Test reports relating to the use of new media in schools

 

Before purchasing, installing and operating new hardware, software or peripheral devices in schools it is important to determine whether they are suitable in educational contexts as well as compatible with the existing IT structure in order to avoid a bad investment.

Thus, fraLine advises Frankfurt schools prior to procurement.

On this site, we provide test results related to the compatibility and runnability of selected educational or learning software as well as educational remote and administration software.

Our systematic tests are run on computers that technically comply with the latest standards in schools.


On this site, schools receive information on whether the software they are planning to use will run without problems or which future investments (e.g. purchase and installation of new operating systems) will be necessary for their intended purposes.

Our systematic comparison of alternative software and hardware solutions also provides a good orientation guide when it comes to choosing products that exactly match the schools´ requirements.

If you cannot find answers to your questions on this site, our hotline staff will be pleased to help you. You can reach us during weekdays from 9.00 to 16.00 and on Fridays until 14.00 under the following number 069/1533-2000.

 

Educational and Learning Software
	Here, we have put together some extensive guidance related to educational and learning software available on the Internet. Only in German: Report by Kirsten Lauer, 2005 [PDF, 70 kB]
Remote and Administration Solutions and Hardware Protection Cards
	Software for Schools or Easy Learning and Administration - Remote Administration Software in the Classroom In 2004 one of our interns tested software facilitating administrative work in the classroom and containing additional features that match educational requirements. Software that was tested: "InIS Smile 4.0.320" by Ramcke Daten Technik and "NetSupportSchool 7.5" by NetSupport specializing in monitoring und admin tools. In the area of Windows/User Administration the products "LANiS" by HeLP und "WebAdmin for School" by Streambase were tested. Only in German: Report by Thomas Németh, 2004 [PDF, 200 kB], in German
	Hardware Protection Cards In fall 2002 the municipal education authority invited several providers of hardware protection devices to present their products. Please find more detailed information on hardware protection cards (which, among other things, provide the possibility to reset PCs into their original condition after restart) in our FAQ. The following hardware protection cards have been examined more closely by our employees: Reborn MAX PCI 3.1 PCI by Signal Computer GmbH Reborn WOL-XP 3.1 PCI by Signal Computer GmbH Daten-Airbag NET PCI by Elabo Trainingssysteme PC-Wächter 4.2 by Dr. Kaiser Systemhaus GmbH Due to this evaluation and comparison with the school´s needs the city of Frankfurt introduced a standard for new school computer labs: the hardware protection device "PC-Wächter 4.2 by Dr. Kaiser". In mid-2005 the new software solution DRIVE (also by Dr. Kaiser) was introduced as a standard in Frankfurt. The definition of common standards has several advantages: Discounts due to the purchase of larger quantities by the school education authority (e.g. 10 EUR for the  software solution DRIVE) Quantity buyers such as the municipal education authority can influence a producer’s product optimization so as to include customer needs. Standardization facilitates technical support as well as the joint development of know-how e.g. through training opportunities such as training courses for the schools´ IT representatives
	Comparison of Alternative Solutions for Internet-/Screen-Blockage (Situational Internet Access) in School Computer Labs You would like to control the Internet access of computers in a school computer lab according to need? What options do you have? Results of this comparison can be found in our FAQ.
	Imaging vs. Cloning Advantages and disadvantages of cloning (installing identical software configurations on several computers) with the help of "Dr. Kaiser" Cloning or Imaging Software. Only in German: Report by Niels Orlopp, 2005 [PDF, 37,7 kB], in German.

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it