ISTE 2014 roundup: Intel Education, Samsung School and more

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) 2014 conference is showcasing the future of educational tech in Atlanta from June 28th to July 1st, and PCR has rounded up the biggest announcements.

INTEL

Intel has announced that three of its partners have launched products based on its new education-specific product reference designs.

The Panasonic 3E, CTL Education Chromebook and M&A Education Chromebook are based on Intel Education’s designs, and take a variety of form factors.

“These new reference designs demonstrate the diversity of Intel’s portfolio of education solutions,” said John Galvin, VP of the sales and marketing group and GM of Intel Education.

“Instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to transforming education, we provide a variety of different tools – including devices, software, content and professional development services – to ensure that school districts can choose the right solution to achieve student success.”

Designed for active learning and active students, the Panasonic 3E tablet comes with a detachable keyboard for laptop-like use and includes an educational software bundle. It also features a thermometer probe, on-board cameras and an add-on lens.

Based on Intel Education’s reference design for Chromebook, the CTL Education Chromebook and M&A Education Chromebook are built to withstand daily student use. The Chromebooks feature a rugged, easy-carry handle, rotatable camera, optional snap-on lens and non-slip grip.

SAMSUNG

Samsung has announced major updates to Samsung School, its one-to-one learning solution.

Samsung School is used in nearly 50 countries worldwide, and combines Samsung Galaxy tablets and large-format classroom displays with interactive management software to create a learning environment.

The latest version, Samsung School v1.5.6, will be compatible with the new Galaxy Tab 4 Education – Samsung’s first tablet specifically designed to support one-to-one learning and provide support for Google Play for Education.

“Samsung is committed to transforming education through technology, and schools across the globe have increased student engagement and improved teacher effectiveness with Samsung School,” said Tod Pike, SVP at Samsung’s enterprise business division.

“Samsung School creates a dynamic digital classroom environment, melding together the very best classroom technology with interactive teaching tools to improve student outcomes. Now available on the Galaxy Tab 4 Education, it’s a scalable solution that is ideal for districts seeking to deliver a new learning experience that is more personalised and participatory.”

PROMETHEAN

Educational technology vendor Promothean has announced its ClassFlow Student application for Windows 8 and single sign-on integration with Microsoft Office 365.

ClassFlow is a new ‘all-in-one’ interactive lesson platform designed for creating and delivering interactive lessons in connected classrooms.

With ClassFlow, teachers can share interactive lessons on digital surfaces such as interactive whiteboards to any student devices running Windows 8.

“The launch of ClassFlow Student for Windows 8 builds on Promethean’s promise to support the leading operating systems used by schools to deliver the collaborative, interactive and real-time assessment technologies that allow educators to personalise learning,” said Scott Cary, chief marketing and products officer at Promethean.

“Technology has redefined how we connect, share and learn. By engaging students through technology in the classroom, we can motivate learning while also supporting teachers with tools to differentiate instruction at the point of learning.”