Every week, I try to bring you something new and different. As many of you know, the Microsoft site is simply gargantuan and many many free and useful resources get overlooked simply because they cannot be found.
This week, I came across the Microsoft Faculty Connection. With areas for both K-12 and Higher Education, there are many many free tutorials, software downloads, whitepapers, guides and more to explore.
I am highlighting this particular link below this week, but will be exploring the site in depth in coming weeks.
Faculty Connection - 5 Amazing Downloads for Educators and Students
In honor of National Computer Science Week (2009), Microsoft offered 5 incredible downloads for students and educators. These include:
- Kodu – a visual programming language for children and adults who want to create games
- Photosynth – an amazing new way to create environments from digital photos
- Robotics Developer Studio – to create robotic applications
- World Wide Telescope – Microsoft’s answer to Google Earth – but far better thought out and useful
- and XNA Game Studio – another game creation application
Let the downloading begin! Have fun exploring and offering new ways for your own students to learn and create.
Nan @ Brainybetty
P.S. If you haven’t joined our Facebook Fan Page yet, please do so now. I’m working on some gorgeous new spring backgrounds I’ll be posting later in the week.
In anticipation of spring cleaning of all kinds to come! Here’s a great short list from Microsoft at Home on how to properly clean your computer. Dust and heat are the biggest causes of computer breakdown and by following these simple tips you can clean your computer and be ready for another year of efficient use! 
