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Purchasing
(In case you arrive at this page via an Internet Search, click here to get to the CBI Project Homepage)
Where can we buy Third-Party Software that is written for a CBI? ...or software that will run on any computer but which has 'added value' when used on a CBI?
The CBI Project used using Promethean boards from Prim-Ed (http://www.prometheanireland.ie), SMART Boards and Cambridge-Hitachi boards from Meritec (http://www.meritec.ie).
Each of these boards comes with its own Whiteboard/Flipchart/Notebook software. In many cases, there is a licence(s) to use the software on a computer not attached to the Board (for a teacher to prepare a class on his/her laptop for example) ...visit another page on this website to learn more about the licences.
May 2009: there has been much discussion on various fora regarding the availabiltiy of Promethean's Inspire software. As well as being the next generation of software to run on their own Promethean ActivBoards, it is also suggested that Inspire can be purchased as a stand-alone resource, and which can therefore run in conjunction with boards from other manufacturers. Click here to read my initial review of the software: ActivInspireFirstImpresssions.pdf ...with an update (June '09) at InspireSecondImpresssions.pdf
With the support of RM and their Westport-based agent EdTech (contact Liam McReamonn, 098 64886, info@edtech.ie, http://www.edtech.ie and read http://www.edtech.ie/news.asp?NID=52), we have started to look at Easyteach cross-platform software. Prices from the Edtech website (June '06) with links to each of the titles at http://www.edtech.ie/products.asp?nav=4&ptid=20032 Read more about Easiteach at www.rm.com/_RMVirtual/Media/Downloads/ETStudio_chart_Final.pdf
With the support of DayDream Education (http://www.daydreameducation.co.uk/whiteboard.html) and their Sligo-based agent Sligo Graph (contact Karl Demmel, 071 9142044, sales@sligograph.ie), the project teachers are investigating the use of Interactive Whiteboard Charts. These started as static Wallcharts (which are also sold and which complement the interactive sets - further, wallcharts keep that visible presence on the classroom walls). Visit the DayDream site to download a number of free interactive samples. The CBI Teachers are using:
With the support of NCTE, two of our schools are using Interactive Geometry software, called Euklid
Be aware that in order to meet Public-Sector Purchasing Guidelines, you should get at least three written quotations for any purchase over Euro 635 (and, in addition, a Tax-Clearance Certificate for any purchase over Euro 6350)
N.B. Please note that any prices mentioned here are for guideline purposes only - you must approach a retailer and seek specific pricing for your school/college. Prices vary from time to time, individual resellers can quote very different prices, and this page is only a very 'rule of thumb' guide. I have seen price differences of Euro 600 on the same board, so please shop around, ask the Resellers, and get Quotations...E&OE. Reference to Companies on this site is as an information-service, rather than a specific endorsement.