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Microsoft announces global launch of Windows MultiPoint Server 2010
New shared resource computing solution increases access to affordable technology in education.
Microsoft announced the release of Windows MultiPoint Server 2010, a new Windows product that increases access to affordable computing in educational scenarios such as classrooms, labs and libraries by allowing multiple users to simultaneously share one computer using multiple screens. Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 is now globally available to OEMs and will be rolling out to Microsoft academic volume licensing customers on March 1. In addition, Microsoft is announcing new partnerships that create a strong global ecosystem of hardware companies that give customers a breadth of choices to buy and use Windows MultiPoint Server solutions.
“We heard clearly from our customers in education that to help fulfill the amazing promise of technology in the classroom, they needed access to affordable computing that was easy to manage and use,” said Anthony Salcito, vice president of worldwide education at Microsoft. “That’s why we developed Windows MultiPoint Server — a solution that meets these needs and delivers an up-to-date, trusted Windows experience.”
Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 is an operating system that enables multiple people to connect to a single host computer with their own monitor, keyboard and mouse through USB or a video card. Each person individually controls his or her own station with an independent and familiar Windows computing experience. Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 is the flagship product in a family of shared resource computing technologies, the MultiPoint solutions, which provide teachers and students with greater access to educational technology. Shared resource computing is an emerging category that allows a customer to tap into more of a computer’s capability to enable a single host computer to support multiple users simultaneously.
“Shared resource computing can multiply the number of student workstations available to schools, delivering more value while staying within the same budget,” said Bill Rust, research director at Gartner Inc. “Teachers can better align computing resources with instructional strategies while deploying fewer fully configured computers and reducing workstation support liabilities.”
Building an Ecosystem
Helping to fully realize the opportunities created by Windows MultiPoint Server, the solution is launching with strong support from vendors all over the world that have committed to developing creative and effective solutions for the MultiPoint platform. In November 2009, HP became the first OEM to announce support for Windows MultiPoint Server 2010. HP is now rolling out its HP MultiSeat shared resource computing solution to customers worldwide. In addition to HP, Microsoft is pleased to announce partnerships with DisplayLink, NComputing, ThinGlobal, Tritton Technologies Inc. and Wyse Technology Inc. to provide an increasing number of Windows MultiPoint Server hardware options for customers globally. At the local level, Microsoft is working with a broad array of OEMs, such as Howard, Positivo, Seneca Data and Tarox, to deliver even more choices to meet the varied needs of customers.
Software vendors, such as AB Consulting, LanSchool Technologies and NetSupport Ltd., will also be developing applications that extend the Windows MultiPoint platform and provide teachers and students with access to classroom management and other education-focused technology.
Having the support of a broad range of partners makes it easier for customers to purchase Windows MultiPoint Server solutions and content optimized for their individual language, content and curriculum needs. More information on the Windows MultiPoint Server ecosystem is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/multipoint/solutions.aspx.
Affordable Access for Schools
Customers from around the world have already endorsed Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 and are experiencing firsthand the benefits this affordable solution can provide. With lower initial hardware acquisition costs, schools can expand access to more students with lower-cost or existing resources. Using the familiar Windows-based interface on the host computer, teachers can establish a consistent Windows experience depending on the needs of the class. Students can work on individual projects and at their own pace, while finding, using and sharing information effectively, enhancing their productivity and learning experience. All this can be done within the classroom, since Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 was designed for nontechnical professionals to set up and manage.
“With Windows MultiPoint Server, we can offer more computer access to more students, even on our tight technology budget,” said Cary Petersen, executive director of information technology, Jefferson County Public Schools. “Teachers can easily distribute tailored curricula to individual students and help them progress at their own level and pace. Students can develop 21st-century skills that will help them with their school projects and prepare them for the next level of schooling and for jobs in the future. Besides, the system is easy to set up and maintain, meaning less work for our IT department.”
