Wireless Teaching and the Web-Enabled Classroom
Wireless Teaching and the Web-Enabled Classroom:
A guide to hardware and software on campus
Projectors
3M MP8610
3M’s MP8610 projector provides 500 ANSI lumens of brightness, true SVGA (800 x 600) resolution, and rich sound from two 10-watt speakers. The 13.4 lb. unit can be ceiling-mounted or portable. An optional document camera projects from books, documents, or objects. Six presentation functions are available. Contact: 3M Corp., Austin, TX; (800) 328-1371; www.3M.com.
Canon LV-7510
The LV-7510 delivers 1900 ANSI lumens and incorporates Canon’s lens-centered optics technology to create uniform brightness across the screen. Offering true XGA output (1024 x 768 pixels) and digitally compressed high-resolution SXGA output, the LV-7510 delivers maximum image quality with plug-and-play convenience. When connected to a PC or any audio-visual device, the LV-7510 automatically determines the proper horizontal and vertical scanning frequency, type of video signal, and tracking settings. Power focus and zoom adjustments are made through a single remote control that can be used to run both the projector and the PC. Contact: Canon, U.S.A., Inc., Lake Success, NY; (516) 328-5960; www.canon.com.
Christie Digital Vista X3 Projector
The Vista X3 from Christie Digital offers fast and easy lamp accessibility, auto setup, greater lens offset capabilities, increased controller remote control options, and upgradable resolution and brightness without the necessity of buying a new projector. Contact: Christie Digital, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; (800) 265-2171; www.christiedigital.com.
Hitachi CP-L850 LCD Projector
Hitachi’s CP-L850 LCD Projector employs a newly developed polarization converter that outputs brightness of 650 lumens. It has a high-resolution SVGA (800 x 600) full color display that expands selected VGA (640 x 480) images to full screen size without loss of brightness or clarity. The CP-L850’s Multi-Scan System also makes possible direct input connection to two PCs, two S-Video and two composite video inputs for NTSC, PAL, or SECAM, and performs automatic frequency adjustment in response to the signal received. It also offers a front air discharge system, one-touch adjustable screen height, a lens shutter, and a remote control with mouse function. Contact: Hitachi Inc., Brisbane, CA; (800) 225-1741; www.hitachi.com.
HV-7000SX Visual Presenter
HV-5000 Visual Presenter
The HV-7000SX and HV-5000 are the latest visual presenters offered by ELMO Manufacturing Corporation. Featuring true SCGA resolution of 1,500,000 pixels with a 1/2-inch Progressive Scan CCD, the HV-7000SX is the more expensive version of the two models, and is designed for use in conference rooms, lecture halls, and auditoriums. This product also includes both wireless remote control and remote mouse capabilities. The HV-5000 provides XGA outputs, and offers a resolution of 850,000 pixels, with a 1/3-inch Progressive Scan CCD. Additionally, this product can convert the external RGB input into a video output, and is suitable for classroom or conference room presentations. Contact: ELMO Manufacturing Corporation, Plainview, NY; (516) 501-1400; www.elmousa.com.
InFocus LP755
With 1000 lumens and true XGA (1024 x 768) resolution, the LP755 is a powerful conference room or classroom projector. The InFocus LP755 is HDTV-compatible and automatically resizes 1080i HDTV input, preserving a 16:9 ratio. The LP755 can be linked to a network using LightPort networking software, and the CableWizard 3 system connects everything easily. Contact: InFocus, Wilsonville. OR; (800) 294-6400; www.infocus.com.
Kodak DP2900
At 4.8 pounds, the DP2900 is a powerful portable projector. It has a lamp life of 1,000 hours and a brightness of 1000 lumens. The contrast ratio is 400:1, with a zoom factor of 1.25:1. The DP2900 is both PC- and Macintosh-compatible and has true XGA resolution (1024 x 768). Contact: Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, NY; (800) 235-6325; www.kodak.com/go/projectors.
