| Product |
Journal Zone |
MediaWeaver 3.5 |
| Publisher |
Logo Computer Systems Inc. (LCSI)
(800) 321-5646 |
Sunburst
(800) 321-7511 |
| Platform |
Web-based, with Win CD |
Mac/Win CD |
| Price |
Site license $450, with an additional $5/student per year server fee |
$99.95; network and site licenses available |
| Grade Level |
3ý8 |
3ý8 |
| Features |
ýOnline collaboration tools
ýSound, animation, backgrounds, and art tools for illustrating journal entries
ýInvitation icon lets writers request peer review
ýAuto-save prompt
ýMultilingual: English-Spanish-French
ýDictionary |
ýInteractive Notes tool
ýPeer and teacher review templates
ýGenre-based writing tasks
ýPortfolio presentation wizard
ýPage layout templates
ýDictionary and thesaurus
ýBilingual: English-Spanish
ýSpeech-to-text capabilities
ýExtensive multimedia library (sound, graphics, and video) and art tools |
| Strengths |
ýCollaboration tools
ýOpen-ended writing tasks
ýSupports both group and individual project-based learning
ýOnline/offline composing options
ýCan import sound and Web links |
ýPortfolio-building features
ýWriting Reviewer tool
ýReview templates
ýRobust drawing and paint tools
ýExtensive sound, video, and image library for student projects, with options to import sound, graphics, photos, and Web links |
| Limitations |
ýLimited multimedia*
ýText added to Comments area of online journal canýt be edited, only deleted.
ýMicrosoft Word must be installed to launch dictionary.
ýSaving each page in a multi-page journal can be time-consuming for older students
ýAdministration tools arenýt intuitive |
ýExtensive multimedia detracts from writing emphasis
ýNot integrated with Internet
ýStudents must send files or exchange disks to use Comments tool. |
| Support Materials |
Concise, easy-to-use teacherýs manual and built-in help topics |
Teacherýs manual and built-in help topics, as well as reproducible review and activity templates |
| Bottom Line |
This inquiry-based tool works best as an invention and brainstorming activity for grades 3ý6. |
A rich program for teaching a process approach to writing |
| *The next version of Journal Zone, due out this year, will allow students to add digital photos, images, and clip art to the existing multimedia library. |
