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Please, support the SCD tools software project.

The project's objective

We aim to create non-commercial software for teachers of Scottish country dancing. This project is unique because it has been specially designed for teachers' use. The information in the database, its integration with the user's teaching materials, and the proposed set of tools provide make this software stand out from other similar programmes.

The project enables the users to

– store and find the information necessary for creating lesson plans (descriptions of dances, music, images, comments, warm-ups, exercises, sheet music);

– select the pieces of information relevant for planning or teaching a particular class;

– build up, store and find previously created lesson plans, or event programmes;

– assist a teacher in class, showing the information relevant to the current section of the lesson and timing the lesson;

– update the information in users' personal databases and share the updates with other users.

Software, its Functions and Features

The software provides a set of special tools for a teacher's everyday use:

– an integrated database with a search engine;

– a screen showing information enabling the rapid assessment and selection of dances, music and images;

– a tool for updating and adding information to the database;

– a tool for building up class plans or event programmes and selecting music;

– a tool for searching lesson plans and some particular information from them;

– a screen for controlling the course of the class with on-screen tools for showing relevant information, controlling the music and timing the class.

Database of the Project

The database contains over five thousand verbal descriptions of dances compiled from various sources (Minicrib, Strathspey.org, printed publications) and additional information intended for teachers' use. The diagrams of the dances are downloaded automatically from the Internet sources provided you have access to the Web. The user can control access to his private database of diagrams, music and other materials. We are also planning to establish links to additional information sources (TAC notes, RSCDS Manual, external links to files).

Present State of the Project

A third, redesigned version of the project has been implemented and runs on Microsoft Windows (supported versions 7, 8, 10) and Mac OS platforms. In the near future we are planning to create mobile versions of the software (for iPads or Android devices) and add the function that will allow updating the information from the server and exchanging the updates with other users. Further development of the project will see the establishment of a help system, a toolkit for generating programs of balls and social dances, and Internet database storage with centralised access for data exchange.

Use of the Project

Over the past five years the software has been used on a regular basis by a number of teachers from Russia and the UK. Some European and American teachers have also been introduced to the project.

Support Required

To continue developing the project on Apple platforms (Mac OS, iOS) it is necessary to purchase the equipment that has so far been made available on a short-term lease. We need to raise 10,000 rubles (125 GBP / 140 eur).

 

 

If you want to support the project, please transfer your donation using the details specified below. Available payment methods: Paypal, SBRF (for residents of Russia). For further enquiries, please, contact us at the email address provided.

 

 

SCD TOOLS POCKET EDITION. It’s a small but powerful collection of tools for dancers / teachers of Scottish Country Dancing.

FEATURES

for dancers:

• creating and updating your lists of favorite dances after each lesson / event
• preparing for balls / social dancing at home and during traveling
• quickly recalling the details of dancing at the balls

for teachers:

• receiving detailed information about dances and music, preparing for classes
• teaching classes using the program as a source of descriptions and music
• creating collections of dances for classes / events
• quick responding to the changing situation during classes

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The program is a set of tools for teachers / dancers. It allows quick search for dances, getting detailed information, finding and playing the correct tracks from your music collection. The database and dance diagrams updated from the server are always up to date. The program receive additions and changes to the dances from server. Most of the functions of the program allow offline usage.

SEARCH

The program provides a simple or complex, but anyway dramatically quick search in the database. Any dance can be found in seconds. It is possible to make advanced search by the type and size of the set, the number of couples dancing at the same time, a fragment of the name of the dance, its content, types of music, formations etc. You can also mark those formations that you would like to avoid.

MUSIC

The program scans your music collection and selects suitable or original tunes for dances. It can plays M4A, MP3 and WAV formats. Automatic name recognition marks dances for which your collection has original soundtracks. Using the music search, you can play any track from your collection for any dance. Speed and volume controls at your service

FLAGS

Each dance can be marked by white or black list flag, a flag for the presence of original music. Thus, you can manage your collection by yourself and always either remove the unwanted dances from the search results, or gain access to favorites or dances for which you have original music. A separate flag allows you to find dances from RSCDS publications

DATABASE

The database is located on the server and is regularly updated by users from their own sources. For the standard of descriptions, the MiniCrib format was selected as allowing the most convenient work for people from non-English-speaking countries. A full copy of the database on your device allows offline work of the program.
Downloaded diagrams are saved on the device to minimize traffic during subsequent calls to them.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Android version 4.1 or higher. The program requires about 30 MB of free space at startup. In the future, the size of the database may increase with the advent of new dances and downloaded diagrams.

PRICE

The program is available in Google Market for a symbolic amount. The free version for RSCDS members and those who at different times supported the project can be downloaded here:

• 32-bit version (suitable for all tablets)
• 64-bit version (for new tablets, check that your tablet is compatible)

If you like this project and you want to support its further development, then you can always make a donation or offer other help by contacting us.

You can download this application on Google Play by clicking the link below:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=scd.tools

OTHER VERSIONS

iOS (pocket edition)

A similar version for iOS is in development plans.

Advanced version for teachers

Designed for advanced preparing and guiding classes and events. It has larger set of tools for advance teaching.

Windows / MacOS

The version for desktops / tablets is being tested and will be posted soon

SUPPORT US

You can support this project by making a donation

COMMENTS

Our e-mails:

 - for signing up for the classes, for general questions
 - for questions about website
 - RSCDS Moscow Branch Secretary