Agreement establishes intent to co-develop and distribute software
CALGARY, ALBERTA--- January 10, 2007 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces that it has signed a letter of intent with Eclipse Books to co-develop and distribute language-learning software. As part of the agreement, Eclipse will also be joining the SMART Software Accreditation Program, which accredits multimedia content and software applications based on their level of compatibility with SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards and Sympodium™ interactive pen displays. Both SMART and Eclipse recognize the growing need for curriculum-based digital content that is compatible with interactive whiteboards, particularly as local education authorities in Great Britain continue with plans to equip all their classrooms with interactive whiteboards. The relationship combines the expertise of both companies to deliver high-quality digital content to educators. Eclipse's first software title, Petit Pont, will be accredited at SMART's Ready level, which means that SMART has reviewed and approved it for use with SMART Board products. More titles will follow in the coming months.
Petit Pont is a groundbreaking virtual reality CD-ROM that teaches children the French language by introducing them to interesting characters living in a medieval French town. The interactive whiteboard section has specially created activities for classroom use. Student and parent versions can be used at home. With many opportunities for interaction, teachers, students and parents can use the program over a two-year period. The software will continue to be available through its regular channels. For more information see www.eclipsebooks.com.
“We see an incredible strength in collaborating with SMART,” says Emma Rogers, director of Eclipse Books. “This agreement will make a range of high-quality and appropriate learning resources for young language students more widely available.”
“Research shows us that students become more engaged in learning when using SMART Board interactive whiteboards,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. "Eclipse's high-quality, creative and fun software for language learning is a perfect match for this medium.”
About the SMART Software Accreditation Program
The SMART Software Accreditation Program offers educators a wealth of multimedia content and software resources to enhance instruction in the classroom. The program covers art and design, English, health, language arts, foreign languages, music, mathematics, science, social studies, history, technology and cross-curricular. SMART accredits titles within each subject category based on their level of compatibility with SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards and Notebook™ collaborative learning software. More information on the SMART Software Accreditation Program is available at www.education.smarttech.com/ste/en-US/Ed+Resource/SAP/.
About Eclipse Books
Eclipse Books is a multimedia publishing company based in London, with an international client base. The company is committed to raising standards in educational publishing by creating breakthrough software to bridge the gap between educational material and the kind of games children play at home. Eclipse was a finalist for the UK Innovation Award at the Education Resources Awards 2005 and 2006.
