August 31, 2008

I see London, I see France, I see what's on your Monitor...

...okay so that doesnt rhyme but I forgot to mention that I have been exploring classroom management software to implement in my lab. It can be a controversial issue; however, I feel that they are powerful tools that allow teachers to do more than "spy" on what their students are really up to. I have been debating between Vision and SynchronEyes, leaning more heavily towards the latter due to its ability to create and distribute virtual tests as well as grade those tests in seconds. I am able to see a small thumbnail of each student's screen on my computer as well as block programs and internet sites. To help with my instruction I am also able to project my screen on all of my students screen, project a students screen to allow them the chance to demonstrate their work, or I can send students files or receive their assignments all with simple clicks of a mouse rather than floppy discs or flash drives. I am currently trying the demo of SynchronEyes and now all I have to do is figure out a way to convince my principal to fork out the $1000 to purchase a license. Oh yeah, that's the huge downside, both softwares cost an arm and a leg. But from what I have seen so far they are both more than worth it. I can't wait to test all of the features in class this week as we move away from introductory material/rules and into activities.

4 comments:

psusju2002 said...

Hello,

My name is Jason Nast and I am a software specialist/education consultant for SMART Technologies. I also live in the Northern Va area. I would love to talk to you about SynchronEyes and let you know whats on the way for the next release which will be sometime this year. I use to be a teacher and tech specialist in Fairfax County and used SynchronEyes in all my labs. Also, the price for a single lab license is $779.00. I do not sell the software but wanted to let you know the exact price for a lab. If you would like to discuss or need a demontration of the software please let me know. My email is jasonnast@smarttech.com Thanks and looking forward to working with you soon.

Jason

gurnage said...

Hi,

My name is Jenni Hilton and I am the Marketing Manager at NetSupport. Since you are researching classroom management software, I wanted to be sure you were aware of NetSupport School. It is available for a free 30 day trial and offers many more tools to manage your classroom at a competitive price. I can be reached at j.hilton@netsupport-inc.com if you need assistance.

Regards.
Jenni

Anonymous said...

In an actual non-advertising comment, I have to put up with Vision at work and it's kind of ridiculous. If you manage to work your VP, go for the other one.

Maureen said...

Are you teaching in a City school? CALL THE Baltimore City Schools' Help Desk at 410-396-8182 and they can install Vision Software on your BCPSS computers for FREE! They have the license!