As computers become an everyday feature of the classroom, Education and Living and CMS Peripherals, a Co Mayo-based computer supply firm, are offering schools the opportunity to win a useful new educational tool.
CD-ROMS are capable of storing large amounts of information and a huge range of educational titles are available for use as teaching aids. But for the whole class to use the same CD at the same time requires a large number of CDs and requires every computer to have a CDROM drive.
A new product called CDServe ends the need to hand out large numbers of CDs. It also allows the teacher complete management of what CDs are available and to monitor how they are used. To use the system the CD is loaded once onto the CDServe box, and it is then available for concurrent use on all the system's networked computers.
The performance level of CDs is as good as if they were used locally, and via licensing agreements with the CD providers, using CDServe is cheaper than buying multiple copies of the same CD.
The CDServe system is already used by a number of third-level institutions. However Tom Keane, product development manager for CMS Peripherals, distributors of CDServe in England and Ireland, believes it is ideal for use in primary and second-level schools.
The Cistercian College, Roscrea, Co Tipperary, has had CDServe installed since February. Catherine Smith, the school's IT co-ordinator, says the system is used a lot and is much easier than handing out CDs which can get lost or damaged. Among the CDs used is the Encarta Encyclopedia, with a huge range of information in multimedia format. In English classes, teachers have used a CD-ROM version of to help bring the play to life.
This week, Education and Living and CMS Peripherals are offering two EduServe 10 packages, worth approximately £2,000 each - one for a primary school, one for a second-level school - in a free competition. Entries must come from classes and not individuals. The EduServe package includes a CDServe unit capable of storing a minimum of 10 CDs for concurrent use.
Each school will also receive three free CDs with a licence to use them on an unlimited number of work stations. The schools can purchase further titles from Dorling and Kindersley's primary and secondary ranges at a 10 per cent discount.
Further information about it can be obtained from Tom Keane or Niamh Charlton of CMS Peripherals (tel (094) 81871).
Here's how to enter:
Primary schools: Submit a picture of the most frightening millennium bug you can imagine;
Second-level schools: Design the most creative CD cover that you would use for an imaginary Irish Multimedia Encyclopedia CDROM.
Entries can be hand-drawn or computer generated (and then printed out) and should be sent, with the entry form, by December 7th to CMS Peripherals Ltd, Aiden Street, Kiltimagh, Co Mayo. Winners will be notified.
Entry form
Address
Daytime tel
Teacher
