TUSTIN, Calif., Sept. 23, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- T.H.E. Journal, the pioneering publication of technology in education, announced today its newest online resource, the Educational Technology Information Center (www.edtechinfocenter.com). The free web site offers peer reviews of hardware, software (instructional and administrative) and services in the K-12 and Higher Ed markets.
"We launched this site in response to a need for independent peer review of technology among educators and school technology buyers. Our goal is to provide a forum for educators to share their experiences using technology in the real world so that everyone can make smarter ed-tech investments," said Wendy LaDuke, publisher of T.H.E. Journal.
The site targets publishers, manufacturers and resellers as well as buyers or potential buyers of educational technology products. Manufacturers and software publishers will be able to input data about their company and products and respond to comments and questions posted from others. People who have made a purchase will be able to rate products and write reviews of them based on their real experiences. Prospective buyers will be able to read reviews and commentary and post their own questions to help them gather information to justify a purchase.
In development for many months, the site will officially launch in November 2004. Until that time, educators and others are encouraged to visit www.edtechinfocenter.com/submit to submit their personal experiences with any technology in education product or service. Reviews and comments will be made publicly available beginning on the launch date.
Reviews will include detailed product information as well as comments relating to pre- and post-sales support, implementation and installation in educational environments, vendor support and customer service, meeting of expectations, and -- for curriculum software -- application to educational standards. The site will also provide visitors access to T.H.E. Journal's archive of application stories, new product information, and tools and tips specifically designed for educators.
All reviews and comments will be moderated by MGT of America, Inc. MGT will act as an independent third party to ensure that all postings are useful and non-commercial, as well as maintain certain standards.
Many educational leaders expressed excitement for the debut of an independent peer review site for ed-tech users. Melinda George, executive director of the State Educational Technology Directors Association, stated, "This site is long over due. Our members receive no shortage of product information and specifications for technology products, but it is hard for them to really know how it will work in the field until it is installed. Reviews from their peers will help them do their homework before making the investment."
About T.H.E. Journal (www.thejournal.com)
T.H.E. Journal -- published for over thirty years and online since 1995 -- is the original and foremost publication dedicated to covering the application of technology to the learning process. Covering the entire market for technology in education, from K-12 through higher education, T.H.E. Journal reaches key policy makers and those involved in or influencing the technology decision-making process. The magazine offers in-depth articles and case studies on high-tech applications from leading educators, new product information and special issues highlighting specific technologies. T.H.E. Journal family of information-based print and online products and services includes T.H.E. Institute, the company's consulting and professional development arm.
About MGT of America, Inc.
MGT is a national management research/consulting firm headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida. For over 30 years MGT has helped public sector clients find solutions to the challenges they face-from specific program evaluations to comprehensive reorganization. Clients include school systems, colleges and universities, and state and local governments, in 49 states and 15 foreign countries. The Learning Technology Evaluation Center (LTEC), a division of MGT, helps educational technology publishers and developers assess the effectiveness of their products in real classroom settings.