My contribution to our Computer Use in Education web document

I chose computers as "tools for expressions" to be my favorite place of Bruce's taxonomies. One example that I found in internet is a software called NatPix Blizzard which is a product of the company National Pixel Products. The software is an animation software which can create a array of effects. Animation software allows people to express their ideas through computers. This software, thus, is considered to be one example of "tools for expressions".

Another example which I found in internet is a virtual library called International Computer Music Association Software Library. In the README part of the library document, it indicates that the library tries to centralize non-commercial software currently available for computer music researchers and composers. Since the software allows composers to make and edit music, it is also considered as a typical instance of "tools for expressions.

Other two examples off the internet are actually using in the school of music. They are both music software. The first one is called "The Rite of Spring". The software is a CDROM multimedia program which combines music, text, graphics, and animation. Actually, the intent of the CDROM software is to introduce the composer Stravinsky and his work The Rite of Spring to people. It is a very good program. Through interacting with the program, people can certainly understand music more.

Another example is also a software called "Finale". It is a powerful program for music transcription, notation, and playback. By using the software, the composers no longer need to notate the music by hands. They can just sit down in front of the computer and synthesizer, and then play the music on the synthesizer. The music which they play will automatically be notated on the computer screen. How computers can help make music is really amazing.

My name and address
Name: Hui-Chieh Judy He
Address: huichieh@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu
2513 Clayton Blvd. Champaign