Educational Software Review

Summary of Software Review
Bailey’s Book House

I found that this educational game would be enjoyable and beneficial for students from Kindergarten to Grade Two. It allows students to build their literacy skills through small, interactive activities. The software is not without issues, particularly in its ease of use. It would likely be difficult to navigate through for younger students that are unfamiliar with it. There are very few text supports to aid in navigation and the program does not offer a help button. With regards to ease of use, I did not find this program to be helpful. Bailey’s Book House does offer a lot of educational value. It compliments the language curriculum by building vocabulary and developing basic reading skills. The entertainment and design of the program are engaging for the intended age group. The graphics are out of date, but the activities that the game has to offer are challenging and allow the students to build their language skills. This product offers great value for its price. If searching is done, it can be purchased for as low as $9.99. Although it does not offer any teacher resources or controls, students would benefit from it greatly.

National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (http://nlvm.usu.edu/)

This is an online website that offers great educational games based around building math skills. The website has activities for students from Kindergarten to Grade Twelve. The website is easy to use, well-organized and easy to navigate through. One of the websites negative aspects is that it does not offer the ability to save students works, as it is an online application. This software offers excellent educational value. It covers all strands of the math curriculum and even incorporates items such as tangrams and geoboards that are used in regular classrooms into its activities. The site is very entertaining and has a great design. It is engaging and offers many age appropriate activities. Unfortunately, the graphics are lackluster and slightly out of date. The product offers great value as it is free and easily accessible for all teachers as long as internet access is available. It does not offer any teacher supports. Most of the activities are well-linked to the curriculum and students could use this software with little teacher assistance.

The Review Process/ Use of the Selected Software in the Classroom

To review Bailey’s Book House and the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives, I played each game for one hour. I found that my tests were fairly conclusive. I was able to experience several of the games that both of the software’s had to offer. Unfortunately, I was unable to fully explore these two programs because of the time commitment it would require. This might have led to me overlooking some aspects of these games.

Both of the games require very little technological literacy. Basic knowledge of how a computer works is required. Most of the activities simply required either reading text or a point and click system of interaction.

The two software’s are very accessible to students of all ability levels. The class I work with is a Grade Two class that is evenly split between boys and girls. It is a pretty advanced class that is fairly self-sufficient, with very few special needs. The students may require some task reminders. Unfortunately, technology access could be a problem. The school offers one computer lab that each class only has access to once per week. To use these programs on a regular basis, the students would require computer access more than once a week. With this in mind, the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives can be accessed from home for the students. This could act as a great extension for those that are struggling with math concepts. Instead of sending extra homework, the website could be used to support students learning. The activities closely follow most lessons that teachers are doing in class. Both of these programs build on essential skills such as language and math. They incorporate simple concepts with fun tasks and games. Games on both of the software’s will capture the student’s attention while allowing them to learn in the process. The key feature of both of these programs is how well they follow the curriculum. Each closely aligns itself with the curriculum requirements and allows language and math learning to be extended to computer time. This alone makes me want to attempt to incorporate these programs in my future classroom. Often, it is difficult to find computer programs that fit well with what is being taught in the classroom.

The Evaluations Tools Used

The two tools that I used for the software review were the class developed review sheet and Kathy Schrock’s Technology Administrator review page. The largest advantage for both of these is that they are easy to fill out. These tools are easily accessible to anyone and require very little time commitment. Both use a simple rating scale of agree and disagree on either end, with options in the middle. This allows for each category to be easily classified. The two review sheets are designed with educational programs in mind. The questions from both sheets are very applicable for school and classrooms. All the questions asked are items that educators need to consider when looking at software appropriate for school settings. Using these review sheets would provide an opportunity for educators to analyze the usefulness of various software programs.

There are several disadvantages to these two review sheets. The largest disadvantage is that neither of the sheets offers much space for written suggestions. It would be helpful if after each category, a box for written suggestions was available. Often, I wanted to expand on my thoughts after answering questions but there was nowhere to allow this. By the time I reached the end of the sheet, I often had forgotten what I wanted to add. If the opportunity was given to me to write down my thoughts following the categories, this would have made both of the review sheets stronger. I also found that Kathy Schrock’s review sheet was not well-rounded. In my opinion, a question addressing the educational purpose of the software would be beneficial. Also, I felt that the rating categories that Kathy Schrock’s sheet presented were too specific. Often, I was searching for another rating that was between agree and disagree to categorize my thoughts.

Overall, I felt that the class generated review sheet was well done. Unlike the other one I utilized, the rating scale our class developed provided more options. These extra options allowed me to rate the software more accurately. I felt that our sheet addressed the educational applicability of the software well. For myself, as a future teacher, I feel that this is the most important part of the review sheet. Allowing teachers to critically think about how these programs fit into their educational plan is an essential part of the software review process. Our class review sheet could have been improved if, similar to Kathy Schrock’s sheet, it allowed for more written responses.

