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.
| 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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