Web-based Educational Resources?????

Representatives from industry, academia and nonprofit organizations released new applications and programs at the National Educational Computing Conference this week, jockeying for the attention of the 15,000 educators in attendance. Here's a sampling of the latest tools from those developing technology for education:

PowerSchool powers up! Apple's PowerSchool announced partnerships with three new school districts including the Chicago Public Schools, the third largest district in the country. The Web-based student information system tool allows teachers to take attendance, record assignments and post grades in a central location. School administrators and parents can access the information on the Web. About 3,000 schools use the system.

The cool, not dirty, dozen? With more Palms in the classroom these days, teachers need quality applications to use with their students. The Center for Highly Interactive Computing at the University of Michigan announced its Cool Dozen educational applications for the Palm, available for free on the Internet. The tools include PiCoMap, a concept mapping tool; Cooties, a virus-transfer simulation program, and Sketchy, a drawing and animation program.

Need help with research and evaluation? The International Society for Technology in Education and Educational Support Systems unveiled a new Web-based project to help schools access research and evaluation when planning for technology in schools. Educators will be able to access studies, translated into user-friendly language, that will be useful in making technology planning decisions.

A cheaper computing option? Larry Ellison's new internet computer company is teaming up with Sun Microsystems to provide an affordable option for schools to get on the Internet. The server appliance provides basic network-based services such as e-mail, file storage space, firewalls and filtering.

How are handhelds helping? Palm is awarding $2 million in handhelds to K-12 schools and universities as part of its research on how the computers enhance teaching and learning. The Center for Technology and Learning will study the effectiveness of Palms in the classroom.

No more auto-reply? In an effort to make finding the perfect grant even easier, Netday announced a Research Desk to NetDayCompass.org, which provides resources for teachers looking to implement technology in the classroom. The Research Desk will be staffed by real live human beings who will answer specific questions and guide teachers to the proper resources. If necessary, a researcher will perform the search for the seeker.