upgrading to ActivPrimary 3 licensing worry

[emma.goto]

We have avoided upgrading to ActivPrimary 3 because we hope to soon have new machines running our whiteboards and we have limited technical support. When we do we will need to download the new version. How does the licensing work? As we have a large number of boards do we have to download the upgrade lots of times (once for each licensed copy of the software)? Or can we input one serial number, download version 3 once and distribute that around the school? Also as we were allowed to install the software on 6 machines per board we allowed teachers who didn't have laptops (most of them) to install 2.5 on their home PCs. We were advised to do this by one of the Promethean team to try and raise teacher confidence. Can we distribute a CD with the copy of 3 for them to upgrade at home?
Any advice (particularly from the Promethean team) would be really appreciated.
Thanks,
Emma

[CPope]

Hi Emma,

The licensing changed recently and now there is no limit (at least in the US) to the number of computers that can have the software loaded. I'd recommend going to the website and having a CD sent to you. It will be easier to upgrade your machines (actually it's a full program install) and also allow for teachers to install at home without all the time spent downloading.

That's my recommendation. :)

Char

[kathleen]

The unlimited license is exciting since it can now be loaded to machines in the computer labs...without additional software purchesing...

How about students creating flipcharts!!??

[CPope]

Absolutely!!! When kids create and not merely "manipulate" they learn all kinds of additional skills - simply awesome!!

[clap]

[dentje]

It's also a good idea to install V3 before you uninstall the older version (if you uninstall it at all!) as the install picks up the serial number from the previous version, thus avoiding the need to retype it.

That's about 12 finger clicks saved. Like the theory that every pesron has a limited number of breaths in a lifetme, I subscribe to the view that we all have a limited number of finger typing actions in a lifetime, so avoid it as much as possible.

Oh, darn, I've just shaved 3 months off my life....:confused:

[emma.goto]

Thanks for all the advice. [clap] Does the version 3 CD have all the drivers etc or will we have to install them from the old CD when setting up on our new machines?

[LouB]

Hi Emma,

The CD comes with the new drivers, so there shouldn't be a problem at all.

Once you have installed V3 and open it for the first time, you will see the dashboard ( a new handy feature). Along the top tabs click on the one that says support and you will be able to make sure you are running the most upto date version.

Good luck

Lou +wave+

[davidlloyd]

Absolutely!!! When kids create and not merely "manipulate" they learn all kinds of additional skills - simply awesome!!

[clap]
I think the licensing is for preparation purposes for teachers, not for use by pupils!

[Dug]

I think the licensing is for preparation purposes for teachers, not for use by pupils!

This is true, David, but it is also one of my biggest binds. In my new role as an e-learning consultant, I am especially keen that students are able to access learning materials (used in the classroom) at home. This is why I like the viewers and the idea of student edition (frustratingly only available as Studio).
However, as Char rightly points out, the ability to modify, annotate, and create is a vitally important part of really effective learning.

[davidlloyd]

This is true, David, but it is also one of my biggest binds.
I think there is a very strong argument for allowing pupils to use our software Dug, but unfortunately it's only possible using the Student Addition.

[CPope]

To be honest, I don't understand the difference or why we would want to put a distinction (limitation) on who can use the full version of the software and who can't.

Is this truly the licensing intent?

Trying to understand....

Thanks.

[John Self]

I believe that there soon to be a community license option available ( end of September) which will allow all teachers and pupils to have full access to Version 3 of the software. Watch the website for details

[davidlloyd]

Thanks John. I hope it will be available internationally:D