FamilyEducationNews

August 11, 2008 /PRNewswire/ — For parents stocking up on back-to-school gear, Texas Instruments latest graphing calculator for beginning algebra through college-level math courses is one purchase that won't go out of style. The TI-Nspire graphing calculator is a major advancement in learning technology, adding computer-like features and enhancements which are shown to deepen student's understanding of math.

The TI-Nspire graphing calculator includes a large screen, mouse-like controls and spreadsheet capabilities similar to a laptop. These features are intuitive for today's tech-savvy students and help them visualize and interact with the math in real-time to gain a deeper understanding. Unlike laptops, TI-Nspire graphing calculators are allowed on SAT*, ACT and AP* tests helping students apply the math they learn in the classroom to achieve higher scores on these important college entrance exams. Read more

August 6, 2008/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Parents and kids will find more than pens, pencils and rulers when they do their back-to-school shopping this year -- they will also find engaging new products that make it fun to get back into classroom mode. The new educational handhelds from LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. , a leading developer of technology-based learning products, provide kids from pre-K to fifth grade with a range of on-the-go learning fun at home, school and beyond. LeapFrog's learning products are used widely in homes and in more than 100,000 school classrooms.

"Back-to-school may mark the end of long summer days, but with the new Didj, Leapster2 and Tag handhelds it doesn't have to be the end of learning fun," said Dr. Jim Gray, LeapFrog's director of learning. "Whether parents want to help prepare their children for back-to-school learning or build on what they will be studying in the classroom, kids will enjoy learning with a wide range of engaging games and books that feature their favorite movie and TV characters." Read more

June 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- When kids play tag this summer, they can do more than run around -- they can have fun learning to read with the new Tag Reading System, the latest breakthrough product from LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., a leading developer of technology-based learning products. The Tag handheld was first unveiled at the exclusive DEMO 08 conference this past January and won the coveted DEMOgod award. LeapFrog today announced that the highly praised new reading system is now available at www.leapfrog.com/tag, and at major retailers beginning the second week in June.

The Tag Reading System is the first handheld learn-to-read technology that interacts directly with real books. Audio for the stories, as well as the fun-filled games and activities spread throughout the pages, offers early readers an entirely new and captivating reading experience. By simply touching the Tag reader anywhere on any page of a Tag-enabled book, children can bring their favorite stories to life, easily skipping from page to page or book to book. Read more

February 19, 2008--AOL today announced the relaunch of their popular kid’s site KOL (http://kol.com) featuring new content partnerships with National Geographic Kids and Girlsense. In addition, the newly retooled site will offer customizable pages, personalized email and more than 100 games.

“We are relaunching KOL with new and enriched content from new partners who speak directly to our audience,” said Marty Moe, Senior Vice President of Programming, KOL. “We continue to expand the space for our users in an empowering and safe way.” Read more

Jan. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., today announced it will unveil its next-generation reading system at the exclusive DEMO 08 conference in Palm Desert, California, on January 29, 2008. Available this summer, the Tag Reading System is the first handheld learn-to-read technology that interacts directly with real books. Audio for the stories, as well as the fun-filled games and activities spread throughout the pages, is delivered through an innovative Web-based application called LeapFrog Connect, offering children an entirely new and captivating reading experience. Consumers can get an early peek at the Tag reader's innovative technology at www.leapfrog.com/tag.

"LeapFrog's Tag Reading System was hand-selected from hundreds of emerging products to debut at DEMO 08 because it is a promising new technology that encourages and supports young children as they learn to read," said Chris Shipley, executive producer, DEMO 08. "Its intuitive design and cutting-edge innovation literally bring books to life. It really is the next-generation reading system for a new generation of readers." Read more

