smartDESKTOP Overview |
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Project History
The smartDESKTOP is a suite of smart tools delivered over the web to improve teaching and learning. Educators can use these tools to support their work in the areas of instructional planning, curriculum management, measuring student learning, and collaborating with other professionals.
The smartDESKTOP was established under the direction of the Learning Collaborative, an affiliate of the Indiana Humanities Council, with generous research and development investments by the Lilly Endowment, the federal government, and State Farm. Dr. Suellen Reed has served on the board directors of the Learning Collaborative since 2004.
With a version 1.0 release in 2005 providing tools for teachers, the smartDESKTOP has expanded with each release targeting schools and districts in version 2.0 and parents and students in version 3.0. The collaborative features of the smartDESKTOP are also utilized by a variety of educational organizations such as Indiana’s Educational Service Centers and university sponsored projects for teachers.
In November 2007, the Indiana Department of Education assumed responsibility for the smartDESKTOP service through an agreement with The Learning Collaborative and the Indiana Humanities Council. As part of this agreement, the Indiana Humanities Council will continue to provide smartDESKTOP account holders with access to the collection of teaching and learning resources it maintains.
Features of the smartDESKTOP Service
The smartDESKTOP offers support to educators in four main areas: instructional planning, curriculum management, assessment of student learning, and professional collaboration. The tools in each of these areas serve as the foundation for service to the following audiences:
