News of the Latest Products and Technology for K-12
TitleWatch
by Kathie Felix, News Editor
TitleWatch lists recently-released
educational software and electronic media products that relate to the K-12
curriculum. This list is primarily but not exclusively comprised of CD-ROM
products; other electronic formats are noted in the text. Suggestions for
entries and press releases should be addressed to Kathie Felix,
5746 Union Mill Rd., PMB 605, Clifton, VA 20124 or kfelix@infotoday.com.
Cross-CURRICULUM Classworks, the network-based system of K-12 language arts
and mathematics learning tools created from 180 different software products,
is now available
in Ohio and Oklahoma state editions. Each learning activity in the state editions
is aligned with the state's learning standards. Classworks is now available
in 13 state editions; 31 editions are expected to be available by the end of
the year. Five of the state editions —Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Texas,
and Pennsylvania—include an additional Classworks import utility that
uses state assessment data to prescribe individual learning paths. Curriculum
Advantage, 888/841-4790 or http://www.curriculumadvantage.com/.
Early LEARNING
Alphabet TRAINer for ages 3 and up uses a train theme as a backdrop
for providing three interactive activities designed to teach young learners
about letters. The colorful, self-contained plastic unit is battery operated.
Youngsters can touch clouds with letters written on them to hear and
learn letter names; they can activate a letter identification activity
and can work on a game that challenges memory skills. The unit's audio
capabilities provide positive reinforcement, gentle corrections, and
authentic train noises and other sound effects. $17—single copy
price. Educational Insights, 800/995-0506 or http://www.educationalinsights.com/.
Language ARTS
The Academy of Reading SpanishTutor for grades 2-12 provides
a multimedia instructional module designed to help struggling Spanish-speaking
students learn to read English. The SpanishTutor provides instruction,
tutorials, and positive feedback to students in their native language
with its neutral enunciation and a generic accent. The new module operates
in conjunction with the Academy of Reading 3.2 and enables Hispanic students
to improve performance on reading exercises and make faster progress
toward reading proficiencies required by NCLB legislation. A drop-down
administration menu assigns a native language preference (Spanish or
English) for each student in a class, allowing students to work on reading
exercises at any computer lab workstation. AutoSkill International,
800/288-6754 or
http://www.autoskill.com/.
PLATO Intermediate Writing Process and Practice, for students
working at skill levels/grades 6-9, provides instruction in writing strategies
and grammar and mechanics to assist students in expository, persuasive,
and narrative writing. The program's Strategy Course contains 24 modules
(eight at each of three levels); each module contains three tutorials
and one offline activity. The Grammar and Mechanics Course also contains
24 modules, each with one tutorial and one mastery test. Students have
access to a glossary of grammar terms and a notebook for most activities.
The offline activities ask students to perform specific pre-writing,
draft, revising, or editing exercises. Optional hyperlinks explain advanced
concepts and provide historical information. PLATO Advanced Writing Process
and Practice offers similar instruction to grades/skill levels 10-12. PLATO
Learning, 800/869-2000 or http://www.plato.com/.
Tools
HandyGraph software, now available for MS Word X and Mac OS
X, creates custom grids and blank graphs within MS Word documents. The
HandyGraph window, launched from the Word toolbar, offers options that
specify features of each blank graph before the graph is inserted into
a document. Users can work with linear graphs, logarithmic graphs, and
number lines. Axis labels can be customized, including the use of pi
and fractions; grid spacing and colors can be specified. HandyGraph 1.1
is available for Mac and Windows systems and must be used in conjunction
with MS Word/
Word XP 2002/2000/97 on Windows or Word v.X/2001/98 on Mac systems. A free
evaluation version is available online. $22—single copy by download. $30—single
copy, CD-ROM. Site license pricing is available. Del Ray Inc., sales@handygraph.com
or http://www.handygraph.com/.
Inspiration Software for Palm OS brings the visual learning
software to Palm OS systems, including Palm-powered handhelds and the
Dana by AlphaSmart. The updated software enables students and teachers
to use a stylus to create graphic organizers by sketching symbols and
arranging thoughts directly on screen. The integrated outline view allows
students to create a foundation for their writing assignments. To complete
a project, students can transfer to a hand-held word processor, synchronize
their hand-held device to a desktop computer, or beam to a printer. The
new software includes many
of the familiar Inspiration capabilities, such as RapidFire and ready-to-use
templates. Special zoom options allow students and teachers to work effectively
on a hand-held screen. A 30-day trial preview
is available as an online download. $30—single copy price, online download
or CD-ROM. $90—single copy bundle including Inspiration for Palm OS and
Inspiration 7.5. Volume pricing is available. Inspiration 7 and higher owners
can download a free update adding the capability to synchronize between the
desktop and the Palm OS application. Inspiration Software, 800/877-4292
or http://www.inspiration.com/.
Kidspiration Activity Templates that match lessons in the Pearson
Scott Foresman K-6 social studies textbooks are now available. Developed
in collaboration with the textbook publisher, these activities use graphic
organizers to help students understand, compare, and analyze social studies
concepts. Each textbook includes eight or more "Explore Activities" and
20 graphic organizer templates. The new templates, which work with the
original Kidspiration and Kidspiration 2 software, are available as a
free download from the Inspiration Web site. Inspiration Software,
800/877-4292 or http://www.inspiration.com/.
NetSupport DNA provides a PC management tool that allows educators
to establish IT asset management programs. The program's features include
hardware and software inventory, software distribution, application and
Web metering, query-based reporting, a help desk component, and remote
control functions. With DNA, teachers can execute and distribute software
to multiple computers, track laptop and software inventory, restrict
software applications, block Web sites, and monitor Web site usage. NetSupport,
888/665-0808 or http://www.netsupport-inc.com/.
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