'Computer Classroom' - Kid's Maths, Reading, English Software from $4.95 - 90% OFF

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  Associatedjazzriley @ EdAlive on 29/09/2012 - 15:52

  Hi All,

  We've also just implemented a new integrated download manager and ultra high-speed CDN to handle the larger file size of the bundle downloads.

  If you do try it out, I'd really appreciate any feedback or comments on the new download process.

  Cheers,

  Jason

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    MrGareth on 29/09/2012 - 18:22

    I actually bought this a few days ago (the "Computer Classroom v2 - 7 Level Bundle $19.95" one). Turns out to be around a 2Gb download.

    I tried the integrated download manager (on the kids computer), but I didn't like it - download managers are generally outside the browser, this one just runs as a Java program on the webpage? And it warns you not to close the webpage down during download?

    I left it like that for a while… and returned to find one of the kids had turned off the computer. I had a look and tried to download it again, and it wanted to overwrite the file from last time. Thankfully it appeared the original download had finished anyway. :D

    Initial thoughts on the program - I only tried the Level One software, it's good HOWEVER it looks like a throwback from Windows 95. The screen is… 640x480? and doesn't fill up the screen, it's just a small window in the middle. I'll have a play with the settings and see if I can make it full screen.

    Other than that, it's pretty good and I think they represent awesome value for $20!

    EDIT - Jazzriley, can I get some help with that Spelling Force game sometime? I know it's supposed to be a game, but when I first loaded it up I had to put in a name, password etc and then it's asking about word lists etc. Where's the actual game? :D I assume it needs to be set up with these wordlists first, or am I just totally confused?

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      Associatedjazzriley @ EdAlive on 30/09/2012 - 00:58

      Thanks for the great feedback!
      The main purpose of the software downloader is to run an MD5 check on the file after it has been downloaded to ensure that everything got transfered correctly. As a bonus, it also supports pause/resume with a little more flexibility than the built in web browser.

      We're looking into ways to build this outside of the browser but unfortunately, at the moment, we're limited to using a browser based java applet. And asking parents to find an external 3rd party download manager, download it, install it, restart their pc and then click our download link would be beyond the abilities of many of our customers - infact, it's hard enough to get them to click the 'Allow' button on the Java security screen:( (though most OzBargainers could breeze through the whole thing in their sleep!).

      Admittedly, if a customer already has a 3rd party download manager installed then the process isn't as daunting as I just made it out to be;) These customers could simply use the alternate manual download link with their existing software.

      I appreciate the feedback and I'm glad your download worked in the end! I'll have a chat with the team to see if we can externalise it further - perhaps a full java app running outside the browser?

      As far as the screen resolution issue - I'll check with the tech guys on Monday. Depending on your operating system and screen specs, there are usually a few ways to set it to full screen. I'll be in touch soon:)

      Finally - in Spelling Force… Click the 'Report for Duty" button and enter the child's name and password you set earlier. Click "Choose List" and then "Built-In List". The program will walk you through the process of choosing from the pre-built word lists. Basically you choose from List Categories like DEM Phonics, Frequency Words and Graded Word Lists. Then choose a difficulty level and an actual list before clicking 'OK". The first time through the list at this point will be just listening and typing. After that they can use the list in any of the 'games' like 'X-Ray Emergency' and 'Magno Beamer'.

      HTH!

      Jason

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        MrGareth on 30/09/2012 - 10:34

        Thanks for that re: Spelling Force. For the other software, it seemed the kids could pretty much jump right into it, but for this one it seemed to needed to be set up and I had no idea what to choose from witht those lists. When I have some free time I'll sit down and set it up properly :)

        For the screen res issue, I'm pretty sure I can adjust Windows shortcut settings to enable 640x480 full screen mode (assuming it's 640x480, I'll test it out later) - that should fix it :)

        Thank you though for continuining to post sales here though, for those of us with kids I think the software is great!

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        MrGareth on 30/09/2012 - 22:13

        Yep - Modifying the shortcut in Windows 7 to force 640x480 mode makes the software run full-screen which is a LOT better. The aspect ratio is a little bit out (because I use widescreens, like most people do these days), but it's still fine. :)

        Perhaps a V3 version of your software is in order one day, with more updated graphics? Mind you, I don't think younger kids care at all!

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  Associatedjazzriley @ EdAlive on 30/09/2012 - 00:58

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