NEC LT150
At 3.3 pounds, the LT150 XGA projector’s DLP technology provides 800 ANSI lumens of brightness. Able to download presentations directly into the projector, NEC’s Presentation Viewer allows presenters to leave the laptop at home, offers a set-up function that automatically displays the best image possible, and has storage space for a credit card-sized remote. Contact: NEC USA Inc., Melville, NY; (800) 338-9549; www.nec.com.
PLUS U3-1080 Mini Projector
PLUS Corp.’s tiny new projector weighs only 2.9 pounds, and uses DLP technology to combine high brightness (800 ANSI lumens) with a contrast ratio of 800:1. Appropriate for presentations in both classrooms and small meeting rooms, the U3-1080 is an XGA projector as well as SVGA- and VGA-compatible. The unit comes with a short-focus, wide-angle lens; 10x digital zoom; digital keystone correction; and freeze and mute functions. Contact: PLUS Corporation of America, Allendale, NJ; (201) 818-2700; www.pluscorp.com.
Polaview 270 LCD Projector
Weighing only 5.3 pounds, the Polaview 270 offers SVGA 800 x 600 resolution, with a brightness of 800 ANSI lumens. It features digital and manual zoom, credit-card-sized remote control, plug-and-play RGB input with AutoSync, with a contrast ratio of 150:1. Contact: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, MA; (800) 343-5000; www.polaroid.com.
Electronic Whiteboards
Hitachi StarBoard
Hitachi’s StarBoard is an electromagnetic, interactive, whiteboard surface compatible with both conventional dry-erase pens and projection interaction. A full handwriting recognition function turns printed words into useable ASCII text characters, and an ultrafast pen tracking speed of 200 inches per second and superior resolution (1,000 lines per inch) provide an accurate, high-resolution interface for any software application. The dry-erase surface itself is replaceable in case of any damage that might occur to the actual board. The software package included with the board has annotation and drawing tools, multiple-image file formats, thumbnail image browser, video annotation, and a multimedia notepad that acts as a flipchart. Contact: Hitachi Software Engineering America, San Francisco, CA; (888) 615-9600; www.hitachi-soft.com.
Merlin Whiteboard
The Merlin series of electronic whiteboards gives you the ability to teleconference with remote participants and save written text or ideas in real-time on your PC. Merlin can also send any printed, e-mailed, or faxed material onto any Web site with your choice of browser. The Merlin Whiteboard runs on Windows 95/98/NT/4.0 or higher. Contact: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, MA; (800) 343-5000; www.polaroid.com.
Mimio Electronic Whiteboard
Mimio attaches to any standard whiteboard, connects to a computer, and uses infrared and ultrasound technology to track the position of the marker stylus and eraser on the board. Mimio is lightweight, quickly attaches to different sized whiteboards, and is small enough to fit in a briefcase. It is both PC- and Macintosh-compatible, and whiteboard notes can be directly sent to the printer. Contact: Virtual Ink Corporation, Boston, MA; (877) MY-MIMIO; www.mimio.com.
Panasonic Panaboard KX-BP735
The Panaboard KX-BP735 electronic whiteboard features four separate writing screens. The unit allows instructors to continue to convey information without interruption, improving the ability of presenters to describe complex concepts. The writing surface is 2'11" x 4'7", and a thermal printing system is attached to the board allowing users to print while they lecture. Contact: Panasonic Communications and Systems Co., Secaucus, NJ (800) 742-8086; www.panasonic.com.
SMART Board
The SMART Board and Rear Projection SMART Board allow users to control projected Windows and Macintosh software and other multimedia directly from the board by pressing on the board’s touch-sensitive surface. Instructors can write on top of the image and save the notes for future reference and distribution. Contact: SMART Technologies, Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada; (888) 42-SMART; www.smarttech.com.
WWWhiteboard
The WWWhiteboard from Link-Systems International Inc. is an interactive graphical tool for real-time communication of technical concepts. Instructors can import and annotate GIF and JPG images. Text can be typed on the board or in an attached chat window. The Internet-enabled, cross-platform whiteboard can be embedded in different applications. It supports scientific and mathematical notation, special symbols, geometric primitives, graphing, and freehand drawing. Contact: Link-Systems International Inc., Tampa, FL (813) 615-0377; www.link-systems.com.
