A. Inventory the Available Hardware and Software Resources

You don’t need a room full of equipment to implement multimedia activities, however, one of the first steps is to take an inventory of the hardware and software options that are available at your school. Consider, for example, the following hardware that might be incorporated into an activity:

• Computers – desktop and laptop; Macintosh and PC
• Scanners
• Digital cameras (still images)
• Digital camcorders (for movies)
• Analog camcorders (with appropriate digitizing equipment)
• Graphing calculators
• Scientific probes
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDA’s) and other handheld computers, such as iPods
• Microphones
• Speakers
• Storage options:  CD writers, network connections, and memory sticks.

There are many options for software also – even a word processor can be used for multimedia activities. Look for the following:

• Word processors
• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Presentation software (PowerPoint, etc.)
• Video editing software (iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Adobe PremierS)
• Audio editing software 
• Concept mapping software (Inspiration, Kidspiration, etc.)
• Draw programs
• Paint programs
• Web editors (DreamWeaver, etc.)
• Animation/programming (Flash)
  

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Inventory the hardware and software resources that are available in your classroom, your school, and your district. If you are not able to determine exact numbers, do your best to estimate the availability.