CALGARY, Alberta--- May 31, 2007 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces that the Senteo™ interactive response system is now shipping. The system includes a remote control device for each student in a classroom and a receiver that allows teachers to send information to each device and receive student responses. The Senteo interactive response system increases one-to-one interaction by allowing teachers to survey and engage students and to personalize the learning environment. The learning curve for the system is short and a variety of product features, some exclusive to SMART, have been built in. Extensive feedback from educators has been incorporated into the design of this latest product, ensuring it is flexible and user friendly.
The cornerstones of the Senteo interactive response system are ease of use and compatibility. The system comes with Notebook™ collaborative learning software, used in 500,000 classrooms around the world. The system runs with most third-party software, including Microsoft® PowerPoint®, Word and Excel® software, and it works with all interactive whiteboard brands. Radio frequency (RF) technology enables students to send responses from anywhere within 30 meters (100 feet) of the receiver. The remote control device boasts an ergonomic design, a large LCD screen, 21 input buttons and a variety of question options that can be viewed on three lines of text.
“Senteo adds a new interactive component to teaching that addresses visual and audio learning styles,” says Frank Moeller, teacher at Bowcroft Elementary School in Calgary, Canada. “It can be used for large and small group learning, teacher or student-focused delivery, presentations, lessons and as a center to reinforce learning.”
“Our customers have been asking for an interactive response system to complement their other SMART products,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “Our product line is constantly growing in response to identified needs in the market, and the teachers who have been actively assisting us with the Senteo interactive response system design are enthusiastic about its addition to an ICT-enriched classroom."
Features
Notebook software
Included with the Senteo interactive response system is Notebook software. The software offers features and resources that help educators, trainers and presenters create, present, manage and teach with digital content. Teachers can write and edit notes in digital ink, import or export PowerPoint presentations, record data and audio, and create quizzes for use with the Senteo interactive response system. Notebook software is regularly upgraded and is available as a free download to all SMART customers. It runs on Microsoft Windows® and Mac OS operating systems.
Radio frequency technology
Radio frequency technology enables the remote control device to interact with the receiver with or without a clear line of sight up to 30 meters (100 feet). Both students and teachers can be confident that responses will be accurately received.
Supported question types
Questions can be created in a variety of formats, including multiple choice, true or false, numeric responses and more-than-one right answer. Teachers can author their own questions or import them from a Microsoft Word document or other third-party question banks.
Quick view icons
These icons enable students to view the signal strength, battery life and available networks of the Senteo interactive response system. Students then have the flexibility to choose a network and classroom option.
LCD screen
An LCD screen gives students an optimal view of the information on their remote control device. The screen will not strain their eyes, and they can see more than one question at a time. The screen also enables students to view their own responses with three lines of text visible.
Long battery life
Two AA batteries power each student device.
Ergonomic design
This student-friendly design includes 21 input buttons for optimal use of the system. Students can hold it in their hands or rest it on a desk surface and operate it with one hand.
PowerPoint software plug-in
Questions can easily be added to PowerPoint presentations.
Pricing
The Senteo interactive response system is now shipping and is available in packs of 24 and 32 remotes. The suggested list price of the 32 pack is US$2,999 and US$2,399 for the 24 pack, or education pricing for a 32 pack of remote controls is US$1,999 and US$1,599 for the 24 pack. Additional units can also be purchased in five pack systems, single remote systems or as a single receiver to accommodate different class sizes. Education pricing on SMART products and services is available without requiring educators to submit a formal grant application. For more information or to find an authorized reseller, visit www.smarttech.com or call 1.888.42.SMART.
