Artifact 3

Software Evaluation
Context:
As a project for a class at Appalachian State University, I evaluated a piece of software that can be used as a reinforcement tool in the class. This is essential to do because as a classroom teacher, you must be experienced in viewing and evaluating many types of resources. I developed a lesson, and used the software, "Jump Start To First Grade" with my portrait student, a kindergartner from Mabel Elementary School.

Impact:
Jump Start First Grade has a variety of activities that can be used as a supplement to the first grade curriculum in several different areas such as science, vocabulary, math, grammar, spelling, art, music, and following directions. I focused on the math aspect by teaching a counting money lesson because I knew that they had been working on the value of money in the class.

Alignment:
The CD Jump-start First Grade is a piece of software that is appropriate for strong Kinders and first graders. There is an extensive selection of subject areas to chose from to use as a resource in the class (10.6). As the student learns to move around the software they can experience a variety of content topics that reinforce learning (11.1). This software is excellent because it comes with its own assessment tools. You can print the worksheet for the child to do, or you can check the teacher information records and find out what they have mastered according to their performance on the software. The first level is easy and it goes to medium, to hard (13.1). This CD is also super for children with special needs. It is a fun, entertaining method of teaching that can keep the attention of many different learners. There s such a variety that children do not have time to get bored (13.2). In the classroom, because all children are going to want jump start time, as a management tool for the computer, a sign-up sheet is a must (14.2). Also, it is essential to make sure that the students are aware that when they use the computer, there must be an Acceptable Use Policy. We do not want students exploring irrelevant materials. Computer time is learning time (14.3).