Rosh HaAyin, Israel and Tulsa, Okla. (Dec. 4, 2008) – Fully committed to providing an enriched learning environment, Tulsa Public Schools announces the acquisition of student mobile learning devices for McLain High School of Science & Technology. The district purchased devices from Fourier Systems to be used in the high school’s five strands that comprise its Scientific Exploration & Technology Utilization Magnet Program.

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.

For the 2008-2009 school year, McLain High School students have access to 10 carts worth of Nova5000s, which will serve the science and technology strands, including Wave Mechanics, Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences, Aeronautics & Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aerospace, Avionics & Robotics, and Materials Science as well as core content areas. By 2010, Tulsa Public Schools plans to house enough Nova5000s and carts to serve all students attending McLain High School, moving toward a true one-to-one computing program.

“We see a great deal of potential for the Nova5000s as a daily learning tool within our science and technology magnet strands and are really looking forward to seeing what they can offer all of our core content classes as well,” said Yamilette Williams, Director of Instructional Technology for the district. “We are working with our educational consultants to specially design curriculum that will embed the Nova5000s and other technologies now available to our educators. Our goal is to provide our students with all the tools and effective instruction they need to be successful now as well as after graduation.”

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.

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).

“The technology we are receiving for our students is innovative and very exciting. As we integrate it into our classroom activities, and become more proficient with the equipment, both students and teachers will have wonderful learning experiences,” said Sylvetta Striplin, Science Teacher and Department Chair. McLain High School teachers began training with and incorporating the Nova5000s throughout their courses earlier this fall. Students also will receive USB jump drives to store their digital documents generated from the Nova5000 as they move from one classroom to another.

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.

Under the leadership of principal Jerome Williams, the school’s decision to purchase the Nova5000s is a major step toward implementing a one-to-one computing program for McLain High School, and aligns with the district’s mission to motivate all students to become productive and successful citizens in the 21st century.

More Information

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

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

About Tulsa Public Schools

Tulsa Public Schools is the largest public school system in Oklahoma accountable for more than 42,000 students, 3,000 educators and 89 facilities. Dr. Keith Ballard serves as superintendent. For more information, visit the District web site at www.tulsaschools.org.

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

Tulsa Public Schools
Yamilette Williams
918-746-6571
williya at tulsachools dot org
www.tulsaschools.org

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

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