Computer Control in KS2
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Multimedia presentations... Updated18/11/2003 With many schools and other units requesting information on delivering multimedia presentations to group or whole class audiences, teachers may find the information listed below, which outlines seven options of some benefit. My personal favourite is Option 2 as it is inexpensive and best fits my requirements. Interactive solutions... Trolleys... [Updated 18/11/2003] On-site demonstrations of the options below... Recent offers [Updated 18/11/2003]
Interactive solutions...
Option 1 Projector + Screen This remains the most popular, cost effective and ideal starting point for most teachers. At a later date 'upgrade' the solution using one of the options listed below. Projector £750(see recent offers) Screen approx £100
Advantages
Disadvantages
Option 2 Projector + Screen + Graphics tablet A low cost upgrade on the latter to give an interactive component. Simply plug the tablet into a free USB port and you can step well back from the display screen.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Supplier: www.computing.co.uk/Products/Hardware/1127555
Option 3 Wireless Keyboard + mouse
A complimentary alternative to the above solution at a cost of around £50. For a good quality product, I would recommend the Logitech product pictured opposite.
Option 4 Projector + Screen + WIRELESS Graphics tablet Close to solution 2 above, but without the trailing wire, and bundled with software to highlight, call up an onscreen keyboard and much more.
Advantages
Disadvantages
Option 5 Ceiling mounted Projector +
Interactive Smartboard (wall mo A popular but usually NOT the ideal solution for the classroom. Advantages
Disadvantages
Smartboard 540 + £700 for projector + £300 to ceiling mount the projector
Option 5(b) Projector + mobile Interactive Whiteboard Probably the best value solution for those schools who feel they must have the Interactive whiteboard, and wish to move it between classrooms on the same level. On the down side, some early evidence points to the board ONLY used as a projection surface, as teachers do not co-ordinate the board with the projector! If the board is moved during the session it will require co-ordination.
Option 6 - Tablet PC With an interactive screen, wireless connectivity, lightweight, onscreen keyboard, handwriting recognition, video out and lots more these offer another method of interaction. Prices at high compared to standard laptops, but prices are now beginning to move downwards.
Option 7 Attach this device to a standard whiteboard and it converts it to an interactive whiteboard. Available in serial and USB versions.
18/11/2003 Projector and laptop mobile stand If the equipment needs to be moved between teaching areas on the same level, consider a mobile stand, alternatively use an existing old computer trolley. A Wireless keyboard and mouse and the Lynx software mentioned below, would make an ideal interactive solution. The Sahara stand pictured opposite is one product and as with all equipment in this field, it is important to ring at least three companies and haggle! Sahara M310 projector stand
Supplier: www.projected.co.uk. Choose the Stand and Trolleys button Important Ring around for quotes
Teachers wishing the gain the benefits of some of the tools bundled with Interactive Whiteboards while using a projector, need only to purchase interactive software. Originally, Lynx was the only player in the field, but recently developers have released other products.
LYNX Interactive software The only real player in this field is LYNX Interactive supplied by Accurate.Plc.co.uk The Website is currently down, so contact them on Tel : 01132 500 500. The software sits onscreen and offers tools such as onscreen keyboard (upper and lowercase), highlighter pens, screen capture, drawing tools and lots more. In the screenshot below (Star Office Presentation/Powerpoint equivalent) the highlighter pen is in use to draw attention to the file name entry in the Insert Video dialogue box. Prices Single station licence: £100 Primary School site licence: £500 Secondary school site licence: £1200
Advantages Can a teacher be using the control pad almost immediately without the need for a prolonged training session? With it clean and simple interface the answer is Yes!
Disadvantages Apart from the price, the Lowercase keyboard needs reviewing as the characters are unsuitable for the UK. Some users may find the software install a real hassle. It involves contacting the company online, or ringing a support number to get the 'final' password.
Ocular Interactive This new application appears to be
designed for th
Supplier: www.Bullet-point.co.uk Tel: 0845 606 7600 Price £75 single user 3-10 users £199
Verdict This will suit heavy users of MS Powerpoint,who do not require onscreen keyboards.
Easiteach
Reviewed with the Literacy pack, this new product is impressive, especially if used with the curriculum packs. When used with other software such as MS Word, I am less convinced. The class teacher, must be able to start using the software within a few minutes and not feel overwhelmed. The simplicity and clarity of the Lynx Interactive software, is at this time the best option.
Pricing: View the web link below. http://www.rm.com/Primary/Products/Product.asp?cref=PD80178&catref=180.1.3.113 Demonstration copies can usually be obtained
On-site demonstrations of the options below
This usually takes the form of a one hour twilight session(£70). The above options are demonstrated in a non biased way and teachers have the opportunity for hands-on. Feedback after these sessions has been excellent.
Suggested suppliers Some very good bundled deals are available to education, so it is worth spending half an hour getting quotes. See also recent offers www.ilgroup.co.uk/avd/whiteboard.htm www.interactive-whiteboards.co.uk/ www.projected.co.uk/education.htm Have you found a better supplier with a good quality service and keen prices? Contact me on 01257 516380 or Email: James.McAlea@ICT.LancsNGfL .ac.uk |
As above, but using a
wireless keyboard and mouse as an alternative to the tablet.
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Tablet PC market, primarily as a tool to use alongside MS Powerpoint. The
onscreen handset is poorly laid out and too small compared to Lynx shown above.
Another drawback is the absence of an onscreen keyboard. Tablet PC's already
having this option.