Top 100 Products of 2008 Revealed by District Administration District Administration magazine.

The Califone MP3 player has been selected for inclusion in the “2008 Readers’ Choice Top 100 Products” annual survey. Conducted by District Administration magazine, the 8101 was chosen for its ability as a solid resource that can further school district initiatives.

“This year we received a tremendous amount of product recommendations, making it very difficult to limit the list to just 100. The winning list contains products that our readers have successfully implemented at the district, school, and classroom levels. We hope that these products can help you manage your district,” says DA Editor Judy Faust Hartnett.

“We’re honored to learn the 8101 has been recognized by educators,” shares Califone VP of Marketing, Tim Ridgway. He continues, “Schools and districts across the country are looking for innovative ways to help burgeoning populations of ELL, ELD, and special needs students acquire literacy skills and we’re pleased the 8101 is helping them achieve their goals.”

One such school is Afton Central School, located in rural upstate New York and with more than 800 K-12 attending students. To help the special education team with their reading activities, Dan DeVona, the school’s librarian and media specialist for grades 6-12, decided to research how personal media players can enhance the learning environment and began using the MP3 players from Califone with the school’s students.

Susan Bethel, one of the school’s special education teachers, manages a self-contained resource room and helps students with learning disabilities who are taking regular classes throughout the day. “The MP3 Player is easier to use than a tape recorder, and students can use it without drawing attention to themselves. It doesn’t make them stand out,” Bethel said.