Required Software
Software
For the past many years, we required commerical software as part of T.E.A.M. (these included Microsoft Office and the current Adobe web publishing tools). For the first time, we feel the availability of free/open source production software available to educators makes the purchasing of commerical software unnecessary. Beginning with T.E.A.M. cohorts in the Fall of 2008, we will be recommending various free software, sites for publishing content, etc. as both our production tools and host sites for our students' work in the program.
At some point throughout the two years in T.E.A.M. we may require some software purchases. We ask that you budget accordingly. You also may find that you wish to have commercial software tools because in many instances they are better than free ones, have better support systems, etc. For example, you may need to acquire a medium to high end video editing package for advanced video work beyond the free versions of Apple's iMovie or Microsoft's MovieMaker.
Other Considerations
Internet Connectivity: Every T.E.A.M. student must have a home connection to the Internet. Although a dialup connection is acceptable, most students find that a high speed connection such as Optimum Online, Verizon FIOS, or DSL is indispensable to working with other students, doing web publishing, and maintaining various forms of communications. If you have multiple users of the internet in your home, then a high speed connection with a firewall and router may be your best choice. Many routers are now available with wireless, so choose wisely and be sure that the wireless protocol includes what you will be using with your laptop if you intend to use wireless connections at home.
Although not software, many find the new USB key drives invaluable for moving files among various computers. They come in all sizes (and budgets), so consider one that fits in with your needs and available dollars. Remember, you are using it to move files, not to be a form of storage or backup. This may make it easier to choose a lower cost model over the much more expensive ones. They work nicely on holiday "wish lists."
Direct any questions to Dr. Byrne.