Mindtools for learning

OpenOffice is a multifunctional tool that is a free alternative to Microsoft Office. This one program contains a word processor, presentation software, spreadsheet software, a drawing template, and allows for databases. It contains many of the same toolbars and can do many of the same things that Microsoft can do, and the best part, it is free for anybody with an internet conection to download! Hey school budget and technology people, stop spending tons of money for the rights to use Microsoft products when this one is absolutely free.

Kidspiration 3 is obviously designed for younger elementary school kids. It uses visuals to teach kids about everything from math, to science, even writing. One of the science projects has the kids classify animals into groups; insects, birds, mammals, and reptiles, then write about why each animal goes in their specific group. This is a great way to meld technology and education.

Inspiration 9 is designed for much older students. This program basically provides templates that allow students to construct things like diagrams, concept maps, and outlines. It is meant to be used by all of the major school subjects and even comes with some pre-loaded maps that students can fill in. I looked at one that differenciates between plant and animal cells. This program will allow for some creativity on the students part and also would force them to think and learn on their own.

XMind is a tool build to be used on team based projects. This program allows users to brainstorm together and map out what they will be doing. The best part is that users can connect over the internet, which means they never actually have to meet face to face to get work done. This program could be great for online courses, but would be difficult to do in a public school because not every student has internet at home.