Artifact # 3
Software Evaluation- A review of the software game, Curious George Learns Phonics. Although it is a game, it also can be used as a learning tool for beginning spellers and readers.
Context
I reviewed and evaluated this piece of software
in January 2001 for my Curriculum & Instruction class at Appalachian
State University. I explored the software, used the World Wide Web to find
other reviews, and wrote up my review on a word-processed document.
Impact
The review can be used as a reference to
parents and teachers when trying to decide on a software game to use with
kids learning to read. From the evaluation they can decide if it is a game
that will work with their children’s needs and is cost effective. This
piece of software could work in grades K-2 but is best with ages 4-6. All
of the different games teach phonics lessons that will help beginners learn
how to read. If used in the classroom, the software would meet curriculum
standards in Language Arts and Computer Skills.
Alignment
While evaluating this piece of software,
I learned how to install and navigate a software game, find reviews of
software on the Internet, and type up an evaluation that would be helpful
for others. From what I saw and read about this software game, I would
use it in my classroom. (Tech Competency 10.6)
Curious George Learns Phonics can be used specifically for Language Arts
in a K-1 class. Along with teaching these skills it will also build the
students’ awareness of the computer and build basic computer skills. (Tech
Competency 11.3) This software game fits into the Kindergarten Standard
Course of Study for beginning awareness of sounds and letters and how they
fit together to make words that can be read. This would be used in the
class to reinforce and help make connections of things students are hearing
in the class. (Tech Competency 11.4)