Late Breaks...
The new Classroom in a CD from Adobe Systems helps educators quickly get up and running with the firmís productivity applications, including Illustrator, Pagemaker, PageMill, Persuasion and Photoshop. Each CD set contains complete software for ten computers; documentation and instructor notes in Portable Document Format (PDF); and Acrobat Reader, for accessing and reproducing PDF files. (800) 306-4335Ö
Whole Village Technology's OpenMedia service gives families access to a library of educational software for a monthly subscription fee less than the cost of cable TV in most cities. Parents order programs online (www.wvtinc.com), then receive a Windows CD-ROM containing their selections. Each title has been screened and approved for age-appropriate content and activities. Among the publishers participating in OpenMedia are Theatrix, Mindscape, The Learning Co., Sunburst, SkillsBank and Lawrence Productions. (972) 580-1441Ö
For a limited time, schools can save up to 50% on videoconferencing systems from PictureTel when they trade in equipment from any other manufacturer. Products suit a variety of settings and budgets. For example, sophisticated solutions allow one to conduct multi-point meetings with voice-activated camera control. PictureTel also offers a full range of professional services and delivers 24-hour technical support through a global distribution network. (800) 716-6000Ö
The Milken Exchange on Education Technology has named Cheryl Lemke, formerly an Associate Superintendent for the Illinois State Board of Education, to the new post of Vice President for Education Technology. One of Lemke's top priorities will be to help close the "digital divide" between rich and poor schools. The foundation's Distinguished Educator Telementoring Support System (DETSS), launched earlier this year, assists states in obtaining federal funds for teacher training. (310) 998-2800Ö