AWE Station (Early Literacy Station 3.0)
© 2005 Alternative Work Environments, Inc.
This computer learning package has been improved with the addition of a talking menu and an improved organization scheme so that it is less likely for young children to find themselves in a program that is too advanced for them. Components of the $2440 (starting price) package include a Dell computer that comes pre-loaded with 26 older, generally high-quality programs (note, the company claims to have used CTR's ratings to help select software; see disclaimer below), a monitor and a printer. There is no Internet component. To keep things simple, there is no CD-ROM drive. Also included are a color-coded keyboard, headphones and a kid-sized optical mouse (the Tiny Mouse). No disks or installations are necessary--just turn on the computer to see a menu. The simplicity is refreshing. The software appeals to pre-K through third grade students and covers a range of subjects and interests--more than just Literacy. The system is marketed to children's librarians, but would work in any early childhood/early elementary setting. Activities include several Living Books (Green Eggs and Ham, Stella Luna and The Cat in The Hat), three creativity packages (Kidspiration, Krazy Artroom and Microsoft Paint) and a variety of other early childhood CTR All-Stars (Millie's Math House, Ollo, USA Explorer and five of the best Reader Rabbit titles, including Reader Rabbit Toddler). There's no shortage of things to do, and it is easy to get out of any activity, so children feel like they have a choice in the software. Also included in the purchase price is an industry standard three-year warranty and one year of support (if it breaks, ship it back and they'll replace or upgrade it.). If you're looking for an easy-to-use system, this solution takes the headaches out of choosing software and maintaining a computer. Disclaimer: Alternative Work Environments, Inc., used CTR's reviews on a nonexclusive basis in the selection of products for this system. CTR received no compensation for this. An Early Literacy Station was provided on a long-term loan to the Mediatech Foundation, where CTR tests software. Mediatech, a non-profit organization, has also accepted hardware for testing purposes from Apple, Disney, HP, IBM/Little Tykes and Gateway.
$2440, Win XP
Teaches: computers, reading, math, science, history, creativity
CTR Rating: 92%