EUSD Instructional Technology

In the next few weeks we are going to start adding some new applications onto the computers in the classroom. We will not be doing this to all the computers in the district in the first wave. We want to start seeding them into classrooms where we will see them being used immediately by both teachers and students.

If you would like to have your classroom be part of the first wave of classes that get the programs, please reply to this email. We are planning to get on all Windows XP machines eventually, but do not have the man hours to complete right away. If you are part of the Digital Media Academy or the Tech Cohort you are already scheduled to receive the software.

We will be providing training in using these applications in the coming months and will also have a web site with tutorials and other resources for using them in the classroom. All these programs are available for free for download off the web.

List of New Software

Audacity w/ Lame MP3 Encoder
This an audio recording and editing program that Students can use to mix their voice with music. It is very good for creating podcasts and other audio projects.

Photostory
This program lets you take photos and create movies that include voice over narration, music, text and special effects. There is a wizard that walks you through each step of the program. This is good for both students to create curriculum projects and teachers to share images on their web sites.

Google Earth/Space
This program is an interactive globe that can be used to view satellite imagery mapped onto the earth. Students can see the world up close and also access tours of the different parts of earth. This also includes an interactive view of space that uses telescope photographs that are positioned as they exist in the night sky.

Quicktime Player w/iTunes
This will allow you to access educational podcasts from the iTunes music store and also play Quicktime movies on your computer.

Tux Paint
This program allows students to create digital art using paint brushes and stamps. Tux Paint is similar to the program Kid Pix.

Picasa 2
This program allows you to catalog and edits digital images.

Scratch

This program provides a visual programming experience for students. They can learn the basics of computer programming by creating their own games, science simulations, and interactive programs.