Best New Software

Volume 31, Number 2, December 2003

Joanne Troutner

Digital Photo Activity Kit.
Internet Coach by APTE, Inc. Grades 2-8.
This program contains a wealth of activity options for using digital pictures. Ease of use plus superb curriculum ideas make this a real winner. Students will cheerfully learn math with the geometry scavenger hunt and Math Curse stories options.

Algebra’scool.
BestQuest Teaching Systems. Grades 8 - 12.
This educationally sound, DVD-based, year-long algebra course captures student attention. Animated characters, real-life video situations and excellent concept explanations provide learners with an understandable view of beginning algebra.

Filemaker Pro 6.
Filemaker. Grades 9-12.
The upgrade of this easy-to-use relational database provides XML transfer and over 20 redesigned templates for immediate use. Microsoft Access users will want to look at transferring to this dual platform tool.

Destination Reading.
Riverdeep, Inc. PreK-Grade 3. This research-based reading program introduces beginning readers to phonics, word recognition, comprehension strategies, early grammar, narrative fiction and informational texts. In addition, the management system allows for tracking of daily activities.

A Shakespeare Suite.
Internet Shakespeare Editions. Grades 7-12.
Three options are available for the Shakespeare lover/researcher. Included are a multimedia look at the life and times of Shakespeare, modern-spelling texts of all plays and original versions of three plays. The scenario builder allows the user to direct a scene or entire play using characters, music, props and other options.

Joanne Troutner is director of Media/Technology for the Tippecanoe School Corporation and owner of Creative Computer Enterprises in Lafayette, Indiana. She can be contacted at troutner@mindspring.com.