SynchronEyes 5.0 Software Helps Teachers Keep Students on Task in Computer Labs
New features in award-winning software enhance teacher control and ease of use
Calgary, AB – May 11, 2004 – SMART Technologies Inc. announces the release of SynchronEyes® 5.0 computer-lab instruction software for the Microsoft® Windows® operating system. SynchronEyes software helps teachers provide whole-class and one-to-one instruction directly from their desktop and keep students on task. New features in version 5.0 include the options to restrict Internet access or block applications, such as games or calculators, during exams or assignments and to take a screen capture of any student’s screen in order to document progress and activity. Teachers can also remotely launch an application on students’ workstations or shut down all workstations with a single mouse click, making lab management simpler. The Quiz Wizard, which has been a significant feature in previous versions, now also provides customized marking and image support so teachers can tailor grading schemes and incorporate diagrams.
Designed in consultation with educators, SynchronEyes software has an easy-to-learn interface that provides quick access to frequently used features, including Observe, Control, Broadcast and Lock. Unlike most other computer-lab management programs, award-winning SynchronEyes software combines an intuitive user interface, a quiz editor, class voting tools and real-time control over student workstations into one complete package. SMART also provides unlimited, free technical support via phone, e-mail or website.
“SynchronEyes software is designed to help educators ensure that students make productive use of their time and resources while in the computer lab,” says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART. “Using SynchronEyes software, students can collaborate on class projects and access resources on the Internet, and teachers can engage students’ attention and maintain control.”
“SynchronEyes software is an excellent teaching aid. The new features allow greater classroom control and more time on task for the students,” says Jon Presley, teacher, Lebanon High School in Lebanon, MO. “Version 5.0 incorporates most of the suggestions I made to SMART. It’s great to work with products from companies like SMART, which truly listens to what customers have to say.”
About SynchronEyes Computer-Lab Instruction Software
With SynchronEyes software, networked student workstations can be monitored and controlled from one teacher’s computer. SynchronEyes software displays thumbnail images of all students' screens on the teacher's desktop, so student progress can be monitored, questions answered and lessons broadcast. Teachers can focus students’ attention by blanking all student screens and locking mouse devices and keyboards. To facilitate in-class collaboration, teachers can assign students to groups, set up chat sessions and conduct polls with automatic tallying. Advanced control options help teachers take control of a student’s computer to guide the student through a problem or specify shared control for collaborative problem solving. Using the File Transfer feature, teachers can distribute materials and assignments with the click of a mouse. With the quiz feature, teachers can create and mark a variety of question formats – including a mix of multiple choice, short answer, ordering, matching and essay-style questions. The software automatically calculates class averages, and teachers can save quizzes for future use.
Free Evaluation
Teachers can download a free 30-day evaluation copy of SynchronEyes 5.0 software at www.SynchronEyes.com.
Pricing and Availability
SynchronEyes computer-lab instruction software version 5.0 is available at a suggested retail price of US$1,199 per lab license, which includes one teacher install and unlimited student installs. Volume discounts are available. Not-for-profit educational institutions may purchase a lab license for US$779. There is no charge for software installations on student workstations in the same lab, which gives schools the flexibility to add new student computers to that lab in the future without paying additional licensing fees.
A school license for SynchronEyes software, which provides unlimited installs for a K–12 school, is available for US$3,249. Dealer prices may vary.
For details on how to upgrade an earlier version of SynchronEyes software to version 5.0, visit www.SynchronEyes.com.
SynchronEyes software is available directly from SMART or from authorized resellers of SMART products. For more information, specifications or a list of authorized resellers, visit www.SynchronEyes.com or call 1.888.42.SMART.
###
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.