Classroom Technology | News
Digital Learning Suite Adds Classroom Management, Wireless Computer Control
HP's Pocket Whiteboard transforms flat surfaces into interactive whiteboards. |
Today HP launched new additions to its Digital Learning Suite, a lineup of K-12 education tools ranging from classroom management software to presentation devices to a multi-seat thin client solution.
Included in the lineup are HP Pocket Whiteboard and HP Classroom Manager, both expected to ship later this month. The Pocket Whiteboard is designed to create whiteboard-like interactivity on any flat surface. It comprises a three-button stylus and portable receiver, allowing users to project an interactive workspace measuring up to 10 feet (diagonal) on walls, tabletops, or similar spaces.
Classroom Manager is a software tool designed to allow teachers to take control of student computers and share desktops between students in groups or with the classroom as a whole. It also allows teachers to administer assessments, share messages, create and share custom instructional materials, and track and generate reports on student scores.
Launching next month, HP Digital Sketch is a stylus-based tablet that connects to the teacher's host computer and provides wireless control via long-range RF. It integrates with the Pocket Whiteboard and HP Scrapbook software and supports synchronous input for two users.
HP's Presentation Station 1000 will ship in April. |
In April HP will launch four new mobile computing solutions for schools: the HP Presentation Station 1000, HP 20-Notebook Charging Cart, HP 20-Notebook Managed Charging Cart, and HP 30-Notebook Managed Charging Cart. The managed charging carts automatically detect notebooks and netbooks that have the lowest battery levels and charge them first. The managed carts also allow notebooks and netbooks to be updated via a network connection while those devices are being charged. The carts support laptops with screen up to 15.6 inches.
The Presentation Station 1000 is an all-in-one, portable AV station that includes a cart on casters, laptop mount, spaces for a keyboard and mouse, height-adjustable work surface, and document camera bracket. It includes a document tray and can accommodate other AV devices as well, such as DVD players and projectors.
Finally, HP has also launched the MultiSeat t150, a thin client (built around WIndows MultiPoint) with support for up to 10 computer seats running off a single host. It comes bundled with HP Classroom Manager and is available now.
Pricing varies with options on the individual components of the Digital Learning Suite. Volume licensing is available. HP will show off the new technologies at the TCEA 2011 conference in Austin, TX next week. More information about the suite can be found here.