News 03-28-2003
Make Plans Now to Attend Syllabus2003: July 27-31
Syllabus2003 is celebrating its 10th annual summer conference for education
technology professionals with five days of don't-miss keynotes, general sessions,
break-outs and more. Monday, July 28, will be spent at Stanford University where
you'll see and experience the latest education technology in action. Four days
of high-level programming at the San Jose Marriott feature five new tracks on
topics of strategic importance. Plus, you'll enjoy networking and exhibits in
Syllabus' traditional collegial atmosphere. Don't miss out. Early Bird registration
in effect until June 27—Save up to $200 on the Gold Package and attend all
five days. For details and to register go to http://info.101com.com/default.asp?id=827.
http://info.101com.com/default.asp?id=827
Microsoft to Fund University Virus Testing Course
Microsoft Corp. is funding an academic course to train students at the U.K.'s
University of Leeds to write bug-free software. The announcement comes amid
repeated complaints that Microsoft's software programs remain vulnerable to
intrusion. A year ago Microsoft launched an initiative called "Trustworthy Computing"
to improve the security of its programs. In January, though, a worm called "SQL
Slammer" attacked computer servers running on Microsoft software, triggering
a series of Internet outages and system breakdowns. Over the past year, Microsoft
claims it has sent 11,000 of its code writers, testers, and programmers through
training to better identify potential holes in computer source code. Under the
new initiative, Microsoft will train instructors at the University of Leeds
in the bug-testing techniques. Also, the company has granted the university
all intellectual property rights over the course, and has given it the freedom
to distribute or sell code-writing course materials to other universities.
New Products: McGraw-Hill Handheld Writing, Research Tool
McGraw-Hill Higher Education unveiled Catalyst, a technology-based writing
and research tool that is integrated with "A Writer's Resource," the student-centered
text resource for achieving excellence in writing and learning. This powerful
teaching and learning solution includes resources in PDA downloadable format,
online, and on CD-ROM, including tools for learning, researching, writing, and
editing. The PDA version of the software provides students a pocket-sized, "always
on" connection to the tools. The software also contains more than 3,000 editing
exercises and tutorials on conducting effective searches of online and print
resources to guidelines for avoiding plagiarism.
New Products: Omnibus eLearning Management System Debuts
in-school inc., a provider of education administration software, debuted "CourseManager
for Educators," which it claims integrates communication, content management,
feedback, and time management in one service package. The offering boasts a
long list of features, including, discussion forums, file exchange, Internet
e-mail, self-assessment, student community building, course authorization, registration,
and delivery tools, as well as automated testing and grading management tools.
DeVry to Purchase Caribbean Medical School for $310M
Business and technical education provider DeVry Inc. agreed to buy Ross University
for $310 million cash, in a bid to enter the medicine and health sciences education
market. Ross, based in Dominica, and St. Kitts-Nevis in the Caribbean, has more
than 2,500 medicine and veterinary students, the company said. For the year
ending Dec. 31, 2002, Ross had revenue of $62 million. DeVry said the acquisition
will add to its earnings immediately and have a positive impact on operating
margins and cash flow.
Michigan State Hosts Wine Program Management System
The School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State Universit has claimed
the distinction of becoming the first academic program in the U.S. to incorporate
the WineInsight Wine Program Management System in the classroom. WineQuest,
an "Internet-based wine solutions company," recently introduced its wine-training
software to the hospitality education market via the school's beverage curriculum.
The software provides students with detailed information about wine flavor profiles,
how to increase guest satisfaction, how to develop and manage progressive wine
lists and overall, how to effectively sell wine. Because the program is delivered
online, students have access at any time. As a final project in the hospitality
beverage class, each student will create a progressive wine list.