Primary packages

Kahootz is a software package that is primarily designed for upper KS2 pupils and older. It allows the user to create an animated 3-D scene, or a sequence of scenes, from a resource bank containing settings and objects.

The resource bank has a large selection of buildings, objects, characters, music and sounds that can be added and animated to create the scenes. On the demonstration disc I looked at there were themes such as food, fantasy, space and sports. Obviously such a program is too advanced for pupils in an early years setting, but it could be helpful for practitioners to create their own animated scenes for use in the classroom with an interactive whiteboard.

My concern would be that Kahootz is not a software package that you browse for half an hour at a time and produce something of quality or worth for the classroom - this is software which could take a while to master and several hours to produce a scene for use with the children. I think many practitioners would prefer to purchase one of the ready-made animated packages which invariably come full of ideas, with lesson plans, objectives and worksheets provided. This is a package for an ICT enthusiast, so I am not sure I would buy it specifically for early years. But for those who are in the Foundation Stage in a primary school and fancy 'having a go', it might be worthwhile getting the site licence for the whole school, priced from 35.

Telephone 01666 843200

Star rating: ***

i-Prism is a CD-Rom from BEAM Education designed for staff development in young children's early learning in mathematics, particularly in shape and space. It has been produced by the Faculty of Education at Cambridge University.

This is a mixture of text and video clips that summarises recent research findings in aspects of shape and space. Some of the areas covered include pattern, symmetry, equivalence and 2-D and 3-D shapes. The interface is well designed with easy access to each of the different areas, with ticks indicating when each area has been covered. The videos are well made and clearly presented, with the ability to pause and playback. The accompanying text is informative and has dynamic links to the video content. The text also has a button that links to other videos to explain putting all this theory into practice.

I cannot fault the way that the CD-Rom has been designed - it is so easy to use, and it would allow whoever was delivering the training easy access to all its components. It would also look great on an interactive whiteboard.

Unfortunately, I have a problem with the content. I am as committed as the next person to continual professional development and try to create a 'learning culture' in my school. However, the information on i-Prism is just a bit too advanced for early years practitioners in the classroom. It would be an excellent resource for those institutions involved in training practitioners, or for those considering further research or a higher degree. But I fear that the only way I would consider asking my staff to devote their precious professional development time to this would be to leave it on their desk and then run away quickly and hide! Price 24.50.

Telephone 020 7684 3330 www.beam.co.uk

Star rating: **

Art packages are really an essential tool on the early years PC nowadays, and one of the highlights of visiting our nursery is to watch the children 'finger painting' on our child-height interactive whiteboard. Splosh is an easy-to-use painting program from Kudlian Soft, a company that specialises in software that is easy and simple to use and is designed for education.

Earlier versions have been around for quite a while, but this is the full Windows version. It has the usual features found in paint programs - brush, spray, fill, shape drawing, text and a rubber. There is a wide range of colours to choose from and a very simple interface - and that's about it.

However, there are better products for about the same price which offer everything Splosh does and a whole lot more for the sophisticated user - and I find that children are becoming ever more demanding of the software they use. Price from 25.50.

Telephone 01926 843537 www.kudlian.net

Star rating: *