The Amazon site is searchable with a 3-million-title book selection, CD and DVD catalog, search and notification services, recommendations by genre or category, and content including extensive author interviews and music clips.
http://www.amazon.com/ (opens in new window)
This site compares prices and gives customer ratings of stores to always get the best deals in general learning materials.
http://www.bizrate.com (opens in new window)
Classroom Direct contains many popular early childhood titles: StickyBear, Sammy's Science House, Living Books Library, JumpStart Series, Millie's Math House, and Crayola titles. Selections include special needs, teacher tools, lesson plans, bilingual, creativity, and craft projects. The six categories of software are: Early Childhood, Primary, Intermediate, Secondary, Home School, and Mom & Dads.
http://www.classroomdirect.com (opens in new window)
The Don Johnston site provides a listing of intervention products for a variety of students with special needs. Computer access products, and professional development services for educating teachers on using technology in the classroom to teach reading and writing are provided. Features include, tech tips and a forum.
http://www.donjohnston.com/ (opens in new window)
eBay is an on-line auction containing many affordable early childhood educational programs. Computer systems, printers, digital cameras, and other hardware are available. On-line help and instruction is provided.
An e-catalog is included at this site which features quality software such as: Kidspiration, HyperStudio, and Kid Pix. There are conference listings for educators, and an EdBytes newsletter. In the promotion section, there are featured products, specials, top sellers, demos & downloads, and software licensing.
http://www.learningservicesinc.com
Riverdeep includes quality educational software choices, such as: Fripples, KidDesk, and Travel the World with Timmy. Options include on-line play, free downloads, demos, free samples, and learning opportunities (brain building opportunities).
http://www.riverdeep.net/edmark
This site has educational software reviews at your fingertips. After reading the review, a link takes you directly to the publisher's home page. A directory with links of the best on-line software stores is assembled.
http://www.childrenssoftware.com
Software reviews are categorized alphabetically by age or by type. Some of the popular titles listed are Reader Rabbit, Success Starters, and Living Books. Description, price, and system requirements are listed. Software is evaluated by ease of use, learning value, entertainment value, graphics, and sound.
http://www.smartkidssoftware.com
Evaluation of early childhood educational software is the focus of this website. Software is compared on the basis of educational value, kid appeal, and ease of use. Free newsletters, reviews, price surveys, and bestseller lists are offered.
This site provides ideas, information, links, and a tutorial on creating a stack with HyperStudio. Links include sites that feature what others have done with HyperStudio. The site is developed by HyperStudio and SiteCentral, trademarks of Roger Wagner Publishing, a division of Knowledge Adventure, Inc.
http://www.ties.k12.mn.us/~motylin/hstudio.html
This site offers product information on HyperStudio in a variety of ways. There is a section entitled: “showcase and success stories“, in which the HyperStudio stacks are downloadable through the Internet, PC, and Mac formats. Online tech support is available 24-hours a day. “The Connection” offers networking through HyperStudio news, message boards, surveys and more.
ITLC Online -- -- http://www.wiu.edu/itlc/
Copyright 2005. All Rights Reserved. Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education at Western Illinois University.