SIIA announces finalists for 2010 CODiE Awards in Education categories
Fifty-four companies qualify for second round of prestigious award program
The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) announces the finalists for the prestigious CODiE Awards in the categories relating to education technology. The products that qualified will now be reviewed by members of SIIA, who will vote on winners for all 24 categories. The winners will be announced at a special CODiE Awards Dinner on May 24th, which will be held in conjunction with the 2010 Ed Tech Industry Summit.
Eighty-eight products from 54 companies were selected as finalists from more than 327 nominations submitted by 124 companies. Nominated products underwent an intensive review by subject matter experts, analysts, journalists, and others with deep experience in the field. Pearson has 13 nominations reaching the final stage, the most for one company this year. Five companies have 3 nominations reaching the final stage. The finalists may now be reviewed on the CODiE Awards Website at www.siia.net/CODiEs.
“This is the twenty-fifth year we have recognized excellence through the CODiE Awards program,” noted Ken Wasch, President of SIIA. “The competition is always tough, and in this economic climate, companies are doing even more to innovate. Excellence within the education technology industry shines through in the products selected as finalists, and we are very excited to see how the voting goes this year.”
Originally called the “Excellence in Software Awards,” the CODiEs were established in 1986 by the Software Publishers Association (SPA), which preceded the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA). The program was created so that pioneers of the then-nascent software industry could evaluate and honor each other’s work. Since then, the CODiE Awards program has carried out the same purpose – to showcase the software and information industry’s finest products and services and to honor excellence in corporate achievement and philanthropic efforts.
Source: Software & Information Industry Association
eScholar launches Version 7 of eScholar Uniq-ID for Students
New Capabilities Enhance Interstate Management of Student IDs
eScholar LLC, the leader in education data management software, has announced the release of Version 7 of the eScholar Uniq-ID® for Students. eScholar Uniq-ID® for Students is the nation’s most widely used product for assigning, maintaining, and managing lifelong unique student identifiers across time, location, and source.
“Even though our application is proven in the marketplace, we are always striving to improve the identifier assignment and management process so that the eScholar unique identifier can help improve longitudinal data analysis and can be used in new ways as business needs change,” said Andrea Hartman, Senior Product Manager at eScholar. “The new version of eScholar Uniq-ID® for Students does this by focusing on the capability to link all identifiers a student may have, including identifiers from other states, to one eScholar unique identifier. Providing a crosswalk of these identifiers assists the data integration process and builds upon our foundation that assigns identifiers uniquely across states to provide the only interstate capability available today.”
The key new features of eScholar Uniq-ID® for Students Version 7, which is available immediately, provide the following new capabilities:
– Ability to track all alternate student identifiers allows eScholar Uniq-ID® for Students system to retain a record of all local identifiers and/or alternate identifiers submitted to the system in one table.
– Ability to authorize data updates by source system to enable record-level updates based upon a system-wide source system reliability score. Administrators configure and define reliability scores for source systems that are authorized to upload data.
– Ability for administrators to configure automatic notifications which sends an email to the appropriate contacts when unresolved near matches exist for the specific location. This allows districts and states can more easily monitor pending near matches on an ongoing basis.
– Ability to identify potential false drop-outs, missing students and/or already existing identifiers.
“It is our expectation that the capabilities of Version 7, in particular the enhanced Batch Search component will enable us to significantly improve the way that we administer our student IDs,” said Kathy Gosa of the Kansas Department of Education. “The ability to quickly and easily match the IDS of students from other sources and other systems, such as Direct Certification for Free Lunch and students who have enrolled in postsecondary, will be a significant timesaver and will result in higher quality data.”
“eScholar Uniq-ID® for Students and eScholar Uniq-ID® for Staff are critical components of our long term vision to provide the most comprehensive longitudinal data systems solutions,” said Shawn Bay, eScholar’s founder and CEO. “Having the ability to maintain lifelong identities for every individual throughout their education spanning early childhood, preschool, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, elementary, secondary, postsecondary, adult education, and the work force levels is essential. This dramatically enhances the ability of local, state and federal education agencies to understand the impact of educational programs and services on individuals throughout their lives.”
