BlockCAD (downloadable program) BlockCAD is a free onscreen lego program where you can build and save lego creations on your computer. This program is sophisticated and attractive. There is a tremendous variety of lego blocks to choose from, so the options for creative art and problem solving are virtually unlimited. In addition to the potential for fun, this program might be used in a wide variety of ways–perhaps to investigate concepts in science, to illustrate social studies projects, or to explore three dimensional graphic design. Download the program, as well as additional resources at Anders’ Corner of the Web . You’ll also find a gallery of virtual creations built by others. It can be a bit challenging to learn how to work the program, but some online help is available. For those who persevere, the journey is well worthwhile!

Celestia (downloadable program) This is a “…free space simulation that lets you explore our universe in three dimensions! Celestia doesn’t confine you to the surface of the Earth. You can travel throughout the solar system, to any of over 100,000 stars, or even beyond the galaxy.” This is super cool, and you can download this open source program and find out much more at http://www.shatters.net/celestia/. There are exciting add-ons and instructional units available from the “Motherlode”, but it requires a little computer savvy to install them. Entire educational units have been prepared for students in grades 7 – 12. A 46-page downloadable User’s Guide has been prepared by Frank Gregorio. Further support is available through forums hosted on Celestia’s website.

Click-N-Type (downloadable program) Click-N-Type is a versatile free on-screen keyboard. You can enlarge the keyboard, choose alternative layouts, and it will scan for switch users. Multiple languages are supported. For English, you can also add word prediction by downloading and installing a separate executable file. This program is from Lake Software.

Google Earth (downloadable program) This is a free downloadable program from Google that can enrich anyone’s life, including his or her curriculum at school. In Google’s own words, “The idea is simple. It’s a globe that sits inside your PC. You point and zoom to anyplace on the planet that you want to explore. Satellite images and local facts zoom into view. Tap into Google search to show local points of interest and facts. Zoom to a specific address to check out an apartment or hotel. View driving directions and even fly along your route.” If you haven’t yet experienced Google Earth, and used it to explore your world, you will be rewarded handsomely for checking it out. If you want to learn more about Google Earth, go to http://earth.google.com/.

Hammerhead Rhythm Station (downloadable program with online resources) If you like drums, you can use this totally free program to create, play and save music on your computer. I’m not a musicia, so I’ll let the developers do the describing: “You can use it to create perfect Techno loops, Jungle patterns, or House beats, but it’s also suitable for Hip Hop,Trihop, Rap, Industrial, and almost any other music you can think of. Hammerhead features six separate channels, 29 built-in drum sounds, six complete breakbeats, and the possibility to import six samples of your own. You can save your patterns to completely noise-free CD-quality wave files to use them with your sampler, tracker, or sequencer program.” You can download the program at http://www.threechords.com/hammerhead/introduction.shtml, and also access multiple resources to support the program.

Priory Woods (online resource) This is the wonderful website of Priory Woods School in Middlesbrough in the UK. I’ve called this an online resource, but while there are many worthwhile online activities here designed for children with special needs, the site is also a repository of downloadable programs and activities. In fact, there are over 150 available free downloads here for individuals who access the computer via either switch or touch screen. There is also much information that can be helpful for curriculum planning and IEP development when working with students with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities. You’ll find recommendations for other software here as well.

Sebran’s ABC (downloadable program) This is a whole suite of free, open source, high quality activities that support early learning–literacy, numeracy, problem solving, and even keyboarding. There are colourful images, catchy music (that can be turned off), and wonderful contrast. Check it out or download it from www.wartoft.nu/software/sebran/.

Tux Paint (downloadable program) Tux Paint is a free drawing program designed for young children (ages 3 and up). It has a simple, easy-to-use interface, fun sound effects, and an encouraging cartoon mascot who helps guide children as they use the program. To download, and for more information about the program, including videos that demonstrate how to use various features, visit http://www.newbreedsoftware.com/tuxpaint/ Be sure to check out the extensive gallery of art work from around the world that has been created by young artists with Tux Paint.

TuxTyping 2 This free open source program offers several engaging activities to help learn and practice computer keyboarding. This is not a typical typing tutor. Most activities involve hitting a designated key, or typing a word before the letter or word reaches the bottom of the screen. There are two distinct modes, “Fish Cascade” or “Comet Zap”. The former provides a gentler approach with music to match. “Comet Zap” is a little more like an arcade game. Within both modes, practice exercises and activities are offered in multiple levels. This program can help anyone become more a more effective typist by becoming more familiar with the location of the keys! In the process, you can have yourself some pretty good fun. Tux Typing 2 supports multiple languages, and you can download it from http://tuxtype.sourceforge.net/.

Web Talkster (downloadable program) This wonderful free program is a versatile talking web browser that reads web pages aloud to you! You have the option of having it read an entire page, selected text, or the contents of the clipboard. Web Talkster was developed by Code-it Software, but you have to go to http://www.freebstuff.com/web_talkster.htm to download the program. Code-it offers numerous other free programs at http://www.freebstuff.com. Before using this talking browser, it is probably a good idea to view the tutorial video.