DVD Players
JVC XV-D701BK
JVC’s XV-D701BK DVD Player plays both DVDs and audio CDs. The player has a built-in Dolby digital decoder and virtual surround sound, giving it great sound quality. With chapter preview and bookmark functions, the user can find the right scene in seconds. This player also has zoom, strobe, and slow-motion functions, which makes it a useful classroom tool. Contact: JVC Company of America, Wayne, NJ; (800) 526-5308; www.jvc.com.
Mitsubishi DD-4001
The Mitsubishi DD-4001 has a 10-bit digital video processor, which delivers a clear digital picture with high resolution. It plays both video and audio CDs, and has an MPEG audio decoder/player. The player also has a karaoke feature and virtual surround sound. With chapter preview, bookmark, zoom, strobe, scan, and slow-motion functions, the DD-4001 is ideal for a classroom environment. Contact: Mitsubishi Electronics, Irvine, CA; (949) 465-6000; www.mitsubishi.com.
Panasonic DVD-K520
Panasonic’s DVD-K520 has outputs for DTS and Dolby digital decoders, which allow for optional 5.1 channel surround-sound audio. It plays both DVDs and audio CDs, and has a karaoke feature. The player has both scan and slow-motion functions as well as closed captioning. Contact: Panasonic, Inc., Los Angeles, CA; (800) 528-8601; www.panasonic.com.
Philips 170AT
The 170AT plays MPEG video, video CDs, and audio CDs. It also has fine picture adjustment and tracking, along with closed captioning and a graphical user interface. The bookmark and scan functions allow for the right scene to be quickly found. The player also comes with zoom and slow-motion functions as well as an on-screen menu. The 170AT also has a serial interface port that allows the DVD player to connect to a computer. Contact: Philips, Sunnyvale, CA: (800) 326-6586; www.philips.com.
Pioneer DVD-V7400
The Pioneer DVD-V7400 plays both DVDs and audio CDs, and has a Dolby digital decoder. The player both holds and plays multiple discs, has a graphical user interface, a serial interface port for connection to a computer, and is compatible with DVD barcode. The V7400 supports touchscreen capabilities, and a mouse can connect directly to the front of the player. Contact: Pioneer Electronics, Long Beach, CA; (800) 421-1606; www.pioneerelectronics.com.
Samsung DVD-909
The Samsung DVD-909 has a Dolby digital decoder, plays both DVDs, audio CDs, and has virtual surround sound. It has both scan and slow-motion functions as well as frame-by-frame-advancing. The chapter preview and bookmark functions allow the user to get to the right scene at the right time. Contact: Samsung, Ridgefield Park, NJ; (201) 229-4000; www.samsung.com.
Sensory Science DVS-3000
The DVS-3000 plays audio and video CDs, as well as DVDs. It has a Dolby digital decoder, virtual surround sound, and a MPEG audio decoder/player. With scan, strobe, slow-motion, and bookmark functions, it is an ideal tool for the classroom environment. This player has both remote and barcode control. Contact: Sensory Science, Scottsdale, AZ; (480) 998-3400; www.sensoryscience.com.
Sharp DV L70U
The Sharp DV L70U plays audio and video CDs, as well as DVDs. It has a Dolby digital decoder and virtual surround sound. The player has digital and analog audio outputs and composite video, component video, and s-video outputs. Contact: Sharp Electronics Corporation, Mahwah, NJ; (201) 529-8731; www.sharp-usa.com.
Sony DVP-CX8500
The Sony DVP-CX8500 is compatible with DVDs and audio CDs. With the ability to hold and play multiple discs, and a Dolby digital decoder with virtual surround sound, the DVP-CX8500 is a useful tool in the classroom. It also has scan, slow-motion, and bookmark functions, as well as a chapter preview and on-screen menu. Contact: Sony Corporation of America, San Diego, CA: (800) 222-7669; www.sony.com.
