SMART Ideas® 3.1 Concept-Mapping Software Now Available in Five Languages
Latest software release from SMART features a simplified user interface and enhanced performance
Calgary, AB --- February 24, 2003 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces the release of SMART Ideas 3.1 concept-mapping software for the Microsoft
Windows operating system. This new version supports five languages – English, French, Spanish, German and Italian – and delivers significantly improved performance. Twenty new symbol styles and picture-based connectors (including stars, globes, footprints and math signs) have also been added. Based on user feedback, version 3.1 has been updated to include a simplified user interface to improve management and navigation of multilevel diagrams.
With SMART Ideas software, teachers can create multilevel diagrams that visually represent complex ideas, making them easier for students to understand. The software’s built-in templates and extensive clip-art gallery feature high quality, curriculum-based images that help teachers save time and add visual interest to their lessons. Live Web links, audio clips, photos, images, documents, movie clips and presentations can be easily added as well. At the end of class, diagrams or outlines can be saved as HTML files, complete with all levels and hyperlinks, for e-mail distribution or easy posting to a Web site, intranet or network. SMART Ideas software can be used on desktop computers, SMART Board
interactive whiteboards and Sympodium interactive lecterns.
“With SMART Ideas software, teachers can address the needs of students who learn in different ways by illustrating complex concepts in a visual and easy-to-understand manner,” says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART. “Teachers and students can also now use language-specific text and switch languages whenever they choose, making SMART Ideas software ideal for multi-language schools and classes.”
Integration with SMART Board Interactive Whiteboards
SMART Ideas concept-mapping software has been optimized for use on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, the world’s leading interactive whiteboard. Because SMART Ideas software automatically converts handwritten notes to text, teachers can develop maps directly on the interactive whiteboard and remain at the front of the classroom. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard provides complete touch control, making it easier for users to create and organize diagrams, quickly move between levels and link to files using their finger as a mouse. Users can draw freehand annotations (shapes or images) and connecting lines within SMART Ideas software.
Availability
SMART Ideas 3.1 concept-mapping software is currently shipping.
One copy of SMART Ideas software ships free of charge with every SMART Board interactive whiteboard and Sympodium interactive lectern. Educators who already have SMART Board or Sympodium products may download the software from www.smarttech.com/support/software/index.asp#ideas.
For a free 30-day evaluation of SMART Ideas software, additional information, specifications or authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com/smartideas or call 1.888.42.SMART.
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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.