Tucows is a website where a range of software can be accessed. Users of the site can find information, links to manufacture's sites and downloads of various types of software grouped under category headings.
Tucows allows users to select categories which are of interest, see the rating given by other users, and find file size information and costs about software which is of interest.
Tucows offers programs for both Mac and Windows computers. The software is easy to access and download for a novice computer user; you do not need to be paraticualrly skilled at managing software to use the site. It is wise though to be able to manage files on your computer, as some do not dowload with a new icon to your desktop and so it can take a while to find where they have been placed. (Start with your 'View all programs' button on your start menu to find a new program).
In many cases, yes! Teachers need to be efficient and skilled users of technology for many reasons. They must be able to provide technology based activities for their students, understand the role technology plays in tomorrows workforce, and be able to do their own jobs quickly and easily using technological systems and operating platforms.
Tucows can be useful in that it allows teachers to access a range of free software which can be helpful in meeting specific student needs. For example, a student who needs a voice recognition program to help them complete class assignments may not be able to afford a commercial program such as Dragon Naturally Speaking www.nuance.com.
They can use Tucows to locate other suitable software which can provide a similar function for the student at a lower cost, or for free.
Tucows allows teachers to provide approriate software for all student needs, rather than relying on a single commercial product and then trying to fit their students to the available software.
For more infomration about using Dragon Naturally Speaking, see other articles by this author at:
http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/7189.aspx
http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/reviews/3531.aspx
Of course, there are downsides to most things in life! Teachers should be aware of the following traps for new players in the world of software downloads:
- Some program files are very large (sometimes up to 15 Mb), and this is an issue particularly if you are on a dial up internet connection or have limited download availabilty. (Other files are much smaller, and there is infomration to guide you on file size)
- Some programs are only available for a limited time (eg 15 days) or with a limited number of functions (eg. some voice recognition programs only have one or two voices avialble rather than the full range)
- Some schools may not permit teachers to download programs directly onto the school system, or to distribute software to students - discuss this with your technology support staff to learn your school's approach and requirements
- Some programs may not be suitable for your students, or may be difficult to remove from your computer after their 'free' period is concluded (I am still trying to remove a text reader program which had a 15 day trial period nearly a month later!)
- Locating, reviewing and downloading software is time consuming and may not always be worth the investment made by a teacher