Software programmes
We used RM Colour Magic 2.1
(Research Machines http://www.rm.com/)
The project all could also have been achieved in Microsoft Word (or First Talking Word, a child level version of the same program) Software commentary from John Potter, Lecturer in ICT in Education, Goldsmiths College:
Having scanned an image though there are one or two nice graphics packages emerging for schools - Logotron's Revelation Natural Art (based on the successful Acorn package from way back - Revelation) and FRESCO from Black Cat. Both have surprisingly good tools and interfaces (also scalable by age of child).
You could standardise on one, say Photoshop Elements. Depending on the scanner, in the scanner control software you can usually add an application to be scanned to. If you install the software you choose you can point the scanner always to drop the image into that software for manipulation. Alternatively, you could go through the MAC-style route of starting the software and then launching the scanner from within the software itself with an "Acquire" button. Children would then see the image handling software as the key tool in the process and the scanner as the means of acquiring the images.
On a personal note, my own children have always liked Paint Shop Pro (and I use it for all sorts of quick image handling work - browsing thumbnails, basic filters on digital camera images etc.). This will also acquire from the scanner. And it has some fun Picture Tubes - It also ships with Animation software built in. It's available from Digital Workshop or, for 30-day download from
