Artifact 1

Context
In class, we divided into groups and rotated around the classroom to different stations and evaluated different software. We viewed 6 pieces of educational software and took notes on paper so we could put reviews of the software into a database. I then took my evaluations and put them into a database. I used Microsoft works database. I put all of my information gathered into the database. Then I sorted the information and then filtered the database. I sorted by alphabetizing the titles and then filtered the software by ratings that were greater than 4. I then printed my database to put in my portfolio.

Impact
As a teacher, there will be many times that I will pick out software to use in my classroom. I now know how to evaluate software by such categories as descriptions, objectives, strengths, and weaknesses. Being able to pick the software that will be most useful to the students in my classroom is very important to me.

Alignment
This artifact aligns with competencies 10.6, 12.1, and 13.1. It aligns with 10.6 because I developed computer software listing for an appropriate grade/subject level. I met competency 12.1 by utilizing an encyclopedia for classroom instruction and/or staff development. Competency 13.1 states to “Use media and technology to address differences in children's learning and performance.” Children learn by many different styles. The different types of software I evaluated used different learning techniques such as hearing, looking at the screen, and using a mouse. All of these methods keep students attention, which is a key component in learning.

Alignment with INTASC Standards
This artifact also aligns with INTASC Standard 9. "The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally." Evaluating software is important because it allows the teacher to find opportunities for help in his/her classroom that will help students and be educational at the same time. I will need to know how to evaluate software and textbooks to ensure my reflective opinions will help pick the best of either software or textbooks.