Varitronics Launches New Software for VariQuest Visual Learning Tools
Teachers implement visual and kinesthetic learning strategies to improve student achievement and engagement with the new VariQuest Design Center Software v2.0
Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) December 7, 2010
Varitronics, a leading manufacturer and supplier of products that enhance visual and kinesthetic learning, today launched VariQuest Design Center Software v2.0 to save teachers time and increase their capabilities when creating instructional aids to support curriculum with VariQuest Visual Learning Tools. Designed to help improve student achievement and teacher efficacy, this comprehensive suite of products includes the Design Center 1000, Poster Maker 3600, Cutout Maker 1800 and Awards Maker 400.
"For more than 25 years, teachers and school staff around the country have used Varitronics' education technology solutions to support teaching and learning, and increase student achievement and engagement," said David Grey, vice president and general manager, Varitronics. "We have spent countless hours talking to our customers and the new features in the VariQuest Design Center Software reflect the enhancements and tools that they have told us would make our suite of products play an even stronger role in helping them achieve their educational goals."
By upgrading to the latest version of VariQuest Software, schools will instantly gain access to added Poster Maker and Awards Maker templates and graphics. New features in the VariQuest Design Center Software v2.0 include the ability to browse for content based on instructional and grade level needs, type in Spanish, and access advanced editing tools for further customization options, including importing lists from Microsoft® Excel for faster creation of multiple award plaques, nametags, desk labels and parking permits. Current users can upgrade to the new software for free at http://www. variquest. com/software-update].
"The biggest and best change, in my opinion, is the change in the Browse Categories area," said Kathy Schrock, director of technology, Nauset Public Schools, Orleans, Mass. "The categories now include content areas, like English language arts and social studies, and, more importantly, include sub-categories to make it easier for the user to hone in on just what they want. In addition, the user can decide to see content from all grade levels or just their own grade level range, can chose just to see the items that their school's subscription contains or also look at all items."
Now with VariQuest Software v2.0, schools can use VariQuest Visual Learning Tools with the new VariQuest Learning Modules. VariQuest Learning Modules allow teachers to use posters, cutouts, flashcards and awards to support instructional activities across the curriculum, particularly accommodating students with visual and kinesthetic learning styles. The 12 Learning Modules available for grades PK-6 support teaching science, math, English language arts, and social studies. Each Learning Module comes with 10 standards-aligned learning activities that support schools' curriculum and a CD with 30-118 scalable cutout shapes, fonts and/or collections. Learning Module activities are quick and easy for teachers to implement, and provide both modifications and extensions to accommodate a wide learning spectrum.
VariQuest Software v2.0 also allows teachers to create custom magnetic and vinyl words and shapes using the Cutout Maker with the new magnet blade, VariQuest Magnetic Sheets, and VariQuest Vinyl Sheets. VariQuest Magnetic Sheets cut repositionable manipulatives that can be used on display boards for hands-on learning and cooperative small group work. With VariQuest Vinyl Sheets, teachers and students can cut intricate shapes with adhesive backing for immediate use on outdoor banners, informational school signage, and for fundraising initiatives with car window and bumper decals.
For more information or a free upgrade for current users, visit http://www. variquest. com.
Varitronics and VariQuest are registered trademarks of Varitronics, A Brady Business
About Varitronics
Varitronics, A Brady Business, provides education technology products and solutions that help improve student achievement and teacher effectiveness. Varitronics' latest product suite, the VariQuest Visual Learning Tools, includes the Design Center, Poster Maker, Cutout Maker, and Awards Maker, and is powered by proprietary VariQuest Software featuring thousands of curriculum-aligned templates and graphics designed specifically for schools. Together, VariQuest Visual Learning Tools allow students, staff and administrators the ability to quickly and easily create customized posters, banners, manipulatives, cutouts, award plaques, and stickers that help bring their lessons and activities to life. For more information about Varitronics or VariQuest, visit http://www. variquest. com.
About Brady Corporation
Brady Corporation is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises, products and people. Brady's products help customers increase safety, security, productivity and performance and include high-performance labels and signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, and precision die-cut materials. Founded in 1914, the company has more than 1 million customers in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, education, medical and a variety of other industries. Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and employs approximately 6,600 people at operations in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Brady's fiscal 2010 sales were approximately $1.26 billion. Brady stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BRC. More information is available on the Internet at http://www. bradycorp. com.
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