SynchronEyes™ 3.0 Computer-Lab Instruction Software Enhances In-class Communication and Collaboration
Latest software release from SMART Technologies Inc. features increased performance and interactivity
Calgary, AB --- April 19, 2002 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces SynchronEyes 3.0 computer-lab instruction software for the Microsoft
Windows operating system. SynchronEyes software uses an existing TCP/IP network to create a focused learning environment where up to 80 student workstations can be monitored and controlled from the teacher's computer. This award-winning software features an intuitive, easy-to-use interface and helps teachers provide one-to-one instruction. Available May 2002, version 3.0 delivers significantly increased operating speed and interactive features, including the ability to assign students to groups, set up chat sessions, conduct polls with automatic tallying and administer quizzes.
SynchronEyes software makes it easier for teachers to assist students and facilitate learning in a computer lab. The software displays thumbnail images of all students' screens on the teacher's desktop so he can monitor each student's progress. Students can send questions directly to the teacher, who can then type a response or click on the appropriate thumbnail image to assist the student. If several students need help, the teacher can broadcast his screen, or any student's screen, to the entire class or to a specific group of students. To focus attention, teachers can blank all student screens and lock mice and keyboards.
Version 3.0 enables teachers to deliver interactive polls and multiple-choice quizzes, and the software will automatically compile the results. Instructors can also set up chat sessions to facilitate collaboration among student teams. At the end of a lesson, settings and permissions for all students and groups can be saved as a profile. When students log in again, these settings are immediately active.
"SynchronEyes software is an extremely valuable tool that makes both teachers and students more successful," says John Schwengler, a teacher at Saint Francis High School in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. "It gives teachers greater security and control within computer labs and motivates students to use their time more effectively."
"Communication between students and their teacher is vital for sharing ideas and learning productively in the classroom," says Nancy Knowlton, president and COO of SMART Technologies Inc. "The intuitive interface and new features in SynchronEyes 3.0 software enable teachers to create an interactive environment that maximizes instructional efficiency and keeps students on task."
Key Features
- Monitor student progress
- View – The teacher can monitor each student's activity from thumbnail images of all student screens on his computer. Thumbnail images can be resized, rearranged and regrouped.
- Respond – When a student sends a question, a hand-up icon appears over that student's thumbnail image. The teacher can view the question and then respond to the student.
- Group* – The teacher can assign students to groups and then monitor and communicate with individual groups.
- Control student computers
- Assist – The teacher can click on a thumbnail image for a full-screen view of any student's desktop, then take control of the computer to guide the student through the problem.
- Broadcast – The teacher can broadcast his screen or any student's screen to the entire class or to specific groups of students to provide an up-close view of material that students can easily follow.
- Lock – To focus attention, the teacher can blank all screens and disable mice and keyboards.
- Communicate with students
- Chat* – The teacher can set up a chat session to communicate with several students or to enable groups to collaborate on class projects.
- Poll* – When the teacher sends students a yes/no question, their votes appear as thumbs-up or -down icons and the software automatically tallies the result.
- Quiz* – The teacher can create a multiple-choice test, send it to the class and save it for future use. The software automatically marks individual quizzes once students submit their answers.
- Annotate* – The teacher can highlight material by annotating over computer applications on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard or using the floating tools in SynchronEyes software.
*New interactive features in Version 3.0
Free Evaluation
A free 30-day evaluation of SynchronEyes 3.0 computer-lab instruction software is available at www.smarttech.com/synchroneyes.
For more information, system requirements or authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com or phone 1.888.42.SMART.
Pricing and Availability
SynchronEyes 3.0 computer-lab instruction software will start shipping in May 2002. Version 3.0 will be available as a free upgrade to existing customers until September 30, 2002.
Grants worth 50 percent of the suggested list price of SynchronEyes software are available to qualifying educational institutions through the SMARTer
Kids Foundation. For details, visit www.smarterkids.org.
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For more information, please contact:
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
300, 1207 - 11th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB CANADA T3C 0M5
Phone +1.403.802.3337 Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.