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Instructional Technologies Committee, Instruction Section, ACRL

Classroom Control Systems

Last revised 22 May 2007

Classroom control systems provide various software and hardware options that allow instructors in networked classrooms to monitor and control students' workstations. Products were located by searching in software directories, by browsing the Web, and from recommendations of librarians on the ILI-L (previously BI-L) listserv. There may be products not included on this list, and we invite additions and updates to Carole Svensson.

For more discussion about these kinds of products, check out the ILI-L and BI-L archives. The most successful searches are for particular products or for terms like "classroom control" or "classroom management."

This list was originally compiled by the Software Subcommittee of the Instruction Section's Teaching Methods Committee, whose members were John Olson, Ross Christensen, and Shellie Jeffries. From 2003 through May 2006, updates were made annually by the Teaching Methods Committee membership. Since July 2006, the Instruction Section's Instructional Technologies Committee has maintained the list.



Features Chart

Click on the Product name in the chart below to see more information, including other features. Click on the Word "Features" in the chart below to open a pop-up window with a more detailed description of each feature.

Features Chart features list Apple Remote Classnet Knowledge Web LanSchool LINK Systems NetOp School NetSupport Sanako Study SchoolVue SmartClass SynchronEyes Vision XClass



Product Apple Remote Desktop v.3
Company Apple Computer
Address 1 Infinite Loop
Cupertino, CA 95014
Phone number Toll Free: 1-800-MY-APPLE
Tel: 408-996-1010
Fax: 408-974-2113
E-Mail Use online store: http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa
URL http://www.apple.com/remotedesktop/
Hardware/Software Software
Platform Mac OS 10.3.9 and later
Cost $299-$499 (limited vs. unlimited clients)
References Available at: http://www.apple.com/remotedesktop/resources.html
Reviews

Kossovsky, Y. (2006, April 19). Hands on: Apple Remote Desktop 3. Computerworld, Retrieved May 22, 2006, from http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/software/story/0,10801,110664,00.html.

(there are many others online)

Features

See the Features Chart for basic information.

Other Features: See "Notes" Below

Awards
  • Best of FOSE (Federal Office Systems Exposition) 2005
Notes It’s stretching it to consider this simply “classroom control software,” although it can certainly be used for that purpose. Remote desktop is a sophisticated software package intended to enable system/network administrators to manage a wide range of tasks on an unlimited number of network clients. Although it could be used to control classroom computers, that would be a bit like using a tractor to move a small pile of dirt. The full features of this product include encryption technologies, send UNIX commands to clients, change startup disks and other system settings on networked computers, fully search remote computers for files and trace file histories…the list goes on. For the complete technical specs, visit http://www.apple.com/remotedesktop/specs.html


Product Classnet Solutions - a suite of classroom control options:
  • AristoClass 4.0 (Software)
  • ClassPerfect (Software and hardware combination)
  • ClassNet (Several hardware accessories available)
Company Minicom Advanced System
Address North American Headquarters:
414 North Wood Avenue
Linden NJ 07036
Phone number Toll free: 888-486-2154
Tel: 908-486-2100
Fax: 908-486-7788
E-Mail info.usa@minicom.com
URL http://www.minicom.com/cbt.htm
Hardware/Software Hardware and software (depending on product)
Platform Windows 98, ME, NT 4.0, 2000, XP, Windows 2003 Novell, DOS, Linux, UNIX (depending on product)
Cost

Price varies depending on products and other requirements.

  • Call for Pricing
  • Discounts available through authorized resellers.
References Available on request (Over 20,000 installations worldwide)
Reviews None published as of May 2007
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information. All features are not available in all products.

