Unlike most other LMS programs, the software is built around students instead of courses, itslearning says. The platform includes features such as project rooms and built-in video conferencing with shared displays, where teachers can interact with their students and students can work together on projects; multimedia and Web 2.0 tools for students to create and express their ideas; ePortfolios for every student to create, manage, and share their achievements over time; and individual learning plans that include assessment data and customized content to help students set learning goals and take responsibility for achieving those goals.

Schoology debuted its online learning, classroom management, and social networking system at the Consortium for School Networking’s K-12 Technology Leadership Conference. The company discussed how its product breaks down boundaries by giving educators and students a more effective and engaging way to learn.

Schoology is cloud-based, integrates with any existing technology, and requires no special training. The content is individualized, colleagues can connect down the street or around the world, and student social networking looks extremely similar to Facebook. Using Schoology, educators can do things as simple as posting assignments, quizzes, and links to additional resources, or as sophisticated as conducting comprehensive online courses, providing one-on-one remediation, or hosting discussions.

Mobile learning

A number of companies introduced new mobile computing products at recent ed-tech trade shows. One of the products that stood out was the Eee Slate B121 from Asus, a “built for business” tablet PC offering an Intel Core i5-470UM processor, Computrace LoJack-readiness, a Bluetooth keyboard, Wacom Digitizer pen, and more. Other Asus tablets for education include the Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201 and the Eee Pad Transformer TF101.

HP demonstrated the HP Slate with Windows 7 and touch and pen capabilities, as well as the HP Mini 3115 student notebook, which offers high-powered performance for students. The company also promoted its Teacher Experience Exchange, an online community offering free teacher resources, including lesson plans, classroom content, tutorials, and more, as well as its Print Management consultants who can evaluate a school’s printing practices and identify potential cost savings through easy changes or adjustments.

JAR Systems demonstrated the use of JAR Remote Management cart solutions, which offer “intelligent charging” and remote management via wake-on-LAN service. Notebooks can be imaged in the carts, and updates can be scheduled and automated for easy mobile device management. Pullout trays and wire management features on the carts help make notebooks more easily accessible for teachers and students, the company says.

To realize the full benefits of digital learning programs and extend their learning outside of school, it helps for students to have broadband access at home. But many students from low-income families lack home access and are at a disadvantage relative to their wealthier peers. To help alleviate this concern, Comcast has announced an expansion of its “Internet Essentials” program, which is designed to bring more families online.

The program offers broadband internet service to households with children receiving free lunches through the Nation School Lunch Program for $9.95 per month plus tax. These families also can buy a computer for $149.99 plus tax when they enroll, and they’re eligible for free digital literacy training as well. During the second quarter of 2012, households with children receiving reduced-price lunches also will be eligible for the program, Comcast said.

Other new products and announcements

eBackpack promoted its cloud-based file storage, sharing, and collaboration service, which is eligible for eRate funding. The service works on any internet-connected device and has special capabilities for an Apple iPad, eBackpack said. The system reportedly allows students to open, save, and turn in homework files without ever using a website.