TECH TASK #2

I have this issue with my computer. One, my dad hates when we download stuff onto it, and two, it has a firewall! So, this task will not be one of my better ones. First I want to talk about open source applications. I think that they are an absolutely wonderful idea. School boards who can't afford to licence tons of software are still given the opportunity to provide their students with a quality technical education through these applications. During my internship, I wanted to put Open Office onto the computers. Alec made it sound like something amazing and at that time I was trying to turn my Mac's into PC's!! Good luck!! Anyways, I was in the process of installing it onto one of the computers to try it out, but was told not to do it because there were better programs out there (this was someone from the school board). So, I didn't end up executing the file, although I probably should have to test it out. Regina Public licenced Microsoft Office onto our classroom computers instead, which meant I had no need to download Open Office. I have heard good things though and I believe more schools should use it, if what I have heard is true, because it would cut costs drastically. During class last week I put TuxPaint onto my computer. I wanted to put TuxType on instead but I had trouble downloading the application for some reason. I found TuxPaint a little difficult as well, because you have to choose which area of North America you are closest to in order to get the application, which could be extremely confusing to some. I eventually loaded the program onto my computer and really enjoyed it. Although it is like Paint on the PC, it's more interactive, with much more to do, and quite aesthetically pleasing. It has many different options for creating visual art, which I think is a great way to show students that artwork can be created on the computer. After you create something in the window, there are comments and sound effects by the little penguin on the bottom, which would please youngsters in the classroom. This application is so easy to use. If you aren't afraid to click around and test things out, which most children aren't, this program is for them. There really is no need to read the directions. I don't know that this would necessarily be a beneficial program to further develop student learning, but I think the program would be fun for them to use.