espresso

[chrbb]

Been asked to investigate Espresso, is anyone using it successfully in a junior school (7 - 11). I understand it's not cheap, prices not advertised on their website, so we are wondering if it's worth the outlay. Pm me if you prefer.

[sted]

teachers seem to like it and it does just work. Not sure how much it is as its based on number of pupils but it does seem to be used quite heavily and if its ever off for any reason in most places i cant get to it to turn it back on without being besieged. That said though it is basically just a web server full of flash games and videos its not earth shatering and id guess a lot of what it does could be found on the internet in general somewhere if you take the time to track it down. AS to wether its worth the outlay it just depends how willing staff are to make use of it it can be really worthwhile and some schools make lots of use of it others just dont use it at all and it was a waste of cash

[sparkeh]

Have it in 2 primary schools and it is used all the time. Had to review it due to budget cuts but there was an outcry and it stayed.

I have to admit it isn't the cheapest thing in the world, the renewal price does go down though, but considered well worth the money in my schools.

If you have any questions just ask

[mats]

It's popular and as mentioned, just works.

 

It's served up from a desktop box of unknown brand running Linux and is the only thing here I've not needed to touch. Even survived a power cut sans-ups and came up again gracefully.

[jamesreedersmith]

Make sure you also consider the other options - there is education city and knowledge box - both very similar concepts - Some LA's have a broad subscription to one or another so you may have access through that.

[SimpleSi]

All my schools use Espresso - especially in KS1 - Lancs got the price down to approx £3/pupil. Some of them use Educationcity as well (especially liked by TAs working in groups/one2one)

 

regards

Simon

[chrbb]

Thanks everyone, I've sent off for the demo so the powers that be can make a decision!

[dhicks]

That said though it is basically just a web server full of flash games and videos its not earth shatering and id guess a lot of what it does could be found on the internet in general somewhere if you take the time to track it down.

 

True, but I'd second what people have said about reliability (you get your own local Espresso server which Just Works) and that server is updated at least weekly with topical content (handy for assemblies and so on). I don't know how pricing compares to other solutions, mind.

[sted]

True, but I'd second what people have said about reliability (you get your own local Espresso server which Just Works) and that server is updated at least weekly with topical content (handy for assemblies and so on). I don't know how pricing compares to other solutions, mind.

 

oh i agree they are usually one of the most relaible bits of kit ive comne across and as ive said If they are used are wonderful but i kn ow schools that have one and you wonder why