Guest Posted March 12, 2005 Share Posted March 12, 2005 We have just been given £200 to put towards hardware or software for our preschool and it needs to be spent by June or forfeited. We currently have an old and very slow computer which struggles to run some of our software. Any ideas on how to find a reasonably priced replacement??? Alternatively, I would love to hear of any software you particularly recommend. We have children from 2 to 5 years old but the 3-5's are the main users. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beau Posted March 12, 2005 Share Posted March 12, 2005 This is something I would be interested to find out about too. We were recently given a computer by one of the parents and I've been using some of my own software from home. Unfortunately most of it doesn't seem to work though. However, one that does and is very popular is a dorling kindersley one which can be found here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest doohanok5 Posted March 12, 2005 Share Posted March 12, 2005 There are lots of sites offering refurbished equipment that would be within your budget, running Windows 98 and above. I've also just come across a site called Tools for Schools, www.tfs.org.uk, which might be worth a look. We were able to get some software last year using Tesco "Computers for Schools" vouchers (Moles and Mouse Island are now firm favourites). This year's scheme has just started, so we plan to add to the vouchers we've banked and get some more software this year. We've also got some of the Jump Ahead series of software which is very popular with the children. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 13, 2005 Share Posted March 13, 2005 Can your hardware or software include non-computer ICT items, such as remote controlled toys, tape recorders, walkie talkies, electronic keyboards etc? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 13, 2005 Share Posted March 13, 2005 Yes, ASPK, it can include programmable toys etc. We have just bought 2 new fab 'Playskool' computer attachment thingys - one a workshop which you strap on to the keyboard and then use the saw, plane, screwdriver etc to complete projects like robots, wheeled toys , dog kennels etc which are on the screen. The other is the same but a till you strap on and there's also a little scanner attachment. The shop and story line comes on the screen and the children use the tools to be the shop assistant! Its cool but my favourite, and the childrens' too, is the Make & Bake one. You strap the kitchen set (including mixing bowl, jug, egg, rolling pin & pastry, )on the keyboard. Then you can choose what to bake, mix the ingredients, put them in the oven and when cooked decorate them. If you do lots you can then have a party and choose who to invite. Its possible to print off the recipes make party invitations cake boxes etc. We bought the first 2 on-line last month at about £7.50 each plus postage - cheap! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 13, 2005 Share Posted March 13, 2005 Ooh, I like !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 18, 2005 Share Posted March 18, 2005 There are several options - if your box can take it - you may be able to upgrade your box to a higher spec for not too much money - you can get some really good deals from the smaller specialised computer shops. then maybe you might be able to contact your local EYPCD to find out what they have spent their money they had given to them for purchasing software and what you could borrow from them. Our early years have bought in a lot of software which is available on loan - but they do require quite high spec machines to run some of the software but at least you do not have to buy it and you can keep changing it and as and when you get mor money you could always buy in more software. Nikki Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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