Office 2008 for Mac, the first major update to what the company called its most successful Mac Office launch in 19 years (in terms of sales volume). In a surprise move, Microsoft's Mac Business Unit also announced that it plans to bring Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) back to the Mac platform with the next major release.
(5/13/2008)
Tegrity Records 325,000 Hours of Lectures
Ed tech developer Tegrity reported this week that usage of its Campus 2.0 classroom capture system hit record levels last year, including, among other things, capturing 325,000 hours of faculty lectures on Tegrity servers in a 12-month period.
(5/8/2008)
Pennsylvania Rolls Out Interactive Technologies to 231 Districts
Technology provider CDW Government reported this week that it's completed implementation of technology programs for some 231 school districts across Pennsylvania as part of the state's Classrooms for the Future program. As part of the initiative, nearly 82,000 laptops and more than 4,000 interactive whiteboards have been deployed in 257 schools over the last two years.
(5/1/2008)
Turning Launches Computer-free Classroom Response System
Classroom technology developer Turning Technologies has launched a new classroom response system that doesn't require computers or projectors. The new ResponseCard AnyWhere is a wireless, handheld system designed for standalone use to capture data from interactive classroom polls and other types of feedback.
(4/30/2008)
Apple iMacs Get Processor, Graphics Upgrades
Apple this week upgraded its iMac line of all in one desktop computers. The new models now sport frontside bus speeds of 1,066 MHz across the board. hey also now offer options of processor speeds up to 3.06 GHz and Nvidia GeForce 8800 GS graphics.
(4/28/2008)
Sanyo Expands T-Series Projector Line
Sanyo has introduced two new models in its "T" series of high-brightness, portable multimedia LCD projectors, including the high-end SXGA+ PLC-ET30L and the entry-level XGA-resolution PLC-XT21/L. Both are shipping this month.
(4/21/2008)
NEC Launches Rebates for Schools
NEC Display Solutions of America has launched a cash-back rewards program for schools participating in its Star Student program, which helps institutions acquire projectors and large-screen displays for use in the classroom.
(4/17/2008)
Christie Debuts 6,000-Lumen Widescreen Projector
At the convention of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) this week, Christie launched a new 3LCD projector boasting a brightness of 6,000 ANSI lumens and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1. The new widescreen (17:10) model, the LW600, is targeted toward auditoriums and large conference rooms.
(4/15/2008)
Qwest Awards Technology Grants to 4 Schools
The Qwest Foundation this week has awarded grants to teachers in three schools through its Teachers and Technology program. The program is designed to fund technologies geared specifically toward improving student achievement, including interactive classroom technologies, online tools, and gear to support scientific work, in preK-12 schools.
(4/14/2008)
Sony Launches Compact LCD Projector Line
Sony last week debuted a new line of front LCD projectors, including the company's first compact widescreen model. The VPL-E series includes four new models, three of which are shipping this month, with the forth slated for a May launch.
(4/14/2008)
OWI To Unveil Wireless Classroom System
Audio manufacturer OWI reported to us that its planning to launch a new wireless system designed specifically for instructional settings at the InfoComm 2008 show in Las Vegas in June.
(4/10/2008)
Students, Teachers Challenged To Define Role of Technology in Education
Ed tech developer eInstruction this week launched its new Content Meets Technology contest, which challenges educators and students to share their "vision of the role of technology in education." Winners of the competition will receive an interactive classroom makeover.
(4/9/2008)
Panasonic Debuts Wireless Classroom Projector
Panasonic has launched two new projectors designed for fixed installations in classrooms: PT-F200NTU and PT-F200U, both upgrades to the previous PT-F100 series. The PT-F200NTU includes built-in wireless connectivity and support for streaming video.
(4/3/2008)
Mitsubishi Education Projector Blasts 5,000 Lumens
Mitsubishi this month will release its new WL6700U, an LCD projector for the education market that boasts a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a brightness of 5,000 ANSI lumens.
(4/3/2008)
Tegrity Bolsters Classroom Capture with Campus 2.0
Ed tech developer Tegrity has released an update to Campus 2.0, the company's enterprise classroom capture and student achievement system. The new version adds a wide range of features, from new recording and editing tools to enhanced administrative and reporting functionality.
(4/2/2008)
Free Lecture Capture System Gains Widespread Academic Support
Software developer Panopto reported to us this week that hundreds of educational institutions have applied for its Socrates Project, which allows K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to adopt the company's CourseCast system at no charge. The program, launched late last year, is aimed specifically at academic institutions.
(4/1/2008)
Improving Instruction with Interactive Whiteboards (on the Cheap)
The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District in South Yarmouth, MA faces obstacles not uncommon to many school districts: poor state testing scores, declining enrollment, and a diminishing budget for classroom resources. But that hasn't stopped Lory Stewart, director of instructional technology, from doing everything she can to squeeze out the money necessary for bringing interactive whiteboards into as many classrooms as possible.
(2/21/2008)
Smart Debuts Classroom Document Camera
Education developer Smart Technologies has debuted a new document camera designed specifically for classroom settings. The new model, set to ship this spring, incorporates an adjustable head for scanning any kind of physical object from a wide range of angles and features integration with existing classroom presentation technologies.
(2/13/2008)
RM Rolls Out Classroom Science Gear, New Whiteboard Software
RM Educational Software has released four new educational devices in its TTS ("Teaching Technology Skills") line of classroom science gear, including a camera with scope adapter and robots designed for K-6 students. The company has also released version 3.4 of its RM Easiteach classroom software.
(2/11/2008)
Panopto Beefs Up Free Lecture Capture Suite
Education technology provider Panopto has released an update to its lecture capture and streaming tool, CourseCast. The latest version, CourseCast 1.5, adds several enhancements in the areas of lecture distribution, editing, and workflow. It remains free for educators through the Socrates Project, which provides access in exchange for participation in the software's ongoing development efforts.
(1/30/2008)
Cash for Classrooms: AVerMedia Kicks Off Lesson Plan Contest
AV technology developer AVerMedia this week launched a new contest for K-12 and higher education: to develop a lesson plan centered around the use of a document camera. An AVerVision document camera and $1,000 (to be used for classroom technology purchases) will be awarded to the winning lesson plan in each of six subject areas.
(1/30/2008)
FETC 2008: It's All About Community
Education technology took center stage in Florida last week as teachers, administrators and district technology experts gathered at FETC 2008 in Orlando. Podcasting, digital collaboration and Web 2.0 dominated much of the discussion, but security, new and emerging technologies, and environmental education were also major themes.
(1/28/2008)
FETC Brief: GenevaLogic Updates Classroom Management Software
GenevaLogic unveiled a new version of its Vision classroom management suite at the FETC 2008 conference in Orlando, FL. The 6.7 update includes several enhancements in the areas of installation and configuration.
(1/25/2008)
NEC Launches High-End 30-Inch Display
NEC last week debuted a new high-end model in its MultiSync 90 Series of professional LCD displays, expanding the lineup to include a 30-inch widescreen unit. The new MultiSync LCD3090WQXi widescreen display is targeted toward high-end graphics applications, including design, photography, print production, and 3D/CAD applications.
(1/23/2008)
