Artifact 3

The Software Evaluation is a counterpart to the Portrait of a Learner project. Within the Software Evaluation, I was able to explore Kid Pix in order to understand its potential as a tool for learning in the classroom. The activity called for a thorough evaluation as well as planning and implementing a lesson using the software. This software is special for teachers for several reasons. First, it allows lessons in English as well as Spanish. Using this tool, I created a lesson for Spanish-speaking students learning basic English (11.3, 11.4). The lesson covers pronunciation of the alphabet, differences between the Spanish alphabet and the English alphabet, and teaching basic English vocabulary words using the graphics available on the software (13.3). Second, this program can be implemented into the classroom in several ways. While students use computers during individual time, I had a general outcome description for them to create while the method to finish the project was up to them. This activity welcomes a variety of learning styles. Students could create their picture from a blank screen or use backgrounds available to them. They had the option to create pictures or use available graphics. Students were encouraged to take whatever path the deemed appropriate in order to create a picture which was used in creative writing (13.1). Another aspect of this project was to explore the capabilities of this software in assisting various special learning needs and to relate these needs to the everyday classroom ( 13.2).