Best New Software

Volume 32, Number 1, October 2004

Joanne Troutner

For Handhelds

INSPIRATION FOR PALM OS. Inspiration Software. Grades 4-12. A Palm OS version of this excellent tool is now available. Users can easily transfer diagrams/outlines between handheld word processors and desktop computers, and beam files to other handhelds. Password protection helps avoid file deletion.

HLE TOOLS. GoKnow. Grades 3-12. This package provides several tools for Palm OS and Pocket PC handhelds. Use “Fling It” to transfer web pages from a desktop to a handheld; the drawing/animation program “Sketchy” to create up to 999 slides for animation; and “PiCoMap” for concept-mapping. “FreeWrite Pro” is a word processor for Palm OS use. Teachers can use the PAAM archive and application manager to organize student files, keep up with hot syncs, print and back up student work.

PDA PARTICIPATORY SIMULATIONS. MIT Teacher Education Program. Grades 4-12. Check out these freeware options for Palm OS. “Big Fish-Little Fish” models a predatory prey ecosystem. With “Discussion,” participants agree or disagree with a statement input by a leader and provide a rationale as they travel the classroom. The genetics simulation “Live Long and Prosper” uses between one and eight genes. In the game “Virus,” everyone starts out healthy and sees how long they can avoid getting sick. “Sugar and Spice” is an economics simulation in which producers must develop trades in order to survive.

eCHEM 1.0. Center for Highly Interactive Computing in Education. Grades 8-12. This Pocket PC freeware allows students to create molecular models from a set of atoms. The models can be rotated and viewed in multiple representations and saved for future use. Ease of use makes this a wonderful learning tool and brings chemistry to life for all learners.

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.