July 2008 — News
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Vernier Offers Free Software, Plays with Legos, Goes Green For Education
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Data collection technology provider Vernier Software & Technology has announced several new offerings for the education market, including free Logger Lite and LabQuest Emulator software, a new NXT sensor adapter for Lego Mindstorms NXT robots, and free eco-friendly classroom activities.
The company will offer its Logger Lite software, providing graphing and analysis tools to K-12 students, free for Intel-powered classmate PCs. As a part of the Intel-powered classmate PC Ecosystem Vendor Alliance, the company will offer both Windows and Linux versions of the software for the durable, "kid-friendly" personal devices.
"In today's economy, education is in need of low-cost computing options that provide great value," said David Vernier, co-founder of Vernier and former physics teacher, in a prepared statement. "By adding easy-to-use, yet powerful, scientific software to Intel-powered classmate PCs at no cost, we are greatly expanding the ability for students to engage in hands-on exploration in science classrooms."
The company will also offer its LabQuest Emulator software as a free download, allowing teachers to demonstrate lab activities in real-time to an entire class. The emulator includes the features of a handheld device, but can be plugged into a projector or interactive whiteboard for greater class participation.
"Once the LabQuest handheld is connected to the computer, the Emulator software can detect more than 50 sensors attached to the handheld," said Vernier. "Then teachers can use their mouse to click on the screen in the same way they would tap the handheld's screen with the stylus. Our goal is to provide a free resource for teachers that makes science instruction easier and at the same time enhances class participation."
As an added bonus, teachers can also use the emulator to produce screenshots of the application for inclusion in printed lab materials.
In other Vernier news, the company has announced a partnership with Lego Education, National Instruments, Tufts University, and Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Academy.
