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EdTech Show Daily 2 9 Wednesday, June 28, 2017 easy. The following are five common stumbling blocks that schools encounter when trying to support digital collabora- tion: accommodating multiple devices and platforms; switching seamlessly from one device to another; managing network resources; keeping costs low; and assess- ing the quality of student collaboration. ELMO USA has developed a new collaboration solution that addresses all five of these concerns. Called Huddle Space, it's a hardware-based product that is inexpensive, easy to use and works with any device. Essentially, Huddle Collaborative Classroom (Cont'd. from p. 1) Space is an eight-input HDMI switcher. Up to eight students at a time can plug their devices into the Huddle Space using an HDMI cable, and the signal is trans- mitted over an HDMI output cable to a projector or a flat-panel display. What makes the product truly unique is that it can record not only what is being shown on the main display, but also the conver- sation that is happening around it. This creates a digital record of the collabora- tion that teachers can refer back to later for assessment. For more information, go to www.elmousa.com or stop by booth #618. projects, General Rodeheaver established Vizitech USA to engage, excite and "turn on" the creative capabilities of individu- als through interactive, virtual and aug- mented reality programs. Taking a modern-day approach to learning, the company builds virtual learning and training experiences for K- 20 educational programs, commercial businesses, healthcare and governmental programs. By creating intricate processes and recreating them virtually for an inter- active, safe learning environment, Vizitech solves the biggest conundrum of the social education tools outpacing the traditional ones. "Today, there exists a disparity between the understanding lev- els of different students. While some stu- dents are quick learners, others are unable to read at the same pace," explains Rodeheaver. "The processes and teaching modal- ities provided through our 3D and virtual technologies have been tested in a myri- ad of areas and professions and have improved learning capabilities, and the students' standard test scores by as much as 33 percent," said Rodeheaver. Creating a virtual reality desktop with 3D glasses and a stylus that enables users to interact with a virtual object or environ- ment, the firm's zSpace is an engaging and exciting technical solution used in several career development and health care programs. "This tool provides a deeper and more complete view of com- plex ideas and concepts for subjects such as biology or history and offers an inter- active platform to experience advertise- ments or articles in magazines," points out Rodeheaver. By developing creative solutions for everyday complexities, Vizitech's key to success is to merge solid business tactics Vizitech (Cont'd. from p. 1) with a creative team. "While most firms focus on just augmented reality images, we at Vizitech build hardware, software, custom content and live filming to create comprehensive and effective content," says Rodeheaver. The company's 3DAV Rover – a portable 3D theater system – projects videos, images and interactive lessons into the classroom, offering top- notch, customized new content for an engaging experience. As textbooks fade away and the need to create an exciting learning experience becomes crucial, Rover not only helps teachers immerse their stu- dents into a 3D learning environment but also guarantees a stable, simplified and a highly interactive learning expe- rience. As a case in point, in a universi- ty in Kentucky, Vizitech replaced a high percentage of their cadaver lab with virtual people through zSpaces provided by ViziTech USA. Vizitech's virtual reality solution helped the optometry school reduce the number of cadavers, curb the amount of refrigera- tion, storage and chemicals, thereby saving a significant amount each year. "This is a combination of education and industrial methodology," Rodeheaver explains. Strongly believ- ing that "content is king," General Rodeheaver is on a mission to drive Vizitech to be a leader in the content development arena. Furthermore, the firm will continue to create novel prod- ucts to simplify lives through virtual reality. "We have a plan, focus and an imagination that will help us stay ahead of the competition. We just have to steer the business to be able to support this revolutionary development in edu- cation," he concludes. For more information, stop by booth #459 or go to www.vizitechusa.com. designed especially for floating teachers. Marvel Vizion products have unique features simply not found in competitive products. Large adjustable height work surfaces, commercial furniture-grade writing surfaces and sound options, I/R friendly acrylic or security steel doors, no-tip bases and no-pinch adjustable shelves are a few of the features built in, creating multi-function, school-safe fur- niture. They are engineered with rack or freestanding component areas, wire and cable management channels, strategically placed knock-outs, grommets and access panels for easy