ACTIVprimary vs ACTIVstudio

[Dug]

Has anyone else who's used both Primary and Studio found, like me, that Studio has tools and features that are frustratingly unavailable in Primary? The ability to have 2 flipcharts running simultaneously (through using the desktop flipchart feature), the magnifier (invaluable for studying works of art in detail), the 'Open File' option giving you a list of recently used flps etc etc
Surely its possible to provide the same tools/facilities on both. What is the thinking behind the limits on Primary? Surely its not because us humble Primary users aren't ready yet for the heady heights of Studio's complexities.

In anticipation that the forthcoming new version will not disappoint on this front.

[Margaret Allen]

Hi Dug,

I have out often had discussion with people about exactly this issue. In fact I was at NAACE in Torquay today and there were no less than four LEAs present (8 people) on our stand and we were debating just that.

As Business Development Manager for AP my job is to ensure that AP is fit for purpose for use in a Primary school. Now that also means ensuring that people can and remain comfortable with its interface/features/content etc.

I would suggest that it is mainly people who know both products who are the main body from whom the cry comes out "why can't AP have all the functions of AS?"

People using AP are more than happy with the product and are really content with what it can do and its ability to engage both teachers and learners enabling them effectively interact with their Activboard.

Yes of course, we could continue to add to features and make it the same as AS. BUT, I would suggest that, the needs of a primary teacher are very different from those of a secondary or subject specific teacher.

The interface and tools of AP have been designed to "invite in" users of all levels, but to my mind, most importantly for those people who need support in feeling comfortable in the whole ICT arena. That is not to say that Primary teachers are not capable, but I can say from my numerous visits around the country, that on the whole, Primary teachers are more hesitant. Therefore, I would feel very uncomfortable in making Activprimary a product which surpasses genuine need within the Primary classroom, purely because "those that can" think its important that "those who are still learning" need it.

Having said that...... +wave+ :) we are looking at ways in which we can ensure that there is some parity between the two products and AP 2.5 goes some way to meeting that. BUT currently the "fixed" page interface, that most Primary school teachers feel comfortable with is the interface which precludes a "windowed" environment.

So I am sorry to disagree with you Dug, but I do not think that everybody using Primary is craving for all of the features of Studio. I have to say that if that were the case we would have a lot more disgruntled Primary users. For the record, the discussion today exposed a real understanding that "those that can" do sometimes forget what it is like "for those that are still acquiring those skills". +wave+

[Dug]

Margaret,
You have a strong case, and I particularly support the 'entry-level' interface arguments. I'm not so sure about the ' exclusively AP users know no better and therefore are quite happy' argument. People who eat only bread are more than happy with the product and are really content with what it can do and its ability to nourish them. But only because they have never tried cake.
As for your final point, although I am an accomplished user of MS Word, I probably use and access less than 50% of the tools and facilities available to me. Even when I was a novice word-processor, I wasn't 'discouraged' or intimidated by what the software had to offer. I think you use what you're ready for and follow a learning curve who's gradient suits your needs (as I have with both AS and AP).

[SteveChennells]

We have Activeprimary on all the boards in our school (15) and I'm starting to crave the features of AS for my board at least. How much does it cost to get a copy or would any copies have been supplied with our boards?
cheers

Steve