The Student Aid Estimator by StudentAid.com is an online net cost calculator that differs from the federally required template. This tool has more form questions to produce a more reliable cost estimate based on a student’s financial and academic circumstances. The tool uses “skip logic” so students can answer only questions essential to their situation. Students can submit responses not just for common financial aid questions but also for questions on academic merit, including GPA, class rank, and standardized test scores. Institutions can customize the tool to display their brand as well as include their own financial aid questions. A five-year service contract includes $5,000 for setup and $12,000 for annual licensing. Visit www.studentaid.com/colleges.
Paperless Processing
SuperAPP from ConnectEDU has streamlined the task of processing student applications by electronically delivering a full application package (including official transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation) to a secure, integrated data feed. Students are enabled to submit, view, and edit applications, as well as track their progress. Admissions officers are able to verify that an application has been received and can manage these materials in one location—making these efforts paperless. The solution is free for high school students and counselors. Institutions are charged a $2 fee per each application they receive. Visit www.connectedu.net.
Desk Collaboration
CBT/SMARTdesks has released Collab Learning Studio Pods, interactive conference tables created for supporting collaborative learning. The triangular-shaped desks are equipped with six flipIT laptop safes that stow and lock permanently installed laptops out of sight when not in use and keep them connected and charging at all times. For students who want to use their laptops, a pop-up data/power port in the table’s center features four RJ45 and four 110-V outlets. All power and network connections are housed in an 18-inch steel column, which supports the pod tables and provides access to wiring via an access hatch. The desks can be customized to meet classroom needs. Depending on finish levels and other technology options, suggested pricing could range from $6,000 to $25,000. Visit www.SMARTdesks.com.
Document Camera Takes in One Touch
The AVerVision 355AF portable interactive document camera from AVerMedia offers one-touch video and audio recording directly to a USB flash drive or SD card. Users can record through the on-board microphone for creating podcasts or other web materials. The camera’s mechanical arm display device touts a 1080p high-definition output and five megapixel camera head for sharp images. An expanded 11-by-14-inch viewing area and an 80x total zoom better displays large documents and objects. The AVerVision 355AF can capture true five megapixel images and a number of presentation features. AVer+ software, available for Macintosh and PC systems, has new features such as advanced annotation, screen capture, and network sharing for sending demonstrations to multiple LAN locations. The document camera costs $799.99. Visit www.avermedia-usa.com/presentation.
Further Assisting Loan Lists
TG has enhanced List Assist to prepare a preferred lender list for students seeking information on private or alternative loans as well as lenders participating in FFELP. The online survey tool enables administrators to now review data from both loan sources. Users can identify what type of loan survey to distribute. They can access copies of responses (which can be captured and reviewed up to 60 days after the end of the survey period) and a library of survey questions specific to certain loan types. They can also print reports and create questions to add to a survey. List Assist is free for institutions. Learn more at www.tgslc.org.
