Blue Ribbon Reviews

Teaching Pre K-8, Nov/Dec 2004 by Lindroth, Linda

May your days be merry and bright - thanks to this season's innovative new software picks

What a great time to buy software! There are so many new products for making it easy to record all your holiday events in pictures - from digital editing tools to electronic picture albums. And don't forget assessment tools.

Classroom Performance System (CPS)

This is truly one of the best tools for management and assessment I have seen. What's even better is that it really makes whole group instruction fun! The CPS by elnstruction is a hardware-software infrared response system that creates a non-threatening environment to enable interaction that is rewarding for teachers and students - even your shy students.

The basic CPS system consists of a receiver unit, software site license, interface with ExamView test banks, 24 response pads (which run on two AAA batteries) and carrying case.

When it's used as an instructional tool, CPS uses Verbal Questions to elicit student responses during a lesson using PowerPoint, a textbook or any question database. Students use the pads to record answers and CPS collects and reports them for grading purposes. Use "There It Is!" with collaborative learning teams to review content.

The "Student Managed Assessment and Practice" section allows students to answer at their own pace. With "Teacher Managed Assessment," students take a paper test and then input answers with the response pads for scoring.

For more information, please visit www.eInstruction.com or call 888-707-6819. Mac/Win, $2,995 for basic system.

iLife '04

The iLife '04 program from Apple Computer is a complete suite of software for organizing photos and songs. You can even create movies, DVD'S and music!

iLife '04 seamlessly integrates five applications. iTunes lets you organize all your music into Smart Playlists which you can sync to your iPod or burn to a CD. Use the playlists in iPhoto, iMovie and iDVD projects. You can also download music from the iTunes Music Store for just 99 cents. iPhoto will let you search, sort and edit photos, create a slideshow or even publish a hardcover book. iMovie provides tools for editing digital video for your own movie. GarageBand is perfect for tapping into a student's creativity to create their own music. The tools let you choose from over 1000 pre-recorded loops to add rhythm, use built-in instruments or even add your own voice. Want to put all the pieces together? Use iDVD to burn your creations complete with menus, special themes and customized buttons.

For more information, call 800-MY-APPLE or visit Apple at www.apple.com $49. Free on a new MacIntosh.

Adobe Creative Suite

This design suite for print and web publishing is a must have for any classroom or school working on a web presence. Programs include InDesign CS, GoLive CS, PhotoShop CS, Illustrator CS and Acrobat 6.0 - all using an integrated interface that makes them work as a full suite of web design software.

Be sure to call 888-872-9803 or visit www.adobe.com for more information. Mac/Win $399 academic version.

WhisperPhone

The WhisperPhone from Harebrain, Inc. is one of those, "Now, why didn't I think of that?" creations. The reversible mouthpiece (right or left) snaps into an ear headset, and all parts are durable plastic and dishwasher safe!

The acoustical headset enhances a child's voice by projecting the words back to their own ear, so students hear the words and individual phonemes more clearly as they read. It also encourages students to lower their voices - even in a room full of read-aloud readers!

This product is so practical and innovative that I had to review it, even though it doesn't fit the normal technology definition. I've placed the WhisperPhone in my computer and reading centers. I've also found that its great for teaching music and working with speech students. Those are just a few of the ways it can be used - I'm sure there are many more!

For more information, please visit www.whisperphone.com $7.95 for one or $79.95 for a ClassPak of 12.