Secondary Cycle I Laptop Project
Communications Release
August 18, 2003
August 18, 2003
Distribution Lists
After our meeting of June 27, 2003, an attempt was made to create and copy distribution lists in Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express - to no avail. It would seem one cannot copy distribution lists in either of the two mail programs.
If you are not using a Sir Wilfrid Laurier e-mail address or are accessing your SWLSB e-mail account from outside the Exchange server, i.e., home, you can create your own distribution list quite easily. For instructions, please download "Creating Distribution Lists Using Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express" This method would be of use to Tina Korb, Kathy Bjornson, Natalie Lafleur, Anne Saftich & Jason Dunk who may wish to operate outside the SWLSB server.
Suggested software to be loaded - comments?
Currently, the following software will be installed on either the REMS server or teacher/student workstations:
Microsoft Windows XP
Microsoft Office Pro with FrontPage 2002
McAfee Anti-Virus Software
Adobe Photoshop Elements
Talking Walls
Math and More
Cornerstone
Wiggle Works
Note that additions and/or deletions to the above list are still possible at this moment; however, time is of the essence.
Geometer's Sketch Pad & Typing Pal unsuitable for network
Inspiration still available to laptop participants
Prior to shipment to IBM Toronto (part of which was sent by courier from Hawkesbury, ON – August 1, 2003), it was discovered that Rawdon’s copy of Geometer’s Sketch Pad was, in fact, a single user version (Lab Pack). A trial version of the Geometer’s Sketch Pad 4 can be downloaded from http://www.keypress.com/sketchpad/index.html .
Typing Pal proved unstable for a number of technical reasons. It is highly recommended that a new typing program such as All the Right Type be examined. It is important to note that this decision should be undertaken by REMS’ entire staff since this software impacts on all cycles. (http://www.ingenuityworks.com/iworks/main/products/demo_downloads/list/)
Acquisition of Inspiration and/or Kidspiration software is still possible; however, after examination, teachers may feel that the software is more suited to educational design rather than direct classroom activity. This software can be downloaded from http://www.inspiration.com/freetrial/index.cfm .
The RECIT consultant believes that it is critical to the project’s timeline that a consensus be quickly reached concerning the use of Geometer’s Sketch Pad, All the Right Type and Inspiration.
Free software players (agents)
Given the virtual nature of the project, the RECIT consultant has suggested that the following free software be loaded onto either the server or workstations so that both teachers and students can benefit from the interactive nature of the Internet.
WinZip (http://www.winzip.com)
Adobe Acrobat Reader (http://www.adobe.com)
Macromedia Shockwave (http://www.macromedia.com/downloads/)
Macromedia Flash Player (http://www.macromedia.com/downloads/)
Copernic Search Agent (http://www.copernic.com/en/index.html)
Winamp Player (http://www.winamp.com/)
Real Player (http://www.real.com/)
Windows Media 9 Player
Common favorites folder
Further to the virtual nature of this project, the RECIT consultant developed a Favorites folder containing over 1,000 links to relevant web sites, reflecting the objectives of REMS’ Laptop Project and/or the curriculum. This Favorites folder was sent to all project participants for perusal and comment. A “resources” web site has also been planned and should be implemented by August 18, 2003.
Shared public folders (rawdon server)
Concerning shared digital resources for the project, Regis Lajoie feels that a general public folder, i.e., a server folder sharable by all; a teacher’s public folder, i.e., a server folder sharable only by teachers; and individual student folders viewable only by a unique student and their teachers is possible and should be implemented on or before August 26, 2003.
Keyboard & character set selection
The RECIT consultant suggested that, rather than employing French keyboards, Canadian multi-lingual keyboards and character sets should be ordered. Jean-Guy has not, as yet, responded to that suggestion.
IBM software update
Talking Walls, once IBM's ELA offering, has been sold to another company. At this moment in time, the new owners of the software are not prepared market the product. According to Collette Lacroix, Talking Walls should be available again by October 2003, optimistically.
On the other hand, the Cornerstone product line is available. Interested teachers should point their browsers to the Cornerstone web site, click on "Request a Free Trial or Demo", register and examine the sample lessons offered. Again, your opinions and observations are critical to the success of this project, please share them as soon as possible.
The Sir Wilfrid Laurier RECIT
Peter Bilodeau, Educational Consultant (RECIT)
Tel: 450-621-5600, ext. 1358