One-Stop Online Curriculum

If you’re tired of having curriculum systems scattered across a slew of programs and a bunch of separate servers with little rhyme or reason, Aspen Learning’s OpenClassroom Server can consolidate it all. Based on the Ubuntu operating system and Web 2.0 protocols, OpenClassroom is an online appliance that can support the teaching of up to 200 students, making it perfect for most elementary and middle schools.

The system is complete with learning management, collaboration, communication and storage with such activities as wikis, scheduling and room for up to 750MB of files per student. The server costs $1,200 and includes 20,000 images and a hard drive’s worth of lesson plans. Look for a 1,000-student server this fall that is expected to cost $3,500.

Digital Classroom Done Right

Follett Digital Resources can take the confusion out of the digital classroom with a Web-based system that provides access to a school’s curriculum assets on a class by class basis. This hosted service is focused on the K-through-12 teaching environment and relies on using a recent Web browser with Flash software. The Digital Classroom provides a place for teachers to post lessons, assignments, additional online resources as well as a way for students to submit online assignments. At the same time, parents can check on their children’s work. They’ll be showing the program at booth 2176.

Teacher’s Angel

How often does a new version of school software come out that has lots of new and cool things, but still has the bug you hate or lacks the one feature you really need? A little too often, if you ask me, but the recently released version 7.3 of the Angel Learning management Suite has more than 100 new features that came from teachers and administrators who use the software every day. On top of improved testing tools and a simpler interface, Angel 7.3 has a new administration console for quicker supervision and better integration into SIS systems. You can try out a demo of the program. They're at booth 2266.

Managing Bullying and Discipline

Administrators are faced with a unique challenge when it comes to school discipline and safety issues: proving they did enough to prevent these things from happening. This is especially tricky because accidents and discipline problems happen anyway. The PublicSchoolWORKS’ StudentWatch Suite can help with an automated web-based system for managing the tracking and reporting of student safety, accidents, and behavior issues.
Details: The Student Bullying Reporting System gives students and parents a 24/7 online and telephone system where they can report bullying incidents. It also allows schools to meet federal and state bullying requirement. The system automatically emails reports to administrators and tracks consequence resolution.
Bottom line: By quantifying the abstract concepts of discipline and safety – targeting where incidents happen and what the consequences were – administrators can use the system to prevent or decrease discipline issues, as well as provide solid reports to protect schools when bad things do happen.

Best Practices Guide to One-to-One Computing Released

Want to start a one-to-one program, but not sure how to get started? The Center for Digital Education and MPC Gateway released the K-12 2.0: A Complete Guide to One-to-One Computing in the K-12 Environment. The handbook includes expert information and real-world examples about designing and supporting one-to-one programs. K-12 2.0 features results and analyses of successful and replicable one-to-one deployments from across the nation, and offers guidance on budgeting for one-to-one initiatives and potential funding streams. Professional development and classroom management tips also included.

Compass Announces Odyssey High School Program [FETC HIGHLIGHT]

As schools begin to get more pressure to offer credit recovery and intervention programs at the high school level, Compass reponds by offering a new program to support secondary market. The high school Odyssey program integrates its management and assessment features into eight core subjects, ranging from Algebra to U.S. Government.

CDW-G Launches 21st Century Classroom Microsite [FETC HIGHLIGHT]

The digital classroom has many faces depending on your school size, budget, training, etc. CDW-G offers a look at this ideal 21st Century classroom on its new microsite. While mostly a shopping list of the products they offer, there are some good lessons on integrating technology into the classroom, like creating digital stories, movies, and podcasts.