When it comes to making decisions about purchasing software, budgetary restraints often make prioritizing a must. Classrooms do not need access to a large quantity of software, especially with the great Internet sites that are free for use. It is recommended that schools think about Blank Canvas Software when making purchasing decisions. Software that allows students to create, design, and construct is known as application software or "blank canvas" software as it contains the structure in which the student creates. If no other software can be purchased, the following software should be considered when purchasing the initial software for the classroom.
Story Mapping -Graphic Organizer
Inspiration&Kidspiration
Published by Inspiration,Inc.
http://www.inspiration.com
Download a 30 free trial
TimeLiner Maker
Published by Tom Snyder Productions
http://www.tomsnyder.com
Publishing Software:
KidPix Deluxe 3
Hyperstudio
Other software to consider for use with the Internet:
WebWhacker
http://www.bluesquirrel.com/products/whacker/index.html
Software that allows you to save
Internet sites to use off line.
Webstripper
http://webstripper.net
Free offline browser to quickly
download web sites and pages onto your hard disk.
With technologies rapidly changing school systems have primarily been concerned with connection speeds and bandwidth. Networking has brought amazing resources to education, moving from the desktop to the laptop and most recently to wireless networking. Some schools systems even have the luxury of putting wireless hand held computers in the hands of every student and teacher.
More realistically, every classroom should be equipped with a desktop PC and printer ideally with the capability toconnect the computer to a large screen TV/Monitor. There are several options for this connectivity which allow for whole group viewing and interaction with what is being displayed on the computer monitor.
When purchasing hardware it is important to consider if the product has been designed for education, is it economical and is it accessible. Some basic hardware to consider when purchasing technology for your school might be:
Digital Cameras
Video Recorder
Scanner
CD Burner or portable Zip drives
LCD Projector
Allows you to project multimedia projects and/or computer monitor projections on
a large screen. Also used with interactive whiteboards.
Whiteboard
TVator or other means of connecting computer
to large screen TV/monitor
Wireless Keyboard
AlphaSmart
Keyboarding tutorial for developing keyboarding skills
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