Logotron
claims that Junior Datalogging Insight is "a comprehensive progression
from previous versions of the Junior Insight range. It's a brand new
release which takes primary datalogging to a new level!". and it does!
Those who encounter the program for the first time will quickly find
their way around it, and be able to use all the functions (without
even reading the instructions!).
Junior
Datalogging Insight is an easy-to-use tool, in the challenging
area of KS2-3 Science. Connecting to a datalogger (most of which are
supported) is very easy, and is it possible to record light, temperature
and sound measurements within seconds of loading the program.
The results are displayed on the screen instantly,
and in a variety of forms (graphs / tables / statistics). It is also
possible to display data for each input individually, or display all
of them at the same time. Depending on the datalogger, it is also
possible to record data away from the PC and download it at a later
time. We used a LogIT Explorer, and found it to be idiot-proof! If
you don't have a datalogger, you can also input data manually, and
create graphs based on it.
JDI screen - running with sample
data
It is possible to analyse the data in more detail.
For example, you can easily calculate averages and differences between
the data at two points in time. Children can also use the Notepad
to make observations about their recorded information.
The program also contains pictures, all of which
makes it more appealing to younger children. One special feature is
the movie window, which shows an animated character (e.g. a gerbil
on a wheel), who responds to the sensor data. As the light source
gets brighter, the gerbil runs faster. When the light source is reduced,
he slows down.
Movie: set sensor 1 to control
the charmer, and sensor 2 to control the snake.
We were very impressed with the software and its
ease of use (particularly considering that we only spent a short time
using it). It can be purchased using Electronic Learning Credits,
and is suitable for use with an interactive whiteboard too!