Conclusion

The software sheet process offered a great opportunity to evaluate the applicability of Bailey’s Book House and the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives. The review sheets allow a person to critically view these games and how they would fit into a classroom setting. I would hope to implement educational software within my classroom as a means to support learning. The games looked are just some examples of games that could be implemented. Educational software can be a great tool to use if the software is deemed appropriate.

Responding to RSS Feed

The National Anthem Debate
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/new-brunswick/story/2009/02/04/nb-anthem-controversy.html?ref=rss

This article touches on the issue of playing the national anthem in schools. One school in New Brunswick decided not to play the anthem within their daily routine. I feel that the anthem is in place to not only provide a sense of nationalism but to pay tribute. We play the anthem to recognize those that have given so much (and continue to) for our country. It is important to not only play the anthem but also to tell students the importance of what they are listening to by providing them context. Students should feel pride in their country and the anthem can help inspire this pride.

4. Math Circus 5 From a Grade 2 Perspective

THE STUDENT

Math Circus 5, from a students prospective was fun. It is filled with a series of small mini-games that are fun. Most of the games can be completed by a guess and check mentality and are fairly simple. The game does not follow a logical sequence and there does not seem to be an overall goal for the game. It is older and it would not compare to the games that students would be playing with at home.

THE TEACHER

From a teachers perspective this game has very little use. It is a good game that could be used to occupy children’s time but I find it hard to relate it truly to the curriculum. The game does develop ideas of spatial sense and problem solving but does not follow a standard educational theme. If I were to use educational games within my teaching I would choose something along more like National Library of Virtual Manipulatives (http://nlvm.usu.edu/). This site has great games that can be easily linked to any subject that is taught in math. Unlike Math circus, the National Library of Virtual Manipulatives offers games that utilize items like tangrams and geoboards that can easily support lessons or units taught with our classroom.

REVIEW

I could not find a review using either Superkids, or Childrens Technology review. I did find another online source that unlike myself highly valued Math Circus 5. It can be found at the link below.

http://www.creativelearning.co.za/mathcircus.htm

Portfolio Assignment- Self Development Plan

INTRODUCTION

The evolution of our society is highly based on technological innovation. Currently, the development of the information technology sector has created a growing industry that continually shapes our everyday lives. As educators, it is important to be knowledgeable and aware of all technology relevant to the classroom in order to better prepare the students we teach. For our classrooms, integrating technology into daily routines and designing lessons that make use of modern technology will create better-prepared students.

REFLECTION

Reviewing the technology skills inventory that I completed highlighted my strengths as well as showed myself areas in which I could improve. I feel that the survey reflects my technological capabilities in an accurate way. Within the survey categories technology operations and concepts and planning and designing learning environments, several of my strengths can easily be seen. It demonstrates that I am able to use technology on a daily basis with ease and that I am willing to incorporate it within my classroom to meet specific learning or teaching objectives. As a general area for improvement in these categories, I could incorporate technology within my classroom daily to promote more creativity. In the category of teaching, learning and the curriculum, my strengths were shown as being able to use technology resources to enhance presentations, problem solve and research. Using technology to enhance exceptional students learning is an area of growth that is focused on within this category and is important to consider. Within the assessment and evaluation category, one can see that my ability to collect and analyze data, marks and reports is a strength. However, my weakness in this category is my inability to incorporate technology further in assessment and evaluation. It suggests developing more resources and opportunities for students to have technology-based assignments that are strictly done electronically. Although this is a great idea, the financial resources within today’s schools often make this a difficult task. In the final two categories, productivity and professional practice and social, ethical, legal and human issues, I feel that the survey did not represent me accurately. These categories view my only accuracy as being able to use technology to increase productivity. In my areas for growth, it outlines that I do not use technology in an ethical way and that I need to have a more positive view of technology. I am a big proponent of technology, and if the resources were available, I would incorporate it into my classroom. I did indicate in answering the survey that I downloaded music online. It is my belief that the survey then viewed my use of technology as inappropriate, which I feel is incorrect. My personal use of technology does not affect how I utilize technology as a teacher. I am fully aware of its appropriate use within schools and the classroom and would only promote the proper use of technology to my students.

