T.H.E. SmartClassroom :: March 19, 2009 -- THE Journal

Spotlight

Mobile Devices: Facing Challenges and Opportunities for Learning
The issue of mobile devices two pronged: that of administrators charged with overall school safety of our children and that of the educators who desire some degree of academic freedom to wisely select whatever it takes to prepare every student in their charge with 21st century skills within a safe environment. Which side do we take? Can we make both sides happy? What are potential challenges and opportunities for learning via mobile devices? It's time to explore. More

Epson Debuts 4 Sub-$1,000 LCD projectors
Epson has introduced four new sub-$1,000 LCD multimedia projectors for education. The new models are designed to provide up to 6,000 hours of lamp life and include features for classroom use like microphone input, blackboard and whiteboard modes, and suport for computer-free PowerPoint presentations. More
Canon Launches LCD Education Projectors
Canon USA is expanding its line of projectors for education. The company this week introduced three new LCD-based classroom models, each designed for high light output with resolutions up to WXGA. More
Partnership Will Make More Books Accessible to Readers with Print Disabilities
Hachette Book Group has partnered with Bookshare to make more than 1,700 titles newly available in Braille, large type, and synthetic speech formats for readers with print disabilities. More
New Online Software Package Aims To Help Educate Students with Autism
With a rate of a new diagnosis every 21 minutes, autism is the fast growing developmental disorder in the United States. Virtual Expert Clinics has launched AutismPro, a customizable package of tools, content, and programming designed to help educators and administrators improve the learning experiences for students with autism through the effective use of technology. More

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Meta Introduces Stand-Alone AI App

Meta Platforms has launched a stand-alone artificial intelligence app built on its proprietary Llama 4 model, intensifying the competitive race in generative AI alongside OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and xAI.
Studyfetch AI Tool Generates Video Explanations Based on Course Materials

AI-powered studying and learning platform Studyfetch has introduced Imagine Explainers, a new video creator that utilizes artificial intelligence to generate 10- to 60-minute explainer videos for any topic.
CoSN: School Staffing Is the Top Hurdle to K-12 Innovation

Hiring and keeping educators and IT staff remains the top challenge for K-12 education in 2025, according to the latest Driving K-12 Innovation Report from the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN).
Report: 85% of Organizations Are Leveraging AI

Eighty-five percent of organizations today are utilizing some form of AI, according to the latest State of AI in the Cloud 2025 report from Wiz. While AI's role in innovation and disruption continues to expand, security vulnerabilities and governance challenges remain pressing concerns.