Other Features: (depending on the product) Activity Log; Block URLs; More than one teacher station; Campus-wide network; broadcast rich multimedia in real-time

Awards None known of as of May 2007


Product KnowledgeWEB System
Company COMWEB Technology Group
Address 409 MInnisink Road
Totowa. New Jersey 07512
Phone number Tel: 973-890-0010 or 800-382-4364
Fax: 973-890-9077
E-Mail info@comweb.com
URL http://www.comweb.com/products/
Hardware/Software Hardware
Platform Any platform
Cost Price varies with configuration and selected options
References None available as of May 2007
Reviews None published as of May 2007
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information.

Other Features: Students can toggle between teacher screen and their own screen; Record teacher presentations; Transmit over internet/intranet; Students can call for help; Integrates with document camera

Awards None known as of May 2007


Product LanSchool v7.0
Company LanSchool Technologies, LLC
Address 770 West 210 South
Orem, UT 84058
Phone number Toll free: 877-370-5546
Tel: 801-319-6365
E-Mail sales@lanschool.com
URL http://www.lanschool.com/
Hardware/Software Software
Platform Windows 95/98, ME, NT , 2000 or XP
Cost The academic price for LanSchool v7.0 is $599 (US Dollars) "per classroom." (Free demo)
References http://www.lanschool.com/testimonials.html
Reviews None published as of May 2007
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information.

http://www.lanschool.com/downloads/LSDatasheets.pdf http://www.lanschool.com/downloads/docs/ls70/LanSchool%20v7%20Features.pdf

Other Features: Annotate over applications; Monitor Internet usage; Works with Novell’s Zenworks; Disable student web browsing
Awards eSchool News Readers Choice Winner 2006 (for Monitor)


Product LINK Systems - Multiple products available :
  • SoftLink v8.5 [software]
  • MobileLink [hardware or hybrid]
  • Link Projection System II (LPS II) [hardware/projection system]
  • ScreenWatch v4.0 [software]
Company Applied Computer Systems, Inc.
Address 3060 Johnstown-Utica Road
Johnstown, Ohio 43031-9903
Phone number Toll free: 800-237-5465
Tel: 740-892-2100
E-Mail sales@acs-linksystems.com
URL http://www.acs-linksystems.com/
Hardware/Software Software, hardware, or software/hardware packages available
Platform Windows XP, ME, 2000, NT, 95/98
(MAC; Sun with Link Projection System II only)
Cost Quotes available from Sales/dependant on room configurations & number of users
References Available at: http://www.acs-linksystems.com/testimonies.htm
Reviews None published as of May 2007
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information. All features are not available in all products.

  • Other Features Softlink: class forums via group chat; video display; instant survey creation
  • Other Features MobileLink: mobile console; language lab compliant
  • Other Features LPS II: plug & play; audio (with headsets)
  • Other Features ScreenWatch: automatically scans student screens; application/Web blocks & alerts
See full features list/product comparison chart at http://www.acs-linksystems.com/product_comp.htm
Awards None known as of May 2007


Product NetOp School 5.0
Company Applied Computer Systems, Inc.
Address Headquarters:
Danware Data A/S
Bregnerodvej 127
3460 Birkerod
Denmark
Phone number 1 866 907 2971
E-Mail ussales@netop.com
URL http://www.netop.com/netop-866.htm
Hardware/Software Software
Platform Win 2003, XP, 2000, NT, ME, 98, 95 and Windows Terminal Server 2000, NT4. TCP/IP, IPX, NetBIOS
Cost  
References http://www.netop.com/netop-869.htm
Reviews Noneas of May 2007
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information. All features are not available in all products.

Other Features: Lock applications; Restrict web sites; Works on a wireless network; Students can view/control instructor PC; Students can call for help; Can be setup in a dual monitor environment; Annotate over applications; Record teacher presentations and student activity; Broadcast only a portion of a screen; Provides Web cam streaming; Instructor can utilize 10 different question types for quiz
Awards
  • Media & Methods Awards Portfolio Winner 2005
  • Technology & Learning Legacy Award 2005


Product NetSupport School v9.0
NetSupport Manager v10.02
Company NetSupport, Inc.
Address 6815 Shiloh Road, Suite A-7
Meadows Commerce Center
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Phone number Toll free: 888-665-0808
Tel: 770-205-4456
E-Mail sales@netsupport-inc.com
URL http://www.netsupport-inc.com/%20
Hardware/Software Software
Platform Windows XP, ME, 2000, NT, 95/98
(Linux; MAC—NetSupport Manager only)
Cost Price depends on number of users (free trials available)
References None published as of May 2007
Reviews Available at http://www.netsupport-inc.com/news/reviews.asp
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information.

