What is ClassWorks 4?

CNS ClassWorks was a collection of popular educational software (courseware) integrated with its own curriculum management software. It was originally created for the Apple II by Computer Networking Specialists, who would later change their name to Curriculum Networking Specialists. In the late 90s/early 2000s, it went over to Knowledge Adventure and a subsidiary of Houghton-Mifflin Harcourt known as Curriculum Advantage. Curriculum Advantage still owns the rights to the ClassWorks name, and ClassWorks still exists, albeit online only, and featuring mostly its own educational software, rather than popular titles that earlier versions had, such as JumpStart, Math/Reading Blaster, etc.

ClassWorks 4 introduced many things to the program. Apple II and MS-DOS support were officially dropped, a short video played when the software was launched, and "reward animations" were introduced. These brief animations played whenever students performed well enough on an activity. Mini-lessons also featured orange "helper characters" who would show up at the top of the screen sometimes. Clicking on them didn't do anything; they were just there to look like they were reading the lessons.

ClassWorks 4 was also known as "ClassWorks Silver". It was divided up by grade level: K-3, 4-6, 6-8, K-6, and K-8, as well as subject (Math, Language Arts, and both).

ClassWorks was designed to run on a network. While the front-end can be installed on a computer that's not part of a network, it's pretty useless on its own without any courseware (modified versions of pre-existing software with special drivers). Courseware should be installed on a server to ensure full functionality. ClassWorks 4 supports a Macintosh client connected to a Windows server, but not a Windows client connected to a Macintosh server.

Download ClassWorks 4 for Mac

(There's no download available for this software yet. If you've got a copy of that software, upload it now!)

Architecture

68K + PPC (FAT)

Compatibility notes

Emulating this? It could probably run under: SheepShaver