Toshiba SD5109
Toshiba’s SD5109 can play both audio and video CDs, as well as DVDs. With a host of functions, including strobe, scan, slow motion, and zoom, this player is ideal for a classroom environment. The bookmark function and chapter preview features allow users to find the right scene at the right time. It also has a Dolby digital decoder and virtual surround sound. Contact: Toshiba America Consumer Products, Inc., Wayne, NJ; (800) 631-3611; www.toshiba.com/tacp.
Yamaha DVD-C900
The DVD-C900 from Yamaha has both digital and analog audio outputs. It can play video and audio CDs, as well as DVDs. The Dolby digital decoder gives great sound quality, and the bookmark and chapter preview functions make the player ideal for presentations. The player also holds multiple discs and has a graphical user interface. Contact: Yamaha Electronics Corp. USA; Buena Park, CA (800) 4-YAMAHA; www.yamaha.com.
Handhelds
BlackBerry Internet Edition
The BlackBerry Internet Edition handheld weighs only 5.3 ounces, and has an Intel386 processor, a wireless modem, and integrated e-mail/organizer software. The handheld is a wireless extension of the user’s e-mail mailbox that gives instant notification of incoming e-mails by staying constantly connected to the Internet.
The user can set a filter on e-mail that monitors key words and message fields to limit the number of messages received. The BlackBerry Internet Edition comes with 5 MB of flash memory, plus 512 Kbytes of SRAM. Information is automatically synchronized with the user’s PC when the handheld is placed in its cradle. The desktop system requirements for compatibility with the BlackBerry Internet Edition are an Intel-compatible 486 or higher processor, one available serial port, and Windows 95/98/NT 4.0. Contact: Research In Motion, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; (877) 255-2377; www.blackberry.net.
Casio Cassiopeia E-115
Casio’s Cassiopeia E-115 comes with 131 MHz and 32 MB of RAM. A serial port cradle is included, which allows for synchronization with the user’s e-mail, files, Internet channels, contacts, calendar, and notes. The handheld has Type I and II CompactFlash slots, as well as a speaker and stereo earphone jack. It has six hours of battery life and weighs only nine ounces. The handheld itself runs on the Windows CE platform. Contact: Casio Computer Corp., Dover, NJ; (800) 962-2746; www.casio.com.
iPaq H3600
Compaq’s iPaq H3600 is a handheld personal organizer with 32MB of RAM and USB synchronization. At 6.3 ounces, it has a surprisingly speedy processor and a bright color screen that can be read indoors or out. There is a 12-hour internal rechargeable battery. The iPaq H3600 runs on the Windows CE operating system. Contact: Compaq, Houston, TX; (800) ATCOMPA; www.compaq.com.
HP Jornada 545
The Jornada 545 from Hewlett-Packard is a pocket PC with 16 MB of RAM and 16 MB of ROM. It has a backlit LCD color display and eight hours of battery life. With a 133 MHz processor and USB and serial cables, synchronization is easy. The 545 has a CompactFlash Type I card slot and runs on the Windows CE Platform. Contact: Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto, CA; (800) 826-4711; www.hp.com.
Palm V
The Palm V is a lightweight personal digital assistant, weighing only four ounces and less than a half-inch thick. This handheld has 2 MB of flexible storage capacity and a long-life lithium rechargeable battery. It has a clear LCD screen and contains organizer applications including to-do list, memo pad, date book, address book, mail, expense, calculator, and HotSync synchronization software. The Palm V is compatible with PCs running on Windows 95, 98 or NT 4.0 and requires one available serial port. Contact: Palm, Santa Clara, CA: (408) 326-9000; www.palm.com.
Handspring Visor Deluxe
The Handspring Visor Deluxe is a compact and lightweight (5.4 ounces) handheld organizer with 8MB of RAM. Its operating system is PalmOS and it runs on any PalmOS software. Springboard modules or patches update the operating system or upgrade the memory. Visor Deluxe has a high-resolution backlit display, fast and easy USB synchronization, and is both Windows- and Mac- compatible. Five different colors provide a customized look. Contact: Handspring, Mountain View, CA; (650) 230-5000; www.handspring.com.