installation. The Focus Desk Series – Mobile Sit/Stand Desks that students can adjust with just one hand – no tools or electric- ity required. Models available for Kindergarten through college students. Power Center Series – Mobile Charge Carts, Charge Sync Carts or Deluxe Charge/Sync Carts with Firewire cables feature an extra large high pressure lami- nate top, 5-inch casters and a storage drawer. It is UL Tip Tested and safe for your classroom. Assembled Many Marvel products arrive completely assembled, ready to use or require mini- mal assembly at your facility, saving time and money. Furniture Grade Quality and Durability The Marvel Focus Desk and Marvel Vizion products feature the same high pressure laminate tops and heavy duty Marvel (Cont'd. from p. 1) steel construction that it provides in the commercial furniture lines. Many Marvel products carry a Lifetime Warranty. Safety – UL Listed. Marvel has just been recognized by United Laboratories as a 20 year certified member of the ISO program and is cur- rently ISO 9001:2008 certified by ULDQS Inc, the most difficult accredita- tion, the most difficult standard to attain and retain. All Marvel product passes and is listed for the appropriate UL Standard. GREENGUARD Certified The Marvel Group, Inc. is proud of its ongoing commitment to responsible environmental policies and manufactur- ing processes. Safeguarding the earth's vital resources though conservation, technology application and progressive emission controls is a responsibility embodied in its manufacturing, sourcing and marketing practices. These efforts and a corporate culture of responsible stewardship give associates and cus- tomers the reassurance they demand in partnering with an environmentally responsible company. Do you need help with your floor- plan? Marvel's interior design and space planning experts will help you make the best choices for your classroom. Visit www.marvelvizion.com to view the entire line of Marvel Vizion products and see www.marvelgroup.com for Marvel's Full Office product line. The Focus Desk line can be seen at www.marvelfocusdesk.com. For more information, visit booth #1560 or go to www.marvelgroup.com. transmitted with simple machines. 3. Teams of Two Pairing up students has been critical in my classroom. If you have an odd num- ber of students, one advanced student may work alone as an opportunity to shine. By working in pairs, students can improve collaboration and communica- tion skills, and take turns being the "builder" or the "programmer." 4. Don't Solve Problems for Them Provide support, give hints and teach the basics, but try not to solve the problem for the students. When I find myself operating the laptop and programming and/or find the robot in my hands, I know I am doing too much. I also tell the stu- dents the same thing when I see them doing the work for other classmates, however good the intention. 5. Troubleshoot Isolate problems when you troubleshoot, LEGO (Cont'd. from p. 4) and involve other students to support as well. Teach troubleshooting principles even when you are troubleshooting for them. When they blame the computer for errors, I tell my students, "Computers do what you tell them to do, not what you want them to do." 6. Don't Forget Robotics classes can look quite differ- ent. Adjust accordingly. You don't have to do everything all at once. Robotics is rich in cooperative learn- ing, math, science, technology, engi- neering and programming – not to mention robotics can easily incorpo- rate secondary subjects. Don't feel that you have to do it all. For instance, you may have to give the program some time or let go of one piece to focus on your goals. For more information, go to www.lego education.com, call 800.362.4308, email orders@legoeducation.us or stop by booth #1818. computers, the worse the typical scores are across all grade levels and demo- graphics. How to Prepare Students for Computer-Based Assessments As assessments continue to move solely to a computer-based format, it is clear that teachers need to change their instruc- tion to help students experience ques- tions that offer more complexity and require more fully constructed responses than they are used to. So how can you help your students become better prepared for computer- based assessments? Using simulations like ExploreLearning Gizmos can help. With a library of more than 400 math and science online simulations, Gizmos allow students to manipulate ExploreLearning (Cont'd. from p. 4) variables, analyze data and explore, discover and apply new concepts at a deeper level. With Gizmos, students can explore exothermic reactions, grow plants, study the stars and divide exponential expres- sions as many times as they need until they thoroughly understand – and are able to explain – concepts and processes. Gizmos support the latest educational standards and assessments, and run on PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, iPads and Android devices. Teachers haven't been forgotten either – each Gizmo comes with com- plete lesson materials to ensure students are getting everything they can from a Gizmo. For more information on Gizmos, go to www.explorelearning.com. Learn more at booth #3041.