Amortization calculator loan student

TECH SHOWCASE

TECHNOLOGY ASSISTS STUDENTS WITH ADD AND AHDD

The Play Attention Learning System, a new product from Unique Logic and Technology, uses computer technology to help students with behavioral and attentions problems-such as ADD and AHDD-by training their brains to pay attention and focus better. Play Attention consists of a computer software program, a sensor-lined helmet that is similar to a bicycling helmet, and an interface unit that connects the helmet sensors to the computer. When the student interacts with characters on the computer screen, the helmet sensors monitor the student's attentive state and cognitive process, which are fed into a small interface system that attaches to a computer. Students complete a series of video game-like exercises that are controlled by the brain, not by joysticks or controllers. Through a feedback process, Play Attention users can see and hear real-time feedback about how they're progressing in focusing, finishing tasks, increasing memory, and filtering out distractions.

Play Attention can help students reduce or eliminate disruptive behaviors -such as fidgeting and impulsivity-while improving their focus and comprehension on tasks. Play Attention encourages the practice of important cognitive and attention skills that, in a relatively short amount of time, retrain the brain how to think more clearly, more attentively, and with more focus.

In addition to providing hardware and software, Play Attention provides users with personalized one-on-one support from Play Attention staff members. For more information, visit www.playattention.com.

HEWLEH-PACKARD CALCULATOR TRAINING

To help students and educators use financial, graphing, and scientific calculators, Hewlett-Packard (HP) has three new teacher training and learning aid programs. The programs include online courses, virtual classrooms, and "emulator" software that allows HP calculators to be presented on a computer screen and projected digitally. The online course topics range from pre-algebra, calculus, and statistics to figuring return on investment, bond yields, and mortgage loan amortization. Initial online courses will be for the HP39g+ graphing calculator, which is appropriate for high school students.

HP will also host eight new virtual classrooms for educators in the United States. These classes, hosted by a HP panel of experienced educators, are set in real time with an instructor on hand throughout the session to answer questions and to introduce new, unscheduled topics to the virtual class. Some of the topics include introduction to finance, pre-calculus, algebra I and II, and electronic circuit applications.

HP will offer educators emulator software for HP's calculators. This software transforms a PC into a working calculator, giving both educators and students access to a mouse-controlled, on-screen replica of a completely functional calculator.

The online courses are free to the public and the virtual classes and emulators are available free of charge to educators in high schools and higher education. For more information about HP's entire range of calculators, visit www.hp.com/calculators.

CELL PHONES HELP SAT PREP

The Princeton Review and wireless application developer VOCEL have partnered to distribute a new cell phone application, The Princeton Review's Prep for the SAT, which is designed to help students raise their SAT scores. The application can deliver content to college-bound students on their cell-phones at times that fit the students' schedules. Students can use their cell phones to get interactive, hands-on practice, strategies, and tips about the SAT. Once the application has been downloaded, content resides in the cell phone and students can access the material even if their cell phone has no signal. The application offers practice drills and immediate explanations for questions on a single subject, such as grammar or algebra, or timed-practice exams for reading, writing, and math. Graphics, vibrations, and sound effects help make the lessons compelling. A special feature allows parents to be notified about their student's progress by phone or e-mail. For more information visit www.vocel.com.