Modules
8 MB Flash Module
The Flash Module Stores over 200 typical Palm OS applications to ensure adequate backup capabilities. The module comes with a built-in File Mover application that allows users to copy, move, and delete applications on both the module and the handheld. Contact: Handspring, Mountain View, CA: (650) 230-5000; www.handspring.com.
Backup Module
The Backup Module allows users to back up their entire Visor with one touch. It can then be removed and stored separately. Should the Visor data be lost (in the case of battery failure, for instance), the backup copy can be restored by simply inserting the module and clicking a button. Contact: Handspring, Mountain View, CA; (650) 230-5000; www.handspring.com.
eyemodule
This digital camera addition captures images in black-and-white or color, and allows users to view images in real time. Users can then e-mail images or beam them to other Palm-compatible users. Contact: Handspring, Mountain View, CA (650) 230-5000; www.handspring.com.
Handspring Modem
The module allows users to connect to their desktop via a standard phone line, send and receive e-mail on the handheld, and HotSync data from a remote location, backing up data from the Visor. Third-party software also allows users to check POP e-mail, surf the Web, and send faxes. The modem is fully featured and Hayes-compatible with 33.6 Kbs, and extends the length of the Visor less than half an inch. Contact: Handspring, Mountain View, CA; (650) 230-5000; www.handspring.com.
InnoPak/2V
This module adds 2 MB of flash memory to the Visor and includes a vibrating alarm to alert users to datebook entries. Contact: Innogear Inc., Morgan Hill, CA; (877) 711-6778; www.innogear.com.
Kodak PalmPix
This lightweight device turns a Palm Pilot into a digital camera. After taking photos, users can HotSync the pictures to their computer, and save the images to their desktop. Contact: Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, NY; (800) 235-6325; www.kodak.com.
Notebooks
Acer TravelMate 520 Series
The TravelMate 520 series notebooks come in four separate configurations. The processor is an Intel Pentium III with a range from 600- to 700-MHz and features Intel SpeedStep technology. These notebooks come equipped with a 56K modem and 10/100 integrated LAN. They also have up to 128 MB of system memory and 10 GB of hard drive space. The 520 series TravelMates weigh only 6.78 pounds and are less than an inch and a half thick. All four notebooks come preloaded with Microsoft Windows 98, and are Windows 2000-ready and NT 4.0-compliant. Contact: Acer America, San Jose, CA; (800) SEE-ACER; www.acer.com.
Apple iBook
At 6.6 pounds, the Apple iBook is a powerful, compact notebook with up to a 20 GB hard disk drive and a processor speed of 466 MHz. The iBook has a built-in 10/100Base-T Ethernet connector, as well as one 12-Mbps USB port. The display is 12.1 inches, and the notebook itself is 2.06 inches at its thickest point. Contact: Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA: (408) 996-0275; www.apple.com.
Compaq Presario 1800 Series
The Compaq Presario 1800 series notebooks come equipped with an Intel Pentium III processor and SpeedStep technology. The display size can be up to 15 inches, with a maximum weight of only 7.8 pounds. The notebooks have an internal 56K modem as well as a 10/100Base-T Ethernet port. Contact: Compaq Computer Corp., Houston, TX; (281) 370-0670; www.compaq.com.
Dell Inspiron 7500
The Dell Inspiron 7500 has a Pentium III processor at 700 MHz, and a 15 inch super XGA display. With up to 512 MB of SDRAM, and a 30 GB hard disk drive, the Inspiron 7500 is a powerful mobile desktop. It comes with Windows Millenium preinstalled, as well as Microsoft Office 2000. Contact: Dell Computer Corp., Round Rock, TX; (800) 999-3355; www.dell.com/us/en/qen.
Fujitsu LifeBook C-6577
Fujitsu’s LifeBook C-6577 has a 750 MHz Pentium III processor featuring Intel SpeedStep technology. This notebook has two built-in speakers and a wireless infrared mouse. It also has a built-in DVD drive and a 56K modem. The C-6577 has 128 MB of memory and a 20 GB hard drive. It weighs 7.3 pounds and is less than two inches thick. Contact: Fujitsu, Sunnyvale, CA;(408) 746-6000; www.fujitsu.com.