  • Other Features Net Support School: instant surveys; design & send custom tests; conduct class forums with group chat; display video; lesson plans; lesson timer; white board
  • Other Features Net Support Manager: Internet gateway; hardware/software inventory; integration with Explorer; Active X Web browser support
See http://www.netsupport-inc.com/nsm/netsupport_manager_comparison_chart.htm for full features/comparison chart
Awards
  • Redmond’s Best of the Best Reader’s Choice 2006
  • Media & Methods magazine 2005
  • PC Plus performance award 2005
  • Technology and Learning Award of Excellence 2006
  • Best Educational Software (BESSIE) 2007

Product Sanako Study 500
Company Sanako Inc.
Address Orchard Ridge Corporate Park
Building One, 301 Fields Lane
Brewster, NY 10509
Phone number Toll-free: 800-367-1137
Tel: 845-277-3320
Fax: 845-277-3995
E-Mail info.us@sanako.com
URL http://www.sanako-us.com/
Hardware/Software Software
Platform Windows XP or Vista
Cost Dependent on license. Classroom or school-wide licensing available.
References None available as of May 2007
Reviews None published as of May 2007
Features See the Features Chart for basic information.

Other Features: Open student files & launch applications remotely; Shared Web browsing; Media Player allows teacher (remote) or student control of media playback; collaborative work possible by groups of students

Awards None known as of May 2007
Notes: Technical spec PDF’s available at http://www.sanako-us.com/?Deptid=3306


Product SchoolVue 9.0
Company CrossTec Corporation
Address 500 NE Spanish River Blvd, Suite 201
Boca Raton, FL 33431
Phone number Toll free: 800-675-0729 (sales and support)
Tel: 561-391-6560
Fax: 561-391-5820
E-Mail services@crossteccorp.com
URL http://www.crossteccorp.com/schoolvue/index.html
Hardware/Software Software
Platform Win 95/8, Win NT , Win ME, Win2000, Win XP and Vista. IPX/SPX, NetBEUI and TCP/IP.
Cost CrossTec software is mostly sold through Dell Computers. Small numbers can be found for under $47/license. There are 6 price points up to 10,000 licenses. CrossCARE upgrade maintenance is included with all Dell orders with an additional 20%. You have the option of continuing CrossCARE in years 2+. Tech and user help is no charge.
References None available as of May 2007
Reviews Available at: http://www.crossteccorp.com/news/index.html
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information.

Other Features: Lock applications; Restrict web sites; Works on a wireless network; Students can view/control instructor PC; Students can call for help; Can be setup in a dual monitor environment; Annotate over applications; Record teacher presentations and student activity; Broadcast only a portion of a screen; Provides Web cam streaming; Instructor can utilize 10 different question types for quiz creation. Print Management tool.

Awards None as of May 2007


Product SmartClass MultiMedia System
Company Robotel Corporation
Address 9722 Aegean Court
Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone number Toll free: 800-333-4322
Tel: 704-987-1542
Fax: 704-655-9359
E-Mail http://www.robotel.com/english/contact_sales.html%20
URL http://www.robotel.com/english/educational_multimedia_product.html%20
Hardware/Software Hardware
Platform

Compatible with PCs, Macs and workstation-based systems

Cost Price varies with configuration
References None available as of May 2007
Reviews None published as of May 2007
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information.

