Artifact # 5
Software Evaluation provides an overall evaluation of instructional materials and resources to be purchased by the school. It also gives a brief over view of how the software can be used to teach students.
Rationale for the Artifact: Database of Software Evaluation
Competency 10.6: “Locate, evaluate, and select appropriate teaching/learning resources and curriculum materials for the content area and target audience, including computer based products, videotapes, and discs, local experts, primary documents and artifacts, texts, reference books, literature, and other print sources.”
Competency 12.1: “Develop performance tasks that require students to a) locate and analyze information as well as draw conclusions and b) use a variety of media to communicate results clearly.”
Competency 13.1: “Use media and technology to address differences in children’s learning and performance.”
Context:
I created this artifact during the summer of 2001 in Classroom Use of the
Microcomputer in grades K-12. As a class we looked at two pieces of
software. They were Paintbrush and Where in the USA is Carmen San Diego.
We evaluated Carmen San Diego by going through a case and catching a crook
using only the clues to find him. We evaluated other types of software
by rotating around the classroom in stations viewing one game after another.
This gave us an idea of some of the games that we liked and whether or not
we would recommend them. Next we used Microsoft Works to make a database
of the software that we evaluated. We sorted the database to alphabetize
them by title. We were also supposed to do a filter, and I decided to
do mine on the games that were made by Microsoft. This was really good
way to put them into a list.
Impact:
As a future teacher, I will definitely use software in my classroom, and
this was to help me chose the software that is effective and appropriate
for my students.
Alignment:
This artifact aligns with competency 10.6
- I looked at software that was effective from Preschool – Adults.
I also viewed the ones that are appropriate for the grades that I will be
certified to teach.
This artifact aligns with competency 12.1 - Here I used an electron encyclopedia Encarta Africana as a resource. By making a database I aligned with this competency to find appropriate software for my classroom.
This artifact aligns with competency 13.1 - Software use is a very effective way of teaching children through different learning styles. It is very active and a hands on activity that is good for children.
The software evaluation also aligns with
INTASC principle 3
- it allows teachers to use a different approach to teaching students.
As a future teacher, I understand how students differ in their approaches
to learning, and by doing the software evaluation I found various types of
software that can be used with the diverse learners that I may encounter within
my classroom. It will allow me to integrate technology into my classroom,
while getting all students involved in various programs.