Artifact 3
Software Evaluation:I evaluated a piece of software to decide whether or not it was an effective learning tool in the classroom.

Context
This evaluation was an assignment given during my pre-service training in my Curriculum and Instruction class.I had to evaluate a piece of software and decide if it is something I would use in my classroom.The evaluation is based on a piece of software designed for third graders.As I evaluated this piece of software, I also wanted to get a review of it off the web.

 
Impact
This software evaluation gives the different subjects in which this software (Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?) can be used in the classroom.It is available to teachers and can give them ideas on how they can use it in their classrooms.Below are links to many technology competencies this product satisfies.

 
Alignment
By doing this software evaluation, I was able to see that the software is content-specific, focusing on history and geography (Tech Comp 11.3). This evaluation gives examples on how students can use software to enhance their understanding of Geography (Tech Comp 11.1) It is also a great teaching tool because it allows students to work “hands on” (Tech Comp 13.1).This is important because many students have to work with something to really understand it.  I think allowing students to work with software is another way for them to learn information in a new and exciting way (Tech Comp 11.2).  As I evaluated this piece of software, I was also interested in looking at a review on it that I found on the Internet (Tech Comp 10.3).As I worked with this piece of software, I enhanced my knowledge of the subject matter because I became aware of how to play the game.By familiarizing myself with how to play this game and sharing it with the class, I can create learning experiences that make subject matter meaningful to students (INTASC #1).Depending on what children are learning will help me to decide whether or not this type of software is appropriate for them.As a teacher, I will have to plan instruction based on curriculum goals, subject matter, the students, and the community.If I planning a lesson based on a curriculum where students are learning about states and locations, this piece of software would be appropriate to use. They can not only practice and demonstrate where states are located, but they will also learn many facts about each state (INTASC #7).