Other Features: Students grab screen control during group work; “Help” hotkey alerts instructor privately that an individual student needs help; Students can break off from then rejoin a group; Private exchanges between instructor and student via headset

Awards None known as of May 2007


Product SynchronEyes
Company Smart Technologies Inc.
Address

1207 – 11 Avenue, SW, Suite 300
Calgary, AB
CANADA T3C 0M5

Phone number Toll-free: 1-888-42-SMART
Tel: 403-245-0333
Fax: 403-228-2500
E-Mail mailto:info@smarttech.com%20
URL http://www.synchroneyes.com/%20
Hardware/Software Software
Platform Windows 98 SE, 2000, ME, XP, Windows NT® 4.0 SP6, or Mac OS 8.6 to 9.x
Cost Priced per license (per classroom basis) – volume discounts available. (free demo)
References

http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SynchronEyes+Classroom+Management+Software/Testimonials.htm

Reviews None published as of May 2007
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information.

Other Features: View student screens as thumbnails; Make class lists; Add teachers; Go wireless; Transfer control to student; Time/Date stamped screen captures; Block sites & applications; Annotate over applications on student screens (w/ other SMART products)

Awards
  • Technology & Learning Award of Excellence 2005
  • Best Educational Software Awards (BESSIEs) – Teacher Tools: Computer Lab Courseware 2005


Product Vision 6.0
Company GenevaLogic (formerly MasterSolution)
Address 15725 SW Greystone Court, Suite 105
Beaverton, Oregon 97006
Phone number Toll-free: 866-725-7833
Tel: 503-352-3599
Fax: 503-352-3413
E-Mail sales.us@genevalogic.com
URL http://www.genevalogic.com/index.php?id=us-vision
Hardware/Software Software
Platform
  • Instructor station: Windows 2000 Professional or XP Professional
  • Student workstations: Windows 98, Me, 2000 Professional or XP Professional;
    Vision supports classrooms with a combination of operating systems.

Full tech specs in User Guide (PDF) at http://www.genevalogic.com/fileadmin/redaktion/user_guides/Vision6_UserGuide_EN.pdf

Cost Education Price: $35 per station, minimum of 10 stations
Free download to evaluate prior to purchase; available at: http://www.genevalogic.com/index.php?id=download-usa
References Available at: http://www.genevalogic.com/index.php?id=us-vision-reviews
Reviews None available as of May 2007
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information.

Other Features: one-screen thumbnails with controls of all student screens (Dashboard); automatically collects designated files from student computers; broadcast multimedia files; highlighting with Pointer tool; monitor/control Web browsing; Floating Toolbar, On-screen annotation, Full-screen supervision; Blank screen, Remote power on/off, Wireless support, Mobile lab and laptop support, Open enrollment, Extended classrooms

Awards
  • Friend of Pennsylvania Association for Educational Communications and Technology (PAECT) Award 2006
  • Worlddidac Quality Charter 2006
  • Best Educational Software (BESSIE) 2007


Product XClass (Standard or Professional versions available)
Company Sun-Tech Group
Address 2373 NW 185th, #271
Hillsboro, OR 97124-7076
Phone number 800-611-4059
E-Mail mailto:usa@suntechgroup.com%20
URL http://www.suntechgroup.com/classroomcontrol/index.htm%20
Hardware/Software Software
Platform
  • Professional Versions: Windows XP/2000/98 (First and second edition)/ ME/ NT (Version 4.0 with service pack 6 or above);
  • Standard Versions: Windows XP/2000
Cost No pricing given
References Available at: http://www.suntechgroup.com/testimonials.htm
Reviews None published as of May 2007
Features

See the Features Chart for basic information.

Other Features: Chat logs; Can be setup in a dual monitor environment; instructor and remote annotation tools; optional hardware includes headsets for audio, AV controller, teacher camera for live captures; video on demand (VOD) system

Awards
  • Media & Methods Awards
  • 2005 AEP (The Association of Educational Publishers) Distinguished Achievement Award



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Last Revised: May 21, 2007