Latest Releases, Services, and New Product Versions
Furniture for Collaboration
CBT/SmartDesks has introduced Collab learning studio pods, interactive
conference tables shaped for the group dynamics of collaborative
learning. The pods feature six flipIT laptop safes, which allow permanently
installed laptops to remain connected and charging at all times,
and can stow and lock laptops out of sight when not in use. For students
who wish to use their own laptops, a pop-up data/power port in the center of the table features four RJ45 and four
110-V outlets. All power and network connections are housed in an 18-inch steel column, which both supports the
pod tables and provides easy access to wiring via an 8-inch by 20-inch access hatch. MSRP starts at $6,000.
Next-Gen Learning Enviroment
Pearson has announced Pearson LearningStudio, a SaaS learning
environment that combines the Pearson eCollege and Fronter platforms.
Three licensing levels—Campus Edition, Blended Edition, and Online
Edition—allow institutions to build the system that best aligns with their
academic mission and goals. Pearson’s MyLab study and assessment
tools are integrated and customizable, giving faculty instant access to data
and analytics on student performance. Social networking functions allow the creation and use of student personas, wikis,
blogs, user-generated content, and more. A host of learning tools provide functionality in coursework, learning, collaboration,
publishing, and administration. Contact vendor for pricing.
Mobile Clickers
Acadium has announced the mClk, an SMS-based classroom-response system that allow students to use their cell
phones as response devices. To use the service, instructors set up a free account at www.mclkonline.com, and students
sign up for the mClk service via text message. Students text poll responses to a designated short code, and the data is
tallied instantly on the mClk website. Pricing is available on a per-student basis ($9.99 per student per month) or via a
subscription plan (starting at $135 per month for 50 participants).
