Macromedia today announced a new, affordable site license for elementary schools that is designed to help introduce multimedia and web tools to teachers and young students. This is the first product entry from Macromedia that specifically addresses grades K-6. The robust solution includes software, teacher training, and curriculum resources specifically designed to help get students started using digital tools in core academic subjects, and to give teachers the resources they need to learn and integrate the projects into their teaching curriculum.

"Today's technology-savvy students expect to learn and use technology in school at an early age," said Megan Stewart, global schools director, Macromedia. "Teachers find that students are excited to use multimedia and the web for school projects to present their knowledge of different subjects. This new solution, designed specifically for elementary schools, will help teachers and students get started with digital tools in the classroom and across the school."

Young students are using technology to access and analyze information, learn basic presentation skills, and communicate with teachers. This solution helps develop students' critical 21st century skills including communication, self-direction, problem solving, and IT literacy while they master academic subjects. Students will be able to create online portfolios of their work, which can be viewed by their teachers, peers, and parents. The solution also helps teachers gain a better relationship with parents by giving them the tools to more effectively communicate information through the school website.

The Macromedia K-6 Site License includes Macromedia Contribute 3 software for everyone in the school (up to 500 computers), 10 copies of Macromedia Studio MX 2004, classroom curriculum projects, and teacher training resources. Teacher training and curriculum include materials for a half-day training workshop, access to Macromedia University online training, and a project titled Animal Kingdom Digital Encyclopedia: A Class Project for Macromedia Contribute 3, where students add text and image content to web pages. In addition, two sample classroom projects to introduce teachers and students to Studio MX 2004 software are included: Digital Narrative, a science project using Macromedia Flash, and Town Website, a civic project using Dreamweaver.

"Macromedia Contribute 3 will give web administrators more power and flexibility in website editing and publishing," said Kim Cavanaugh, technology teacher at Roosevelt Middle School in Palm Beach County, Florida. "The K-6 Site License opens the door for teachers in elementary schools to engage students in publishing projects to the web. Teachers, students, and parents will enjoy the ability to share student work."

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
The Macromedia K-6 Site License is priced at a flat fee of $1499 per building, and includes 500 licenses of Contribute 3, 10 copies of Studio MX 2004, class projects, and teacher training resources. The solution is immediately available at http://www.macromedia.com/go/k6.

MACROMEDIA IN EDUCATION
Macromedia helps educators inspire a new generation of students to excel in a digital world. Through innovative software and curriculum, professional development, industry partnerships, and special purchasing programs, Macromedia solutions enable educators around the world to enhance the teaching and learning experience.

ABOUT MACROMEDIA
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