Rosh HaAyin, Israel and Jackson, Mo. (Dec. 2, 2008) – Fully committed to providing an enriched learning environment, Jackson R-2 School District is helping students focus on science with the use of student mobile learning devices. Under the direction of Andrew Helle, a science teacher at Jackson Senior High School, the district purchased devices from Fourier Systems to be used in the school’s science classrooms.

The device, the Nova5000, bridges the gap between laptops and handheld solutions, offering students a touch screen, mobile learning appliance for the classroom that bundles more than 100 megabytes of educational software with a strong focus on math and science.

“We really needed a computer lab solution – one that could be mobile and available for multiple uses,” said Helle. “We saw the potential of the Nova5000 across applications and activities. For instance, I was out of the country and did not want my students to miss out on a learning opportunity while I was gone. I was able to record my lesson via podcast and create slides to accompany the audio recording. My students used the Nova5000s during class to listen to the lecture and follow along with the presentation at their own pace. Then they were asked to complete a quiz, which I could assess even though I was thousands of miles away.”

Helle also appreciates the device’s scientific focus. Recently, his class conducted an experiment using the Nova5000 and a temperature probe to determine how cold liquid water can become when adding NaCl and dry ice. The Nova5000, in combination with the probe, quickly graphed the experiment, allowing the students to fully concentrate on the activity at-hand and the concepts Helle was teaching for the day.

Weighing 2.4 lbs with a 7-inch touch screen, the Nova5000 offers what other computing devices do not – a high-powered learning appliance bundled with the tools and software many educators want to use, including MathResources, Activote and more.

The Nova5000 is available bundled with the company’s MultiLogPRO data logger and a wide range of built-in applications that help teachers and students collect data, display the results, analyze the experiment, and develop full multimedia lab reports. A suite of office tools as well as multimedia, instructional and assessment software are built into the Nova5000, allowing students and educators to conduct complete projects and lab reports using these integrated tools. Recently, Fourier Systems released an updated version of the Nova5000 with an increased amount of RAM, flash memory, a faster processor, enhanced graphics software, and a longer battery life (more than 8 hours).

Fourier Systems developed the Nova5000 to address two challenges: the need for a low-cost computing solution designed specifically to help students master the science and math skills necessary to compete in an increasingly global economy; and the need for cost-effective tools to bridge the digital gap between students who have regular access to technology and those who do not. The project was a logical outgrowth of the company’s proven expertise in developing data loggers, probes, science, and math-focused software, and other tools designed to provide students with the hands-on experience they needed to master science curricula.

More Information

For more detail about the Nova5000, visit www.nova1to1.com.

To learn about the Nova5000 science grant program, visit www.nova1to1.com/science-grant.

Read about Fourier Systems Ltd. at www.fourier-sys.com.

About Jackson R-2 School District

As a district rich in tradition of excellence, Jackson R-2 Schools is a reflection of the community. The district has more than 4,600 students enrolled in K-12 grade programs, and offers early intervention programs for children aged birth to five. High academic achievement is a priority for Jackson R-2 students, parents and staff. Jackson R-2 students have surpassed state and national averages on the ACT for the past 15 years. Along with academic excellence, Jackson R-2 students excel in fine arts, athletics and extracurricular activities. Education is something the Jackson community values. The focus of Jackson R-2, from early childhood to high school, is excellence.

About Fourier Systems, Ltd.

Established in 1989, Fourier Systems is a world leader in the manufacture and distribution of compact portable data-logging devices, accessories and 1:1 computing solutions for the education market. The company’s science kits, used in more than 30 countries worldwide, set high standards in science education. Comprising a wide range of sensors, user-friendly software and relevant curriculum material, the company’s products embody its commitment to quality and innovation. As a result, Fourier has earned national and international accolades, including the Worlddidac award for the EcoLog™, ExperiNet™ and Nova5000™.

Contacts

Fourier Systems
Brian DeSoto
708-203-4321
brian at fourier dot us
www.fourier-sys.org

Jackson R-2 School District
Beth Emmendorfer, Ed.D.
573-243-9501
BEmmendorfer at jackson.k12.mo dot us
www.jacksonr2schools.com

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Sandy Fash
608-839-9800
sandy at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

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