Foundational technologies. The foundational technologies are the hardware
and software systems used as the general building blocks for a lesson or
project. These technologies are flexible but generally remain constant within
the backpack, regardless of student need or project design. In our digital
backpacks, the foundational technologies included a MacBook Pro and standard
Macintosh digital media software that comes loaded on the machine.
The core software included applications for word processing, movie making,
audio editing, listening to audio, and Web access. Foundational technology
should be small enough to fit in a backpack and provide a work base for the
modular technologies. A consistent record of stable functionality in various
environments without constant need for ongoing support is a final and
important consideration.