Organizations can learn more about Version 7 of the eScholar Uniq-ID® for Students by visiting www.escholar.com.
Hitachi Software Introduces StarBoard Software 9.0 for Mac Interactive Whiteboard Users
New Software For Mac Users Delivers Total Hitachi Solution for the Education and Business Markets
In an effort that addresses the needs of Mac users in the educational community, Hitachi Software has released StarBoard Software 9.0. The software makes the Hitachi StarBoard a viable tool to the community of users that have been searching for an optimized interactive whiteboard experience with Mac hardware.
Featuring a highly interactive interface, StarBoard Software 9.0 was designed with an eye on the industry wide trend surrounding operating systems that are migrating towards operations utilizing touch capability. The software’s icons are more intuitive and provide users with a natural sense of functionality.
Hitachi StarBoard Software 9.0 for Mac offers users similar functionality as its Windows version, including additional features. A new live desktop mode allows users to ink on YouTube™ videos or any animation on their computers without having to take screen shots or freeze frames. Additionally, a user can drag tools from the toolbar and drop them onto a page offering a more customizable interface. For example, this feature allows a math teacher to place a protractor tool directly on a page so a student has the ability to activate it easily, as opposed to navigating through the menus.
The software also allows FX DUO board users to perform multi-touch gestures, such as pinching, to rotate and resize images as well as an improved multi-input pad that allows two users to write on the board simultaneously.
“The Hitachi StarBoard Software 9.0 is the result of a collaborative effort of our team as well as extensive feedback from our customer base. In launching this platform, Hitachi Software provides users with an easy to use and navigate, comprehensive toolset for interactive, immersive use. Our primary goal was to provide supplemental features to improve this software and provide Mac users with the strongest software solution,” stated Akira Nagamori, director of Hitachi Software.
SIIA Ed Tech Industry Summit Announces Participants for Cutting Edge Innovation Incubator Program
Ten participants and two finalists were selected from 26 applicants
Innovation and growth of new education technologies will be the focus, particularly among those organizations represented during the acclaimed Innovation Incubator Program at the annual Ed Tech Industry Summit, sponsored by the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), March 3-5, 2009, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, Calif.
SIIA Education Division committee members reviewed 26 applications, and then voted for 10 entities based on the key selection criteria, including the alignment to SIIA’s Vision K-20 Benchmarks around: 21st Century Tools, Anytime/Anywhere Access, Differentiated Learning, Assessment Tools, and Enterprise Support.
SIIA’s 2009 Innovation Incubator participants represent pre-revenue companies, established companies, non-profit groups, R&D agencies, and academic institutions, and will officially be introduced during the upcoming conference.
The Ed Tech Industry Summit provides visibility for these innovators through three key events during the conference: Innovation Business Profiles Session, the Innovation Showcase and Networking Reception, and the One-to-One Business Connections Meetings.
Focusing on how critical innovation is to the future of the education industry, the SIIA Education Division narrowed the list of 26 applicants to 10 selected participants and two finalists. They are as follows:
Adobe – Adobe Flash Catalyst, a new professional interaction design tool for rapidly creating application interfaces and interactive content without coding.
ArchieMD – Archie MD Interactive 3D Platform: Virtual Autopsy, an innovative state-of-the-art 3D interactive platform ideal for the K-20 markets, enhancing the study of forensics and biology.
ClassLink – ClassLink Inquiry, takes the guesswork out of instructional technology decisions by accumulating and analyzing instructional technology usage data.
Kidos Computer – Kidos Computers, similar to iTunes for children’s content with the added benefits of “scaffolding” the content with interactive tools and applications for both kids and parents.
