Software

= Software on the CFF Laptop = = = You have been given many wonderful programs on this laptop! This is //a// very brief description of what many of them are, along with tutorials and other links to help you with them. Once I find out which programs you are most interested in, and which ones can help you the most in your classes, I will provide professional development sessions for those programs. In the meantime, feel free to "play" with all of it -- have fun!

You can also go on a [|Google Earth Tour]. There are video tutorials here: [|Google Earth Tutorials]. || Here's one on [|blogging in Word 2007]. Here, at [|Office 2007 training courses], you can click on the program of your choice: Word, Publisher, Excel, etc., and enter a free, detailed, online training course for that application. || media type="file" key="GoldenRatio.wmv"Music courtesy of [|freeplaymusic.com], all images found on Google Images. ||
 * **__Adobe Design Premium__**- This is your tool for creating professional projects -- print, photography, video, for the web or mobile. For starters, go to the Bridge application's Home, and click on any application to view its tutorial video. For additional online video tutorials, visit the [|Adobe Design Center]. ||
 * **__GIMP__**- This is [|GNU]'s image manipulation program. That is, it's like Adobe Photoshop, but free. This program, along with Adobe CS3, is on our laptop. However, if you would like to download it onto another computer of yours, you can get the free download [|here]. For tips on using GIMP, check out these [|GIMP tutorials]. While you're on that site, click on the FrontPage tab to find //**many more**// resources and tips about the program. ||
 * **__Google Earth__**- This is an amazing "Google map" tool. There are already done "sightseeing tours" in the program for you to take. Check those out for an introduction to what Google Earth can do. Then, visit the [|Google Earth User Guide] for all the instructions for using all the amazing features of Google Earth.
 * **__Microsoft Office__**- On your laptops you'll find both Office 2007 and Office 2003. I would suggest using 2007 as much as possible to try to get used to it. You can save your files as Office 2003 files so those without 2007 can open them. There are online tutorials available from Microsoft, and many of them will allow you to "click through a task" in 2003, and then will show you how to accomplish this same task in 2007. Pretty cool.
 * __**Multimedia Center for Think Offerings DLA**__- This is your drag-n-drop CD and DVD recorder. Simply open up the DLA Help for assistance with projects. ||
 * **__Nvu__**- Pronounced "N-view", this is web authoring software. We also have DreamWeaver which is included in Adobe Design Premium (listed above). ||
 * **__Skype__**- Use this to make calls from your computer. You can call other computers, cell phones, or landlines. All you need to do is launch the software, create an account, and find your friends! This is a //great// way for your class to communicate with other classes .. in the school, around the country, or around the world! ||
 * **__ooVoo__**- This is similar to Skype, but will allow up to 6 video participants concurrently. You will also have to sign up for an ooVoo account. For more information, see ooVoo's [|online help]. ||
 * **__PhotoStory3 for Windows__**- A great digital storytelling program! Import photos, music, record your own voice, and add text. Here's an example:
 * **__Learning Essentials__**- This is a //plethora// of resources, both for students and for educators. This is a **//must check out//**! Begin your learning by clicking start, all programs, Learning Essentials, Learning Essentials for Educators. ||
 * **__Audacity__**- This is a program for recording audio. Record your voice, other sounds, and bring in sound clips. Create your own .mp3s for podcasts or for use in Movie Maker, PhotoStory, etc. ||
 * **__Inspiration 8__**- This is an AMAZING program for graphic organizing. If you open the program and click on **Learn to Use**, you will find pre-done //curriculum packets//, //examples//, and //training videos//. ||
 * **__Wink__**- You will find this in all programs, Debug. It is a screen capture program, which means you can record screenshots or a video of what you do on your laptop, along with audio, for playback. This is very useful for making tutorials for colleagues, or recording lessons for absent students. ||