Artifact 2

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

This artifact is a Software Evaluation that allowed us as teachers to analyze software as a means of instruction as well as enjoyment. I picked "Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego?" to review. I put the software into my computer by loading and running it. I played the game and got a feel for what it had to offer and what it could do for both instructional purposes and free time. The game is on a 4th-5th grade level and provided you with a lot of instruction and detail. The game had a female voice that spoke to you the whole time about what you needed to do and where you would need to go to complete the game. This game was challenging, yet enjoyable. The game provided loads of encouragement and many opportunities to catch the crook and win the overall game.

Impact

As a teacher, I will be using databases all of the time. Everything I will have will go into a database such as grades, roster, lesson plans, facts, data, and progress reports. I need to know that other things beside paper and a notebook exist. Databases help you stay organized as well placing your information in a way that is easy to read and see and looks neat and clear.

Alignment

The Software Evaluation aligns with Technology Competency 10.6. I will be able to develop computer software listing for an appropriate grade/subject area. I am able to utilize resources such as CD encyclopedias, atlases, dictionaries, Internet and spreadsheets.

The Software Evaluation also aligns with Technology Competency 12.1 which allows me to develop portfolios illustrating student and/or teacher instruction.

Lastly, the Software Evaluation aligns with Technology Competency 13.1. I can demonstrate the use of various software and self directed software programs to meet individual learning styles and needs. I can use software and other technology devises to assess different learning styles.

The Software Evaluation also aligns with INTASC principle 3, which I understand how students differ in their approach to earning and I need to create instructional opportunities and a comfortable learning environment for them to learn the most effectively. Different software is designed for different instructional levels and many provide help in a certain subject criteria. Many of the software can be adjusted for different learning needs, and many provide depth into other cultures and make connections through other types of learning which as we al know is the most important for the most diverse learners. They all create a learning environment that is comfortable to each student and that is very important.