Hot Off the Press – The News from NECC

The role of technology in education is a hot-button issue, and our clients had a lot to say on the subject during NECC 2009. To help you review their new products, services, and partnerships, here is a complete summary of news releases distributed during the conference, many with an accompanying video presentation. Click a headline to view the full story.

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Discovery Education Announces Media Partnerships

Alliances with PBS, Chicago Sun-times and Education Publishers will expand the media library of the company’s popular flagship product, Discovery Education streaming.

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New Curriculum Alignment Service from Discovery Education

Senior Vice President Dale Fulton will lead a group within Discovery Education to collaborate with school districts on integrating digital content into day-to-day classroom instruction.

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International Baccalaureate Partners with ePals

ePals will execute and manage a customized hosted learning community for IB students, educators, alumni, and other stakeholders, featuring safe and collaborative communication tools.

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ePals partners with Gabriel Piedrahita-Uribe Foundation

The company will work with the Columbia-based Foundation to bring high quality learning resources, safe communication tools, and collaborative experiences to Spanish-speaking educators and students around the world.

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Excelsior Software Launches Online Tutoring Platform

Utilizing latest Web 2.0 technologies, Pinnacle Accelerated Learning offers a secure virtual learning environment where districts provide students with academic help from trusted educators within their school communities.

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Funds For Learning Announces National E-rate Survey Findings

The nationwide survey of E-rate applicants assessed their opinions of the E-rate program. The feedback garnered will help shape the future of the program, and will lead to changes and improvements that will benefit the entire E-rate community.

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GradeCam Supports School Accountability

The proprietary image recognition software from GradeCam Corporation gives teachers and administrators timely feedback on student understanding so that appropriate interventions can take place before it is too late.

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Key Curriculum Press Introduces Critical Math

The new online subscription service allows instructional leaders and administrators to integrate inquiry-based instruction into their existing Algebra 1, Geometry, or Algebra 2 curriculum.

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Key Curriculum Press Debuts The Geometer’s Sketchpad V.5

Sketchpad Version 5 offers 100 new features and updates to help support a hands-on, visual approach to mathematics in the classroom, and will be available for classroom use this fall.

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Educators Safely Use YouTube Videos in the Classroom

Part of Lightspeed Systems' Total Traffic Control network security software, the Educational Video Library enables educators to use YouTube videos for classroom instruction while maintaining network security and online safety.

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Lightspeed Systems Upgrades Total Traffic Control

The comprehensive school network security and management application has been upgraded to better meet the needs of mid-to-large size school districts, and to provide enhancements to the Educational Video Library.

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PBS TeacherLine Program Receives ISTE Approval

The PBS TeacherLine ISTE Capstone Certificate Program has been awarded the ISTE NETS•T Seal of Alignment for Development. The program is a series of research-based courses that focus on instructional technology use.

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Redesigned PBS Teachers Web Site Adds New Resources

Updated site makes it easier and quicker for educators to find appropriate instructional and professional development resources across all PBS’ education services, including PBS TeacherLine.

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PBS Developing Digital Learning Library for Educators

Available in fall 2009, the PBS Digital Learning Library will be a comprehensive source of "learning objects," including video, audio, images, games, and interactive simulations designed specifically for classroom use, and delivered to teachers exclusively through local PBS stations.

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Sebit Debuts Adaptive Curriculum for High School Math, Science

High school students now have the opportunity to explore real-world math and science in an interactive online environment, with the launch of Adaptive Curriculum High School Math and Adaptive Curriculum High School Science from Sebit, LLC.

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Sebit PD Workshops Eligible for Stimulus Funding

The Professional Development Workshops, conducted by staff from Arizona State University, focus on the effective use of interactive online environments, such as Adaptive Curriculum, to engage students in math and science.

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SIIA Survey Finds U.S. Making Progress Toward Vision K-20

The survey was developed to help educators and administrators benchmark their institutional progress in using technology to provide 21st century tools, anytime/anywhere access, differentiated learning, assessment tools, and enterprise support.

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STI, Alabama Partner To Provide Statewide Enrollment System

The partnership with the Alabama Department of Education will provide a Web-based statewide enrollment and scheduling system, for the state-led online learning program.

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New Tools for Teaching Children with Autism

In a video interview recorded at NECC 2009, Kevin Custer, CEO of Virtual Expert Clinics, discusses the company’s philosophy and goals in developing AutismPro and AutismPro Workshops.