Here's the first place to look.
Get the Investigations Curriculum Unit Book to the unit you are working on. If there is a software component to the unit you may find a floppy disk in the back. Put the disk in your disk drive and follow the instructions. If it loads, Great, you're done. |
OK You got the disk but it's not loading. Could be a number of things, but lets not waste time trying to figure out what, lets just try another way.
Scott Foresman, the company that sells the Investigation Curriculum has a site where you can download the latest version of the software that is meant to go with the grade you are teaching. You will still need the Investigations Curriculum Unit Book as the key for downloading is the first name of the author. Go to the Scott Foresman / Investigation site and click on the Unit you want the software for. The web site will give you all the directions you need to download the software you need over the Internet. |
Still got problems.
If you can't get the disk to load, or you don't have a disk and the download is not working, the first step is to go to your Technology Coordinator*. There might be security programs that need to be turned off to let the programs load. Computers in certain schools are networked, meaning they are all connected and controlled by a central server. The restrictions of the server can interfere with downloading from the Internet or from software. Sometimes this can be a bit of work for the TC, but once it's done the software should work on your computer. |
| *All schools should have Technology Coordinators, but that doesn't mean they do. There is often more money for things but not people. Your school might have a Computer Teacher and that person might know about the restrictions on the computers in your classroom. Or you might have a teacher (often the math or science teacher) who keeps a cart of laptops in their room, and they might be able to help you. Sometime your Principal or AP is knowledgeable and get help you get help. Last the NYC Dept. of Ed. has a Help Desk that you can call to request assistance. You can find the phone number (718) on the inventory sticker on your classroom computers. Be aware, calling during school hours can leave you on hold for anywhere up to thirty minutes, and you may be asked for information about the computer, such as serial and DOE number. But if there is no TC in your building this may be the only way to get assistance. Again if you keep running into walls, e-mail me at nrubinf@nycboe.net |