This program is a tool for managing information from a single computer to the web. It allows the user to "automatically enter, validate and analyze date" and graphics. This would be helpful in allowing students to view a large amount of information in a table or graph. Students could see how the change of one variable in a table or graph (a set of information) would alter the entire table or graph. Being able to do this would be helpful in numerous math activities. It would also be useful in comparison of water evaporation studies done in multiple locations by my fourth graders. There are other features mentioned such as ready-to-use templates, helpful email features, and in general, easy management information. These features are useful for me in designing and publishing student information on the web.
FileMaker Pro is made by Claris. It can be obtained over the web, through Mac Warehouse, or through District 186 (for employees of the district). It can be purchased for $199.00. For an upgrade it costs $149.00, but proof of purchase of a previous version is required. Neither cost include tax or shipping and handling.
In order to use this program, I would need a Mac OS. This is the only thing mentioned that I could find in regards to systems requirements. As a result, I have deduced that the memory, hardware,and software of any Mac OS would be sufficient for the use of this program. I would certainly check this out with others before making any purchase. I have Mac OS computers in my classroom.
HyperStudio 3.1 is an easy-to-use, fun, and very useful program. It allows for students to create programs with sound, graphics, and animation. It can also be uploaded onto the web. I would use this as a school-year-starter. I would use digitized photos of each student to go along with typed summaries of their summer activities. Each child would have his/her own "page." When finished, it would be available for viewing by students throughout the day and parents at our Open House.
This program is made by Roger Wagner Publishing, Inc. It can be obtained through the web at the clickable link above or through a dealer search provided by the previously mentioned HyperStudio 3.1 web site. It can be purchased for $199.95 for a single copy and $450.00 for five copies.
In order to use this product, I would need to have a compression application which can stuff and decode. System requirements include the need for a System 7.1 or higher computer, at least a 68030 processor, a minimum of 4 MB of free RAM, and it is recommended to have a CD-ROM drive. So, this program is one which could be used by a limited number of the computers at my school. It's purchase would have to be weighed against it's practical use and cost.
This web site is an excellent source of ideas and materials. This link, which you can connect to above, provides information on science. It is a resource for other sites, software, etc. Several of these sites would be great for my students to view, read, and summarize as a work station during science class. As implied above, there is also information on lesson plan ideas for teachers. What a great way to enhance, rejuvenate, or completely change current lesson plans to better meet the needs of students. This site is like having thematic unit books except this is free for the taking!
I would encourage using this resource in a combination of websites for students to view as a station, websites to view as a class for whole-class discussion, and web sites as resources for students to write to for information on their topic. The latter suggestion would be a great way to integrate the language arts with science, social studies, and/or math in a meaningful way. Children just love to get mail, so this would provide additional excitement for the children when their requested information arrives.
Apple Learning Interchange is provided by Apple, Inc. and is free for use to any/all who wish to log on. You simply must be online in order to reap the benefits.
As mentioned above, it is, obviously, necessary to have Internet access in order to obtain this information and use the various links and resources listed. If access to the web is not available in the classroom, there are still excellent resources that you can write to or have students write to in order to obtain information on desired topics.
Classroom Server compresses audio and video files so they can be relocated to a web browser. This program would be great for communicating audio and video from my classroom web site to the web. It would allow my classroom to communicate with a partner classroom via audio and video files. This program would add another dimension to what the class already does on the Internet.
This program is offered by RealSystem 5.0. It comes as a package which includes information and materials for use in a computer lab setting, a microphone, software for installation, manuals, and various software for ease of use. Purchases can be made by linking to the Classroom Server web site which you can link to above. Its cost is $1,895 for an entire lab setup. An additional $495 is needed for the first year for "free" server upgrades and phone support. This cost goes up to $795 in following years.
In order for this product to be used, I would need a PC with at least 16 MB RAM. This program takes 2 MB of hard disk space, about 3 MB of available RAM and up to 20 KB RAM for each file created. I see no way that my school would be obtaining this program any time in the near or distant future. My school does not have quality PCs in any quantity. It is my opinion that this product is expensive and very impractical for use at my school.