LanSchool Air (Cloud-based)
[Lenovo Software (855) 253-6686]

         Lenovo's LanSchool software has served the connected classroom for over 30 years. In today's environment, given the capability of integrating with such powerful tools as Google Classroom, it was natural for the product to evolve into LanSchool Air, a cloud-based solution. [Google Classroom is a free web service (Learning Management System-LMS) developed by Google for schools that aim to simplify creating, distributing and grading assignments in a paperless way. The primary purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of sharing files between teachers and students.]
         LanSchool Air simplifies classroom management, making it easy to track progress, redirect focus, and assist individuals at every skill level. After installing Google Classroom, syncing and creating an account, the following features are available: Create a classroom; Create a new class; Set up classroom; Start and end class; Resize student thumbnails; Configure and use limit web; Configure and use blank screens; Push a website; Send a class message; Chat with a single student; Capture a student's screen.
         Lenovo's literature states, "Sync once and you're done. Whether for a single classroom or an entire district, LanSchool Air makes it easy to eliminate the most common digital distraction, monitor student progress, increase classroom focus, and maximize the benefits of technology."
         A comment about screen sharing, from a middle school teacher: "If a picture is worth a thousand words, then having the ability to share my screen with the class is worth a million. My students are engaged because they see my screen up close on their own devices - not displayed on a screen across the room, as they would if I were using an LCD projector."
         The company offers a free trial, and the product is definitely worth a look. Lenovo provides information on specific system requirements, as well as installation instructions.



ExploreLearning Gizmos
[ExploreLearning (866) 882-4141] - Website   

         A perennial winner of EDDIES and BESSIES, ExploreLearning Gizmos is like nothing else out there. A program which offers over 400 interactive science and math simulations for grades 3-12, Gizmos is incredibly versatile and, most important, answers many an educator's need for accelerated instruction.
         Aligned with all state standards and with STEM mandates, Gizmos can be used as a stand-alone program for individualized learning, such as online learning or home-schooling; or in a classroom setting with whiteboards.  Teachers can search for simulations by academic standards, grade and topic, or textbook.
         Through extensive research,  ExploreLearning created this effective simulation product, developed using an inquiry-based approach to promote conceptual learning. 
         ExploreLearning offers professional development services and online workshops to enable teachers to use the simulations effectively.
         Winner of the 2019 BESSIE for Multi-Level Math & Science Simulations, Gizmos is unique, and should be considered for every classroom.