Math Learning Exchange – MathLearningExchange.org, designed as an online community for improving K-12+ math education with a moderated wiki of user-generated videos for math instruction.
MixedInk – MixedInk Collaborative Writing Tool, a fun and collaborative way for students to grow as writers, building on student’s online behavior outside the classroom.
Filament Games, LLC – PLEX Labs, a series of educational science games designed to parallel existing classroom activities.
Child’sMind Publishing – The Predictive Assessment of Reading, a breakthrough, universal diagnostic test for students in K-4th grade that is based on 20 years of NIH-funded research.
Quantum Learning Technologies – Skatekids Online / Ramps to Reading, virtual online worlds filled with games and activities that teach kids literacy, reading comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
SMARTHINKING – Straighterline, combines on-demand tutoring from SMARTHINKING with off-the-shelf content to create developmental and general education courses.
2009 Ed Tech Industry Summit Innovation Incubator Finalists:
edWeb LLC – edWeb, a professional, social networking Web site for the education community that helps educators discuss issues, share resources, and collaborate.
GradeCam Corporation – GradeCam, advanced image recognition software that works with a camera to grade tests and post scores to any electronic grade book.
SIIA has extended the visibility of all applicants by hosting the Innovation Incubator Virtual Environment. Built with the support of member company Educational Systemics, it provided a venue for the voters to review each innovation by visiting the online exhibit hall. To provide visibility for all applicants during and after the Summit, the public is invited to view their booths by visiting http://k-12.veplatform.com/.
According to Karen Billings, Vice President for SIIA’s Education Division, “We are both excited and impressed by this year’s line-up of Innovation Incubator participants. These organizations represent different stages of company maturation and will have exciting new curriculum, administrative or productivity solutions for both K-12 and post-secondary markets. Their ability to build original and innovative solutions will help lead the charge into the next generation of technology-rich learning, and we were excited to place them front and center at this spring’s Ed Tech Industry Summit.”
Source: Software & Information Industry Association
Translator for iPhone: Acapela Speech Empowers iSpeak Advanced Tool Designed by Future Apps, in 9 Languages
Acapela Group, the European Voice solutions expert, announces the first deployment of its Acapela for iPhone text to speech solution, with the release of iSpeak by Future Apps, an innovative developer of solutions for the iPhone platform.
iSpeak is designed to take mobile translators/speech learning tools to a new level of capability and quality. The iSpeak Apps are not merely simple text translators, but use Acapela high quality speech synthesis to vocalise the translated phrase back to you in the target language.
Future Apps has worked with Acapela Group to integrate Acapela for iPhone – a product designed to offer to iPhone community developers a high quality speech engine specifically adapted to meet their needs – in their applications. This provides the iSpeak Apps real time vocalisation of translations with full quality, no compression, and no internet connection needed.
“We put a lot of work into creating the ultimate translation tool for the iPhone that can be used for anything from simple word translations to a convenient and easy way to learn a language,” said John Stefanopoulos, Founder of Future Apps. “When we approached Acapela, we were blown away by the voice quality their speech engine reproduces. It is like nothing you have ever heard before, especially considering that our iSpeak Apps run on a mobile phone.”
“We have launched the Acapela for iPhone solution a few months ago and we had a lot of very positive interest and feedback from the iPhone community. iSpeak will definitely change the way we interface with language learning issues. We are very happy to voice empower such a smart and high end tool which will be the first app to demonstrate the power of Acapela natural voices to voice enable iPhone applications, at an appstore affordable price,” says Lars-Erik Larsson, CEO of Acapela Group.
9 languages are already available: iSpeak translates from English to any of the following languages, and the other way round. Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, and Swedish, with more languages coming soon!
The iSpeak line of Apps is available immediately from the Apple App Store for a small one-time fee of $1.99 per language.
The initial release supports Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, and Swedish, with more languages coming soon!
Source: Acapela Group
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