PowerBook G3/500
The PowerBook G3 has a powerful G3 processor with a speed of up to 500 MHz. This notebook also has a dual battery capability, allowing up to ten hours of battery life. The PowerBook supports AirPort wireless networking and has a built-in antenna, card slot, 10/100Base-T Ethernet access, and 56K modem. The display is 14.1 inches, and the entire notebook weighs only 5.7 pounds. Contact: Apple Computer Inc., Cupertino, CA; (408) 996-0275; www.apple.com.
Toshiba Portégé 7200CTe
The Toshiba Portege 7200CTe is an ultra-thin, ultra-light notebook, weighing less than five pounds and only one inch thick. It has an Intel Pentium III processor with a speed of 650 MHz and SpeedStep technology. The Portege has 64 MB of memory and a 12 billion-byte hard drive. It also has an integrated V.90 modem and an optional DVD-ROM drive. Contact: Toshiba American Consumer Products, Inc., Wayne, NJ; (800) 631-3611; www.toshiba.com
Professional Development
AppleWorks 6
AppleWorks 6 is a collection of several useful applications in one program. The user can create everything from a word document to a spreadsheet, database, drawing, painting, or presentation. The user can also create a document by using the templates provided by AppleWorks. AppleWorks Assistant interviews the user and help create the desired document. The Assistant is also available for business cards, calendars, certificates, envelopes, and home finances. The new Presentation module makes creating a slide show from any document easy. AppleWorks 6 provides seamless integration between the Web browser and AppleWorks document when they are opened simultaneously. Contact: Apple Computer, Inc., Cupertino, CA; (408) 996-0275; www.apple.com.
AuthorWare 5.1
Authorware is a visual rich-media authoring tool for creating Web and online learning applications. It allows developers, instructional designers, and subject matter experts to create online learning experiences, track student results, and deliver rich-media training through the Web, LANs, and CD-ROM. Authors of any skill level can quickly develop interactive learning applications with the Authorware flowline, icons, and templates, use hyperlinking, hypertext, full text search and retrieval, and eleven different built-in interactions. Contact: Macromedia, San Francisco, CA; (415) 252-2000; www.macromedia.com.
Director 8 Shockwave Studio
Macromedia Director 8 software allows users to create multimedia corporate presentations, e-merchandising applications and interactive entertainment. Director 8 combines graphics, sound, animation, text, and video to create streaming, multiuser, interactive Web content that is easy to deploy for CD- or DVD-ROM and the Web. New features include linked lingo scripts, multiple curve vectors, and precision sound control. Included is Shockwave Multiuser Server 2, which enables the development of Web designations that include collaborative features, such as real-time messaging, chat rooms, whiteboard discussions, auctions, and multiplayer games supporting up to 1,000 simultaneous players. Contact: Macromedia, San Francisco, CA; (415) 252-2000; www.macromedia.com.
Quest 6.0
Quest enhances the creation of interactive training and education applications using a reusable and extensible object-oriented architecture. Quest features FastTracks, libraries of pre-built screen layouts, buttons, and interactions. QuestNet+, a 16-bit version for both novice and expert developers, delivers interactive training via CD-ROM, the Internet, an intranet, or a LAN—or a hybrid mix of delivery vehicles. Quest 6.0 relies on 32-bit operating systems—Windows 95 or higher or Windows NT—to run animations, video, and audio faster, smoother, and more effectively. Quest prides itself on its WYSIWYG development environment. Contact: Allen Communications, Salt Lake City, UT; (801) 325-7850; www.allencomm.com.
Tandberg Educational Partner Tools
The Partner Tools is an authoring software that provides teachers and materials developers with the ability to create their own multimedia learning materials. It has a simple user interface is easy to navigate. Each Partner Tools is available in two versions: the Designer and the Browser. With the Designer, teachers can choose the best medium to communicate their message: still picture, video clip, or audio clip. All material can be stored in digital format. Using the Browser, students can work through the multimedia experience in a linear sequence or by using random access, but cannot change the content. Contact: Tandberg Educational Inc., Brewster, NY; (800) 367-1137; www.tandberg-us.com.