November 9, 2007--Today, Loc8tor, developers of the most sophisticated personal tracking device of its kind, announces U.S. availability of their pioneering product. With the longest range and smallest tags available in its category, along with easy to use directional capabilities that guide you which way to walk, Loc8tor is unlike anything else currently available. Loc8tor Plus uses patent-pending technology to help find misplaced possessions, while also providing important child safety features.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, an average of 2,185 children under the age of 18, are reported missing daily. The Loc8tor Plus allows users to set an invisible safety zone protecting their children, pets or any other valuable while set in “Alert” mode. If your children, for example, wander outside the pre-set boundaries at the mall, you are immediately alerted with audio, visual and vibration alarms. The individual “Panic” tags also include the vital “Panic” button, enabling a child or dependant to call for help. When pressed, it activates the “Alert Alarm” on the handheld unit, advising the user which child activated the alarm. Read more

Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The No. 1-selling DVD game in the United States makes its video game premiere as Microsoft Game Studios, Screenlife Games and WXP debut "Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action" exclusively on Xbox 360. On store shelves today, "Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action" is a multiplayer trivia game that tests even the most seasoned pop culture trivia pros and allows up to four teams or individual players to relive moments from their favorite movies.

"Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action" comes complete with four new wireless Big Button Pads, so each team or individual player has a buzzer for that realistic "game show" feel. The Big Button Pad takes its inspiration from the buzzers used by contestants in countless TV game shows throughout the years, but uses the latest infrared technology to minimize arguments over who answered first. Read more

August 2007 – Just in time for the 2007/2008 school year, Innovative Knowledge, a leading San Jose-based educational software developer, introduces a breakthrough series of educational software for all grade levels from pre-school to high school and SAT math preparation. Developed to help students with reading, writing, arithmetic and secondary classes, the new software titles, in association with the Weekly Reader Corporation, include “Mastering Elementary School,” “Mastering Middle School,” and “Mastering High School.” Designed to operate on Mac and PC operating systems, the software can even be downloaded to an iPod for easy access at school, in the library or at home.

The “Mastering” series of educational software is based on Innovative Knowledges’ breakthrough learning process called The Learning System, a family of educational support software, features a proprietary “multi-sensory” approach that helps students learn faster and more effectively. According to Mike Rothstein, president and co-founder of Innovative Knowledge, the programs engage and involve students on multiple levels using interactive questions cutting edge graphics, video and audio. “It’s a method that has proven extremely effective in teaching all kinds of students from the learning disabled to the gifted,” Rothstein said. Read more

August 14, 2007 - Tool Factory is pleased to announce the winners of the second bi-annual Special Education Grant. Five grant winners will receive one Olympus digital camera, Tool Factory's Digital Camera Guide for Educators and $300 in Tool Factory Software of their choosing! Five runner up winners will also receive classroom resources. There was a great deal of participation with more than 100 entrants!

Five Grand Prize Winners

• Debbie Sheppard Idioms Galore! Lugoff Elementary School, SC
  
• Jennifer Morrison Thanksgiving Feast Beaty Warren Middle School, PA
  
• Natalie Oatts Operation DIBELS Benchmark Caldwell County Primary School, KY
  
• Diana Whitlock Expressions through Technology Vinson Middle School, WV
  
• Laura Giovanetti Bam! Let's Kick It Up a Notch! We're Ready to Read! Cooperative Educational Services, CT
  

July 31, 2007-- Used to be kids would watch their favorite rock stars and try to match their moves wailing away on an air guitar, but with today’s technology even the youngest fan can take a lick at “real” guitar play. Video games and play guitars have made the instrument accessible to everyone, but this holiday season Mattel’s I Can Play Guitar, featuring a unique plug & play learning system, brings the real magic home with the help of Nickelodeon favorite Drake Bell.

Just as Drake launches his solo career with a summer tour and a starring role in “College,” to be released March 2008, he’s working with Mattel to help kids make their rock star fantasies come true. The plug and play learning system makes playing the guitar as easy and fun as playing a video game. It looks just like a real electric guitar, but features color-coded finger position buttons on the frets and abbreviated strings, perfect for small hands. Kids simply follow along with the fun games and visuals on their TV screens, matching color-coded images on the screen to the buttons to jam like rock stars in no time. Read more