eScholar launches Version 7 of eScholar Uniq-ID for Students

December 23, 2009 · Filed Under Educational Software, Productivity Software, Software News · Comment 

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.

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Hitachi Software Introduces StarBoard Software 9.0 for Mac Interactive Whiteboard Users

May 14, 2009 · Filed Under Business Software, Educational Software, Software News · Comment 

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.

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KIDO’Z v 1.0 Redefines Internet Safety for Children

May 5, 2009 · Filed Under Internet Software, Security Software, Software News, Utilities and Operating Systems · Comment 

KIDO’Z v 1.0 is the first International computer operating system built for small children. A freeware download is available at http://kidoz.net/

The KIDO’Z discovery platform exits beta testing today with v 1.0, the first Internet operating system specifically designed for children ages 3-7 years. With multilingual support in 17 languages, KIDO’Z is already deployed in over 80 countries.

With the utility of a simple browser, and the security of a refined, parent filtered search engine, KIDO’Z provides the ideal environment for adults to present technology and a safe Internet to their children. At the heart of KIDO’Z, is a smart content engine that can be configured to individualize content based on a wide variety of criteria: age, language, culture, nationality, gender, religion, and content popularity, just to name a few possible variables.

“We started KIDO’Z so that our small children could understand and safely interact with great Internet content. KIDO’Z now is a logical progression of this development, where all the world’s small children can experience the nearly limitless potential of the Internet, but in a safe, fun and meaningful way.” — Gai Havkin, CEO

For kids, KIDO’Z is a safe, intuitive and friendly way to begin learning Internet technology, and to explore content from the very best providers on the Web. Using the graphics based interface, even very young children who cannot yet read can navigate web sites approved by parents, favorite content, watch entertaining and educational video, and play intelligent and interactive games.

For parents KIDO’Z, through its parental interface, delivers safety, control and peace of mind. Parents are actually building the world of KIDO’Z for all children through monitoring their own children’s activities, suggesting and sharing the best content, and in effect contributing to a unique user generated content system, one centered on early childhood.

Built using Adobe Air, KIDO’Z is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems. Version 1.0′s parental controls include: approval or blocking of public content, adding private content, sharing and content moderation, rating content, account editing, and setting time limits. KIDO’Z has also been optimized for notebooks and touch screens for added flexibility.

Source: KIDO’Z

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SIIA Ed Tech Industry Summit Announces Participants for Cutting Edge Innovation Incubator Program

April 17, 2009 · Filed Under Educational Software, Software News · Comment 

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

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SIIA Anti-Piracy Division Reports 2008 Successes Following Aggressive Enforcement & Educational Outreach

March 10, 2009 · Filed Under Software News · Comment 

National Leader in Software and Content Anti-Piracy Efforts Announces Success Stories in Settlements, Suits, Rewards and Punishments for the Past Year – Including Imprisonment of Online Pirate Jeremiah Mondello

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries, released its 2008 Anti-Piracy Year in Review. The report chronicles SIIA’s anti-piracy efforts, educational programs, success stories, and also profiles some interesting “criminal behavior” highlights from 2008.

According to Keith Kupferschmid, Senior Vice President for SIIA Intellectual Property Policy and Enforcement, “2008 was one of the most successful years to date for our organization’s anti-piracy litigation and education efforts. Our dual approach enabled us to crack down on the illegal sale of pirated software and digital content while helping consumers to distinguish between legitimate and illegal software and content.”

Notable achievements during this past year include:

Internet Anti-Piracy Enforcement Efforts Strengthened: In 2008, SIIA brought a record number of lawsuits against fraudulent sellers of member company software on auction sites such as eBay, Amazon.com and iOffer. In addition to these suits, SIIA shut down auction and classified ad sites offering products worth a combined total of approximately $25 million dollars. Most significantly, the SIIA Anti-Piracy program reached a new milestone with the sentencing of Jeremiah Mondello, an eBay seller who used stolen bank account information to create more than 40 fictitious eBay and PayPal identities to sell pirated software. SIIA was responsible for providing the Department of Justice (DOJ) with information that led to Mondello’s guilty plea and imprisonment.

Anti-Piracy Efforts Go Global: SIIA increased the reach of its Anti-Piracy enforcement efforts by hiring additional in-house investigators who are fluent in French, Chinese, Russian, German and several other languages and monitoring for infringements on a global scale as it expanded its enforcement to eBay international sites, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, as well as hood.de, allegro.pl, marktplaats.nl, and kapaza.be.

Corporate Software Anti-Piracy Program: SIIA’s Corporate Software Anti-Piracy Program expressly combats software piracy in the workplace through key education and legal initiatives. In 2008, SIIA received 251 reports of alleged piracy — nearly one per business day, and approximately the same number as the 247 reports received in 2007. Of the 251 reports, 56 (or 22%) were judged sufficiently reliable to pursue, illustrating SIIA’s conservative approach to ensuring cases are definitive and legitimate. During the past year, 56 companies settled copyright infringement claims with SIIA, including: Doan Pyramid, an electrical contractor and developer in Cleveland, Ohio, which settled for $250,000; Tric Tool, a firm that designs and builds automation systems, which settled their claims for $76,000; and numerous other unnamed companies that also settled claims for six figures-plus, including a well-known women’s clothing firm that settled its claim for $425,000.

New Educational Videos Released: As part of its new Ask Before You Act campaign, SIIA created a new educational website called www.askbeforeyouact.com and released new educational videos and a toolkit to assist corporate software and content compliance managers in helping their employees understand the importance of copyright issues.

Compliance Matters Blog Initiated: The SIIA Anti-Piracy staff started a blog on the new Ask Before You Act website covering new and often complex copyright, licensing and compliance issues relating to the use of software and content. Guest bloggers include Tamera Bennett from Bennett Law Office, P.C., and Robert Clarida from Cowan, Liebowitz & Latman, P.C.

Copyright Legislation Enacted: President Bush signed into law S. 3325, “the Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property (PRO IP) Act of 2008,” a bill strongly supported by SIIA that provides law enforcement agencies and prosecutors with increased funding and resources to pursue cases of criminal copyright infringement.

Source: Software & Information Industry Association

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