First cross-platform software for interactive whiteboards, developed by teachers for teachers, available in English and Arabic versions

Dubai, UAE:  10th March 2009 - Promethean, a global leader in interactive learning technology, today showcases the launch of its latest innovative interactive software, ActivInspire, at the Gulf Educational Supplies & Solutions (GESS) show, which takes place at the Airport Expo from today until Thursday 12th March.

During the show, there will be a demonstration of the ActivInspire software every hour on the Promethean stand (Stand 334), giving visitors the opportunity to see the benefits of the software first hand. In addition, a teacher from Our Own English High School in Dubai will be giving a full lesson to his students on Wednesday 11th March at 2pm - with the help of Promethean products, of course.

Visitors to the Promethean stand will also be able to pick up give-aways, as well as getting the chance to win products from Promethean at the 3pm daily prize draw.

In addition to launching ActivInspire, Promethean representatives will be leading workshops during the Gulf Education Forum (GEF) at the following times:

1. Today (Tuesday 10th March): 2pm-3pm - "21st Century Learning" by David Fairnbairn Day, Head of Education Market Development, Promethean Limited

2. Tomorrow (Wednesday 11th March): 10am-11am - "Learning Response Syetems" by John Collick, International Education Manager, Promethean

3. Thursday 12th March: 10am-11am - "21st Century Learning" by John Collick, International Education Manager, Promethean

The ActivInspire software development programme included a successful trial period and collaboration with specialist teacher user groups, who have given valuable feedback to ensure ActivInspire meets today's teaching and learning needs. 

ActivInspire is an easy-to-use software package designed to be adaptable to a teacher's experience, subject matter or teaching style. The software can be used across multiple operating platforms in combination with both the ActivBoard and other interactive whiteboard manufacturers.   Fully integrated with Promethean's existing product range, ActivInspire is created for use in classrooms worldwide, from primary and elementary through to secondary, high school and higher education.

ActivInspire is available in two versions: Personal and Professional.  The Personal Edition is free to everyone for download and includes a breadth of features and functionality, including new browsers that make lesson planning quicker and easier.  The Professional Edition contains a range of new and enhanced features including an intelligent shapes library, screen recorder and handwriting recognition.

From today, practitioners, students and parents will be able to download ActivInspire from Promethean Planet at www.prometheanplanet.com.

ActivInspire contains a range of exciting new features designed to enhance teaching in the classroom:

Fully compatible with all major operating platforms, including Windows, Mac and Linux, and a range of interactive whiteboards.

Choice of 'Primary' or 'Secondary' user interface from a single application

Full integration of ActivClassroom solutions, including Promethean's ActiVote and ActivExpression Learner Response Systems, which can be seamlessly incorporated into lessons.

First intuitive software of its kind that is designed for the classroom and to suit the style of the teacher.

The ability to customise and personalise toolbars and layout of the program.

Flexible to support multiple profiles for different teachers, subjects or year-groups.

An extended library of resources with thousands of ready-to-use flipcharts, backgrounds, images, shapes and activities that can be instantly accessed through Promethean's online teaching community, Promethean Planet (www.prometheanplanet.com).

An innovative toolbar that updates automatically with the most frequently used and last used tools.

Integrated media players, images, and audio, as well as existing resources, even if from different interactive whiteboard software or programs such as PowerPoint™.

ActivInspire is available in two versions; Personal and Professional Editions:

ActivInspire Personal Edition is free to all users and is fully compatible with Promethean's Learner Response Systems.  The software features the essential ActivInspire functionality - browsers that can move easily between different pages, actions and objects, and quick lesson building using themed flipchart templates.

ActivInspire Professional Edition contains all of the functionality of ActivInspire Personal but more - with extended features including a shapes library, screen recorder and sound recorder to give teachers more inspiration and help them plan their lessons quicker.  

Jean-Yves Charlier, CEO, Promethean, says: "Interactive classroom tools such as ActivInspire present new ideas and opportunities for schools to help the long term transformation of the education system and meet new teaching demands. Since we previewed it in January the response has been tremendous, and as the software has been assessed on the needs of those who will ultimately use it - teachers - we are confident about its success.  We hope it will help save teachers precious time and encourage them to develop lessons in new and intriguing ways."

Alice Keeler, maths teacher at Clovis High School, California, USA: "The new software is like a breath of fresh air: it offers a whole range of new and exciting functionality that is all tailored to the way that I teach.  At home I use a Mac but at school I use Windows so the fact that the software is cross-platform makes my planning a lot easier! I already use a range of Promethean products such as ActivExpression, so the fact that this software is fully integrated is a plus and I can easily go onto Promethean Planet to download flipcharts and share ideas."

Alison Reese, primary teacher at Frith Manor school, Barnet, London, UK said: "Promethean ActivInspire is opening up new opportunities for my colleagues and pupils, building on the popularity and success we have seen from ActivPrimary. Our teachers have seen huge differences in pupil's engagement since using the resource and love that they are more involved with what they are learning. As soon as the software reached our school, the teachers were excited to see the new tools it included." 

To download the software and view the promotional video please visit: www.prometheanplanet.com

The use of ActivInspire is governed by the relevant licence terms.  

From 2nd April 2009 ActivInspire will be available in the Arabic language.

-Ends-

About Promethean:
Promethean is a global leader in interactive learning technology that empowers teachers to engage, educate, assess and motivate learners.  Developed by and for educators, its award-winning solutions help teachers to prepare interactive lessons quickly and with greater ease. The technology enables them to create, customize and integrate text, web, video and audio content into their lessons, so they can more easily capture students' attention and accommodate different learning styles.

The ActivClassroom by Promethean is helping educators to teach and students to learn worldwide with the ActivBoard, durable interactive whiteboard technology. This is supported by integrated interactive whiteboard software designed for use from nursery to post-16 learning with a choice of interface to best fit any teaching style. It also offers wireless hand-held Learner Response Systems that permit instantaneous assessment of pupils' comprehension of lessons. Beyond the classroom, Promethean offers training and support to ensure maximum results and return on investment.

Promethean is headquartered in the United Kingdom. Its products are distributed through a network of partners and inspire more than 10 million learners in more than 90 countries.

For more information, please visit www.prometheanworld.com

Press enquiries:
Max TuttleAccount Director, NettResults PR
Tel: + 971 50 64 00 572
Email: max.tuttle@nettresults.com
 
Shazia Malik, Account Manager, NettResults PR
Tel: +971 50 273 0228
Email: shazia.malik@nettresults.com
 
Hind Hammoud, Account Executive, NettResults PR
Tel: +971 50 63 000 21
Email: hind.hammoud@nettresults.com

© Press Release 2009