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Washington County Public Schools Increase Use of NetOp School Software for More Effective Student Instruction

Posted on: Tuesday, 29 January 2008, 12:00 CST

When students at one of the 42 schools in the Washington County Public School system decide to wander off task in a computer lab, to check out that popular new YouTube video or the latest sports scores, they are brought to "Attention!" by a popup warning message. This new method of classroom compliance is available thanks to NetOp School classroom teaching and monitoring software available in nearly every computer lab in the school district.

"NetOp School 5.0 has made a huge improvement in classroom instruction," said Jimmy Green, software specialist for Washington County Public Schools. "Teachers are excited about keeping students on task and using more effective teaching methods."

The software allows instructors to view and monitor each student computer in a lab or media center. A thumbnail image appears on the instructor's screen and if necessary, the instructor can send a warning message to remind a student to stay on task. It is even possible to block certain software programs and applications, such as instant messaging, completely.

The software goes beyond simple monitoring software and actually aids instructors in the teaching process, by allowing them to share their screen on each student computer, making software demonstrations markedly easier. Instructors can also "pass the chalk" and allow students to share their screens with the class.

"Business education instructors are using the software to teach Microsoft Excel," said Green. "If a student has worked out an easier method to complete an assignment, the instructor can share that student's screen with the entire class and have the others follow along."

NetOp School version 5.0 allows recording of a student's computer use, to cope with some young people who often refuse to admit when they have done something wrong. Proof of classroom non-compliance can show students the truth and deter them from inappropriate computer use in the future. District teachers also have the ability to work with the software at home to prepare lesson plans and tests and bring them to the classroom with a USB stick.

"The whole goal of this software product is to make it easier for instructors to teach and for students to learn," said Jason Vargovchik, country manager for NetOp Tech. "NetOp School helps keep computers an effective learning tool and lessens the chances of them becoming a distraction."

Green has installed the software in computer labs and media centers in 42 schools, from kindergarten to twelfth grade. The school has purchased licenses for about 1,800 student and teacher versions, serving a potential student body of over 20 thousand.

"The software was easy to install and NetOp is extremely helpful with technical support," said Green.

Future plans include installing NetOp School 5.0 in three new elementary schools in the district, all scheduled to open this year.

NetOp School, developed by Danish IT company, Danware A/S, is sold in the United States by the company's wholly-owned subsidiary, NetOp Tech Inc. Danware develops and markets additional software products based on NetOp technology, which provides for the swift, secure and seamless transfer of images, audio and data between two or more computers. NetOp Remote Control products enable remote control of one ore more computers at the most secure 256-bit encryption. NetOp Netfilter combines 100% dynamic image, behavior and text analysis to accurately block inappropriate websites in real-time, without maintaining a static blacklist. All are plug-and-play products offering extensive functionality, flexibility and user-friendliness.

About NetOp Tech Inc.

NetOp Tech, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of Danware, a Danish software company. Danware's core business is to develop and market, through a certified channel of NetOp Partners, software products based on the NetOp core technology -- a technology enabling swift, secure and seamless transfer of screens, sound and data between two or more products. For more information, visit the NetOp Tech Inc. Web site at www.netoptech.com.

About Danware

Danware develops and markets software products based on the NetOp core technology--a technology enabling swift, secure, and seamless transfer of screens, sound, and data between two or more computers. The company's three product areas are Desktop Management, Education and Security. Seventy-six percent of Danware's revenue is generated outside Denmark through subsidiaries in the US, the UK, and Germany, as well as via partners in individual countries.

In 2006, products from Danware were sold to more than 70 different countries. Danware's headquarters are located in Birkerød, north of Copenhagen. The company had 84 employees at the end of 2006 and a turnover of DKK 97.9 million. The company's shares are listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange and are part of the Small Cap+ index.

Source: Business Wire

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