Here are links to software and online resources that you can have access to for free.
Scootle
Scootle, developed by Education Services Australia, contains more than 10,000 items of digital content from the National Digital Learning Resource Network (NDLRN) formerly The Le@rning Federation (TLF).
(The National Digital Learning Resources Network is managed by Education Services Australia on behalf of the Standing Council for School Education and Early Childhood (SCSEEC) (previously MCEECDYA). It includes materials developed through The Learning Federation initiative.)
Complete the online registration form using the link below to gain access to this online repository. The link to the Registration Guide provides a summary of the registration process.
iPads for use in your tutorials
The School of Education, at the Wollongong campus, has 12 iPads your subject coordinator can borrow for use in your tutorials. They are not for individual use but your tutors and subject co-ordinators can borrow them to use in your tutorials. The list of apps available on these iPads is provided below as PDF. We have compiled a list of iPads apps from our experience of what is being used in primary and secondary schools. If you know of apps that are being used in schools and are not on the iPads, just send an email to: soc-itsupport@uow.edu.au. We aim to update the apps on a regular basis.
As a UOW student, did you know you can access…
1. The UOW wifi network without quota and proxy restrictions. Click on link for details: http://www.uow.edu.au/its/network/wireless/index.html
2. Range of UOW apps. Click on link for details and to download: https://apps.uow.edu.au/
3. Microsoft office products for free. You subscribe to the Microsoft office 365 suite. Click on link for for details: http://www.uow.edu.au/its/uowmail/office-online/index.html
4. Computer labs on campus 7 days a week (both Mac and PC platforms). Click on link for details: http://www.uow.edu.au/its/studentlabs/index.html
Commentary about Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs)
There are now many hardware options for Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) than there were a few years ago. When IWBs were first rolled out in NSW primary schools most schools purchased SMART IWBs and used SMART Notebook software. You will still see older SMART IWBs and short throw projectors in primary schools. There are also some schools that may be using the Promethean IWB and accompanying ActivInspire software.
Many schools are moving away from IWBs and purchasing interactive display screens. There are several other interactive display solutions available – some examples are: EPSON interactive projectors (there is one installed at UOW Wollongong campus 24.203), TeamBoard (one installed at UOW Wollongong campus 67.302), Prowise Touch Screens.
Our School of Education teaching lab has a SMART IWB 600 series. The Early Start Building has SMART E70 flat panel interactive displays.
When doing your professional experience in schools, check to see what IWBs or digital displays are being used and ask what software the teachers like to use and what they plan to use in the future – as this is now a changing landscape.
IWB & interactive display software
The great thing about IWBs and interactive displays is that they can be used with a variety of applications. The board/screens project any application running on your computer or tablet. Notebook applications work well on IWBs and interactive displays as they allow you to write (like a chalkboard) and add/manipulate shapes and images to create your own notes and activities. Some examples of notebook software include:
Microsoft OneNote
OneNote is a note booking app that can be used on a computer, tablet and with an interactive display. It provides great functionality for both teachers and students.
All NSW DoE teachers and students have access to Office 365 suite.
UOW provides all students (that is you) access to the Office 365 suite. Just sign in with your username and password.
Google Jamboard
Is a relatively new note booking tool that is free to access. Google Jamboard was designed to be use with Googles interactive display screen but can be used on any computer (using the a browser) or tablet (using the free app) screen combo. Check it out here and access the suggested tutorials and have a go yourself.
All NSW DoE teachers and students have access to Jamboard via their Google for education accounts.
SMART Notebook
SMART Notebook software is an application that allows you to create interactive whiteboard (IWB) resources. A number of schools use SMART Notebook. However, in recent years there has been more diversity in software and hardware integrated in schools.
You can download a free trial of the Notebook software (v18.1): https://education.smarttech.com/en/products/notebook/download
Note: Many schools using Notebook software will be running older versions of the software on the school server. The updated software is no longer freely available to teachers and students
Compiled by Associate Professor Shirley Agostinho, February 2016. Updated by Dr Tiffani Apps, June 2020