Toolbook II Assistant 7.2
Click2learn, formerly Asymetrix, is offering Toolbook II, which now includes PublishExpress, a tool that allows users to upload courseware directly to the click2learn.com network. Toolbook II Assistant 7.2 supports the new Microsoft LRN standard and allows users to create and deliver training and educational courseware. Assistant helps users deliver online lessons through the Internet, intranet, LAN, or CD-ROM. Toolbook II Instructor 7.2 is a courseware authoring product for professional developers, programmers, instructional designers, and trainers. Combining easy-to-use templates, wizards, and preprogrammed catalog objects with the full-featured OpenScript programming language, Instructor offers a powerful development environment boasting new and improved templates and double-byte support for applications that are exported to DHTML. Contact: Click2learn, Bellevue, WA; (800) 448-6543; www.home.click2learn.com.
Web Design 101
Macromedia’s Web Design 101 is a package of tutorials and evaluation software for Web design classes, and is based on Director 7, Freehand 8, Flash 4, Fireworks 3, and Dreamweaver 3. It is a complete short course on Web design for beginners. The tutorials themselves are free from Macromedia, and the CD-ROMs come with a printed instructor’s guide and six lessons per product. Contact: Macromedia, San Francisco, CA; (415) 252-2000; www.macromedia.com.
Online Course Delivery and Management
Blackboard 5
Blackboard 5 is a software platform that allows for a course management system, customizable institution-wide portals, online campus communities, and integration of multiple administrative systems. It can be licensed at three levels. Level One provides basic course management tools such as discussion boards, posting of course material, chat rooms, and online assessments.
Level Two provides course management as well as customizable institution-wide portals for faculty, students, and alumni, facilitating online communities, Web-based e-mail, a calendar, announcements and tasks. Level Three offers a more advanced package that includes Java-based APIs for unifying online campus systems into one platform. Contact: Blackboard, Washington, D.C.; (202) 463-4860; www.blackboard.net.
eCollege.com
CampusPortal 4.0 is eCollege.com's enterprise-wide solution for bringing campus services and community access online. eCollege.com's product provides students with self-service, asynchronous learning, both on- and off-campus. CampusPortal 4.0 allows users to develop and deliver a robust campus Intranet in about 45-90 days; offer personalized home pages for everyone in the community; provide online access to campus services, courses, and productivity tools; track users and site usage statistics; and generate automated reports and analyses. Contact eCollege.com, Denver, CO; (888) 884-7325; www.ecollege.com.
e-Education
JonesKnowledge.com's e-Education is a full-service provider of all aspects of online education. In addition to its online course management software, the JonesKnowledge.com product line replicates services provided throughout a college or university's traditional campus and markets online education programs regionally, nationally, and internationally. A comprehensive suite of software tools enables faculty to
create, edit, and manage online courses. Also available are an online course catalog and online electronic library. Contact: JonesKnowledge.com, Englewood, CO; (800) 701-6463; www.e-education.com.
Horizon Live 2.0
Horizon Live 2.0 is a system for live online learning. Features include integrated chat, instant polling, a whiteboard for both instructor and student use, application screening, and a One-Click Archive that records live sessions for on-demand review. Horizon Live is accessible on any standard Web browser and runs on Mac, UNIX, or Windows platforms. Contact: Horizon Live, New York, NY; (212) 533-1775; www.horizonlive.com.
JenzaEducator
JenzaEducator from Jenzabar.com is an online course development tool featuring personal calendars for instructors and students, personalized and centralized instructor home pages, and student profile software to track names, faces, e-mail addresses and phone numbers. Instant messaging, chat rooms, and forums are also included, along with syllabus posting and easy expansion. Contact: Jenzabar, Cambridge, MA; (617) 492-9099; www.jenzabar.com.
