Teachscape has created software for the iPad to enable instructional leaders to gather Classroom Walkthrough (CWT) data accurately and efficiently using this mobile device. Teachscape Instruction | Mobile version 1.4, optimized for the iPad, further expands the number of devices that educators can use to collect data during their classroom visits.

Teachscape Instruction | Mobile is implemented as part of the Teachscape Classroom Walkthrough process —a process that uses walkthrough data to engage instructional leaders and teachers in reflective learning communities focused on adjusting instruction to meet student needs. Using the iPad, educators can collect data, upload to the online reporting system via a wireless or data connection, and then log into the Teachscape website to generate reports and manage their entries. Teachscape Instruction | Mobile includes a series of protocols to support good instruction and provides districts with tools to develop their own walkthrough protocols.

Teachscape Instruction | Mobile version 1.4 updates the application for the iPhone and iPod touch, released in February 2010 and joins the ranks with Teachscape Instruction | Desktop (launched in March of this year). Both applications enable users to enter data without being connected to the Internet, and to upload that data when the device can establish an Internet connection. Additional devices that may be used with CWT include BlackBerry, Palm and Windows Mobile.

Teachscape Instruction | Mobile is currently available for free download at the iTunes store at http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teachscape/id352579945?mt=8. Users must have a Teachscape account to log into the application and access the online reporting system.

MacWorld reported on the announcement of the Apple TV rental box.  The Apple executives originally called the Apple TV a “hobby.” However, after Wednesday’s music-centric press event, Apple has begun to show signs of taking this particular hobby a little more seriously.

Thus, one might wonder if Apple finally hit upon the magic formula for a living room companion. MacWorld says, “We won’t know for certain until the product actually ships. But they did answer a few common questions about the latest edition of the Apple TV.  Here are a few of the questions.  If these are not enough to fill your curiousity you can visit MacWorld and possibly have your questions answered there.

When will the new Apple TV be available, and how much will it cost?

Steve Jobs said it would ship in “four weeks,” which puts the release tentatively at the end of September. The online Apple Store says the device begins shipping in September. Since thirty days hath September, check back when most of them are done. The price will be $99.

What hardware is inside the Apple TV?

Apple’s Apple TV specs page says the new model uses an A4 chip, just like the iPad. This should mean considerably better performance than we saw with the previous model, which ran on an Intel Pentium M processor.

What are the terms of video rentals for the Apple TV? Do you still get only 24 hours to watch a rented video?

You have 30 days to start watching a movie or TV episode. Once you begin watching a rented movie on the Apple TV, you have 24 hours to finish. However, the “watching” period for a TV show is 48 hours.

DivX launched Yamaha DivX Plus HD Certified Blu-ray players. These new 3-D ready players bring the best in visual quality and full-featured media capabilities, enabling stunning playback of full 1080p DivX Plus HD video using the MKV container.

Yamaha's new line of Blu-ray players are 3-D ready and feature universal playback (BD, SA-CD, DVD-Audio/Video, CD). The BD-S1067 will be available in Europe to start, and Yamaha plans to launch additional DivX HD Certified Blu-ray player models in North America, Oceania and other areas in the future.

With DivX Plus HD technology, these Blu-ray devices will empower consumers to enjoy their personal and Internet video collections in the DivX format directly on their TVs. DivX makes it simple to load and playback digital videos up to 1080p and Hollywood movies in DivX.

DivX Plus HD Certification is the premium level of certification available from DivX, optimized for consumer electronics products and supports the playback of all content created with DivX software. Available on www.divx.com, DivX Plus Software allows users to create and playback H.264 video in an .mkv file container. DivX Plus HD Certified devices will playback all previous versions of DivX video and DivX Plus HD video files with the .mkv file extension and AAC audio created with third-party tools.

Known for great performance, visual quality and interoperability on any DivX Certified® device, DivX provides consumers with a comprehensive digital media solution supporting the majority of high-quality Internet video on their TVs or other consumer electronics devices.