Textbook Kit List
What do you need to use this textbook?
Physical Equipment
ESSENTIAL: Access to a Computer or Laptop.
Local libraries have access to the Internet and basic software packages. You can find your local library here: https://www.gov.uk/book-internet-access-at-library
Raspberry Pi Computers are affordable (approx. £85 for a starter kit) and can be attached to a television. You can buy these from many locations.
https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/raspberry-pi-3-starter-kit
More info on Raspberry Pi Computers can be found here: https://www.raspberrypi.org/
DESIRABLE: Access to a printer.
This textbook contains progress sheets that can be printed and completed as you progress through the course.
If you don't have access to a printer then using a notebook and pen to track your progress will be just as good!
Software
An office package:
- Microsoft Office or a Free Google Account
Two programming Languages:
- Python 3 (free download) or use the "In Browser Version" via a free Trinket Account
- Scratch (free download) or use the "In Browser Version" via a free Scratch Account
A drawing package:
Free
- Google Drawings (get this with a Google Account)
- Inkscape (be careful to download this from the ORG site!)
Not free
- Photoshop
- Fireworks
An online collaboration package:
- A Free Google Account will be required if you wish to start collaborating online
A sound editing package:
- Audacity is a free download from here: http://www.audacityteam.org/download/
Video Editing Software
- YouTube has a video editor built in but it looks like it might be discontinued soon
- Windows movie maker can be downloaded to Windows machines here: http://www.windows-movie-maker.org/download.html
- iOS has iMovie
HELP - I am a teacher and my students can't access YouTube from the school network...
The short tutorial videos that have been made to demonstrate skills on some of the pages are useful for less able students and to increase independence of all students. I suggest that you get round this by playing the video on your interactive whiteboard and then right-clicking the video and setting it to loop (mute the sound). This will enable all students to watch it at their own pace. You can even change the settings so that it SLOWS DOWN the video!
Another idea is to have a few kindles / android tablets that have access to YouTube that students can use as needed. This will then need to be strictly monitored by you.
