HyperStudio
The Basics:
Although many of you are familiar with HyperStudio, I have no first hand experience and have been curious to learn about the program. I recently purchased Microsoft's PowerPoint to use for my final project and am interested to see how the two applications compare.
HyperStudio is a multimedia presentation system that allows an "author" to combine text, graphics, sound and video in a slide show format. "Only HyperStudio provides it's own innovative approach in the following ways: accessing data on the Internet, the ability to create and edit Quiktime and AVI movies, built-in image capture with AV Macs and/or Digital Cameras, Mac-Windows-Web project compatibility and the widest range of file type compatibility for graphics and sound."
This program was originally created by a teacher and has a history of educational friendliness. Because it is simple to use and fully integrated with all the tools you need included, even very young children can create original projects. The non technical language and layout let students focus on the content of their work rather than the technique of the publishing format. Hyperstudio allows students and teachers to assemble and present multimedia information in the same way that information is accessed from the Internet and CD-ROMs. The program's built-in functions provide one button access from within a slide show directly to specified URL locations. With the free HyperStudio Plug-in, you can display your presentation within a web page as well.
Hardware/Software Requirements
Mac OS:
Cost
An evaluation version is available that allows you to create and save an unlimited number of four card projects. You can also view existing projects and samples with this version. This is a free offer from the company and is downloadable. There is additional training information available for download; including tutorials on customizing for your classroom, creating animations, and posting projects online. I also found a site to download a player version that allows you to view, but not create or save, HyperStudio projects. The single user version retails for $199.95. A multi-user version that supports 5 stand-alone computers retails for $450.00 and a multi-user version for 10 stand-alone or networked computers retails for $795.00. There are extension packs, binders and tutorials available as well. The program can be ordered online from the HyperStudio site.
Educational Implications
There are an infinite number of ways HyperStudio can impact the educational process. The philosophy of the program's author to provide a mechanism for contructionist, student-centered learning created a product that demands interactive involvement. Because the program supports cutting edge technologies like streamed video and sound and digital imaging, student projects provide practice using these emerging technologies. Teachers can also integrate a variety of IT tools for students to learn about and with when they create instructional stacks. And student's can learn from each other as they collaborate on or evaluate their peer's presentations. HyperStudio is a comprehensive authoring tool with unlimited potential. It is a prepackaged roadmap for promoting the integration of technology into any curriculum.
URLs For More Information:
HyperStudio.com is the official site for the Roger Wagner Publishing Company.
The HyperStudio Network is an international source for HyperStudio resources.
HyperStudio on the Net is a place to gather ideas, share thoughts, and see how the program is used.
HyperStudio: Almost 101 Stack Ideas is a link to download a cross platform stack of 99 stack ideas.
HyperStudio Lessons and Ideas has sample lesson plans for language arts, science, social studies and enrichment.
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