Software


 * The following is a list and a description of software we have installed on the lab computers, or have available to use in the lab:**

//Microsoft Internet Explorer// - access through the Start menu, icon will appear in recent applications on left side of menu, click once. The favorites will list Mrs. Browning. From there, I have many student activities listed by grade level. Try not to add much to the favorites as it gets difficult for students to read and navigate. Visit @http://www.dunlapcusd.net/wilderwaite/teachers/tbrowning/teacher_resources.htm for links to web sites you can use with students.

//Microsoft Office: we use Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher// - icons should be on the desktop, or Start Menu: mouse over All Programs, Microsoft Office folder, and click the icon for the application you wish to use. Follow directions on tips for creating a shortcut on the desktop. Word is the word processor we use. When used in the lab, pages will print to the lab printer. Please limit students to print only one time. PowerPoint is used for presentation. Students in fourth and fifth grade learn to condense the amount of information typed in the presentation and add commentary to the notes section rather than typing everything they want to say in the slides. Publisher is used for creating signs, letterhead, greeting cards, business cards and calendars. All Office applications use the same clip art gallery. Students in grades 3-5 will learn how to import clip art from Office online.

//Accelerated Reader// - is located on the server and may be used on any school computer that is connected to the server. This software is used as a reading incentive program. Books that are on AR have a point value and coordinating quiz. When a student takes a quiz, s/he earns points for the number of questions (5-10) answered correctly. This software is not part of our technology curriculum, so it is used during library time (at RES), extra computer time you sign up for, or in the classroom.

//Kid Pix// - is a vector graphic software where students can create pictures and add pictures to a slide show. The pictures may include drawings students do with a tool or brush, adding graphics or animated graphics, and backgrounds designed by Kid Pix. There is also a typing tool for adding text. This can be used for a quick integrated activity (see list for links to ideas), or to create a presentation using students' drawings. I have some books and printed directions for some activities in the computer lab.

//Type to Learn 3// - we use primarily for 4th and 5th grade students to practice keyboarding. The software comprises keyboarding lessons that automatically set speed and accuracy goals for students based on what we enter (4th - 10-12 wpm, 80% accuracy; 5th - 15-20 wpm, 90% accuracy), and adjusts based on how well students are doing on the lessons. They also take timed typing tests (Warpspeed) using this software.

//Type for Fun// - we love to use this software to help students improve on their typing speed and accuracy. There are four activities that track the top 10 list of users on the computer. Students log in using their first name, and choose "ready for lift off". The four activities are: Galaxy Taxi (type sentences as fast and accurately as you can), Space Rocks (choose levels 1, 2 or 3 and type words as they appear), Zworg Explore (works on accuracy, have to type state capitol and two letter state abbreviation correctly or it returns you to beginning), and Power Up ( choose levels 1, 2, or 3 and type words as they appear).

//Read, Write & Type// - we use for our first grade keyboard instruction. This is a simple instructional tool that teaches kids which hands to use when keyboarding, where the fingers go on the keyboard, and how to reach the keys when typing. It also covers phonetic sounds of the letters as students learn to type them.

//Inspiration// - is a graphic organizing software. This is great for organizing papers, presentations, elements of a story, or sequential events. For more information, you can visit @http://www.inspiration.com/edresources/index.cfm We also have books in the computer lab on how to use Inspiration. Just check with me if you are interested in reading the book(s).

//Kidspiration// - is a version of Inspiration designed for younger students. It is arranged more grahically for younger students to manipulate. Check the web site for an explanation and ideas for integration @http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration.

//Photostory 3// - is freeware provided by Microsoft I have downloaded to the lab computers. You may also download this freeware from Microsoft to your own computer. See me for directions if you are interested. This software allows users to take still images (.jpg or .gif files) and create a show using voice recording to narrate the images, add music, text, and special effects. The end result is a movie file students can watch. There are many ideas for digital storytelling. In addition to the site from the University of Houston, you can Google digital storytelling.

//Timeliner// - created by Tom Snyder Productions, this software allows students to enter events and dates. It organizes them in a timeline. Pictures can be added and the timeline can be printed, or saved as an html file to load as a web page.

//Graphmaster// - another Tom Snyder software which lets students to create graphs based on data they input. The graphs created depends on the type of data entered, but some examples are circle, bar, and line graphs. Students can change the appearance of graphs and print them.

//National Inspirer// - by Tom Snyder is not installed on the computers, but comes on a CD ROM in the //National Inspirer// binder on the software shelf. Also in the binder are directions, and print-outs with maps and a chart to plan the groups journey. The directions are included in the binder. Students work in groups of 3-4, each with an assigned job, and work together to plan a trip across the country searching for resources. The software can be arranged by level and can give 1-2 resources, the state where the journey begins, and a challenge for the end of the journey.

//Read, Write & Type// - is installed on the computers, but a CD ROM needs to be used also. This software is used primarily with 1st grade. Students learn the keys on the keyboard while practicing their letter sounds, composing words and on to sentences.

//Storybook Weaver Deluxe// - is an authoring software students use to compose a story and illustrate each page. They also create a title or cover to the book and it is printed. This can be used with any grade level. I have used it with 2nd and 3rd grades.

//Harcourt Math Center -// like AR, the data is stored on our server for HMC so a connection to it is necessary. This is a companion to our math series. Unfortunately, it did not come with directions or a binder so I am not familiar with how to use it.