NEO2
NEO2 laptops are the latest generation of a device specifically designed for use in schools, proven in school district use across the country for many years. A number of independent studies have shown the effectiveness of NEO2 and its predecessors in improving the quantity and quality of student writing.
Rugged and easy for students to use, NEO2 imposes no burden on technical support at building or district levels. It incorporates a full-sized keyboard and a clear LCD text display, and is lightweight for easy portability. Each unit runs up to a full school year on 3 AA batteries, automatically connects via wireless networking for communication and printing, and comes preloaded with a variety of applications that support writers and writing instruction across a broad spectrum of research-validated aspects of writing improvement.
- Built-in word processing software
- KeyWords and Write On! software for language-based teaching of keyboarding and writing skills
- Seamless connection with Google Docs for access and sharing of online documents
- Linked Files capability to facilitate teacher feedback and collaboration
- Classroom-response functionality so students can respond to questions and quizzes real-time, providing immediate feedback to teachers on what’s being learned and where gaps may need to be filled
- Quiz-building software
- Text-to-speech capabilities
NEO2s also support Accelerated Reader book quizzes, MathFacts in a Flash math fluency exercises, and the input of answers to Accelerated Math problem sets. And they make possible the institution of writing across the curriculum, a tremendously powerful tool for building literacy and excitement about learning throughout the grades.
Since they require no wiring for network or power, and can be furnished with specially-made carts for storage and portability, NEO2s avoid the logistical disadvantages of traditional “computer labs” or trying to fit multiple computers into classrooms. “A computer for every student” is, of course, desirable not for its own sake, but for what it can do to further school improvement goals.