specific items quickly and easily as opposed to creating the same items by hand. We
learned about three specific productivity tools:
Databases. Databases allow the user to save collections of information in one easily
accessible place. This allows the user to find information about a specific topic much
faster versus searching the internet. An example of a database would be Galileo.
Timeliner - a software program that helps students organize information and data from
many sources into a timeline, sequence, or cycle; and present it in a professional
multimedia presentation. Templates are available to get projects started quickly and to
organize the information. It features a built-in Web browser for searching the Internet
and a cross-curricular menu with ready-made files in the categories of social studies,
language arts, and science & math. Timeliner is more advanced than KidPix and I
recommend it be used for grades 4th and up. I used Timeliner once in high school and
I recall how easy and simple the program is to use.
Inspiration - software for creating visual maps, outlines, and presentations. The
Diagram and Map Views help with brainstorming ideas, structuring thoughts, and
visually communicating concepts. The integrated Outline View may be used to take
notes, organize information, and structure writing for plans, papers, and
reports. With Kidspiration, software for K-5, students use graphic organizers to
express thoughts and explore ideas and relationships. They create graphic organizers
including webs, concept maps and Venn diagrams to clarify thoughts, organize
information, apply new knowledge and build critical thinking skills. I used Inspiration to
create a graphic organizer to demonstrate a product of the program.