As a future teacher, I feel that I need to improve my instructional skills, and focusing on the teaching, learning and the curriculum category will help me do so. For myself, this category is something I feel should always be developed by teachers. It outlines incorporating technology into the classroom, and using various technologies to enhance all subjects to be taught. I feel that all teachers can continually improve their use of technology and discover the advantages it has to offer. Similar to many teachers, my use of technology can be improved within my lessons. As a teacher, it is often easy to rely on more traditional methods of teaching instead of exploring new ways. Developing and incorporating technology takes a significant amount of time, as one has to create appropriate lessons or adapt previous lessons to include technology. Personally, I have relied on traditional teaching methods rather than putting the effort into utilizing available technologies. It is my hope that choosing this category and providing myself with a goal will inspire me to do more with technology in my teaching. In my experience, students are excited and engaged when given the opportunity to use technology while learning. For many teachers, resources are often the primary reason that technology is not more fully incorporated into their classroom. If teachers were to take the time to explore its potential on their own, it is likely that they would be willing to push administration for more resources. I feel that taking this course will help me to come to a better understanding of the uses for technology within the classroom. When I obtain a full-time position, I hope to be the type of teacher that promotes and pushes administration for increased technology. Understanding the weaknesses in my implementation will help myself to truly develop an appreciation for technologies use and thus, be a greater proponent of technology.

SMART GOALS

Focusing on some of the specific recommendations from this survey allows me to create tangible goals that can be worked towards. The suggested actions that the survey highlights in the teaching, learning and the curriculum category are ideas that can be easily built upon. The first is to deliver a cohesive unit (supported by appropriate technology) that meets both academic and student technology goals. This outlines incorporating technology into all subject matters which allows the students to not only learn about the particular subject that is being studied, but also develop their technological skills. Provide engaging, motivating, learner-centred technology-based lessons is the second suggestion that I wish to focus on. Technology can be used to motivate students to get more involved in subjects that they may find uninteresting. Lessons that involve technology can be easily adapted to students at all learning levels. The third suggestion of implementing inclusive tech-based learning experiences allows for teaching to be easily tailored to students needs. By addressing these three suggestions I will make myself a more rounded teacher.

To achieve the suggested actions that I highlighted above, my SMART goal is to incorporate the Smartboard into my lessons. I would like to use the Smartboard once a day, for at least one lesson. Using the Smartboard will allow me to meet the curriculum needs of any subject matter while developing the student’s technological skills. The Smartboard is very engaging and motivating and its use inspires students at all levels to participate and learn. The specifics for my goal are as follows. Using the Smartboard would involve the whole class and the objective would be to familiarize them with interactive technology. The Smartboard is available in the neighbouring classroom as well as in a common area on the lower level. This would be an ongoing goal, and I hope that after a few years of using the Smartboard, I would have my own within my classroom. It is important for students to be comfortable using this type of technology and for the students to see the teacher as a positive role model while using this technology. By providing a goal of once a day I have created a Measurable and Achievable SMART goal. Using the Smartboard is simple enough and incorporating it into ones lessons is an easy transition. There are many ideas, resources and pre-designed lessons on the Internet that can be used to support instruction on any subject matter. These could be used in the beginning as comfort levels for myself and the students are established with the Smartboard. I feel that my goal is realistic and I am very willing to achieve it. At times, scheduling and co-coordinating the use of the Smartboard to ensure that another teacher is not using it will require flexibility on my part. I am willing to re-arrange my schedule to ensure that my class gets the chance to use the Smartboard everyday. The timing and tangibility of this goal will be difficult. Our teaching practicum does not occur until the course ends. This will make it difficult to implement this goal. However, when I am given the opportunity to implement this goal, I will be dedicated to it. I am very driven to use technologies such as the Smartboard on a greater scale within my teaching. Within the classroom that I currently work in, the students have little exposure to technology. The teacher is a more traditional teacher and does not seem comfortable using the available technology. I would like to provide them with a more interactive teaching experience that uses technology to engage them in their learning, and I feel that using the Smartboard will achieve this.

CONCLUSION

Using the educational technology skills inventory, I was able to view both my strengths and weaknesses as it relates to technology in the classroom. This survey helped me to set the achievable goal of allowing my students and myself to learn about technology and how it can be used in the classroom. Integrating technology into the classroom inspires learning and creativity from the teacher as they plan the lesson and from the students as they learn and actively engage in the lesson. Teachers are always looking for new ways to engage their students and technology can be used as a positive tool that creates excitement in learning.

3. Comment on Stephen Downes blog posting

The Stephen Downes article can be found at http://www.downes.ca/post/38502

It seems to me that Stephen Downes has a pretty cynical view on the school system today. Are school system does have aspects of it that it needs to improve but nothing is perfect. I feel that are school system does a good job of teaching students how to read, learn and be critical.

He has some valid points within his work. His ideas of valuing yourself I think is often discussed among educators but never taught to our students. So many children today struggle with self-esteem issues of varying types. As educators we must inspire our students to believe in themselves just as we believe in them.

2. Technology Class Access

The current class that I work in does have access to technology. Their access however is limited to one visit per week to the school computer lab. Two SMART boards are available to be signed out however with about 500 students in the school access can be limited. Having a school computer lab does give students some exposure to computers. It allows them to be exposed and learn the basics of computers however this does not give them a substanial opportunity to learn about the capabilities that technology has to offer. In an ideal world, all students would have access to computers and other related technology. Unfortunately because of financial concerns this is not possible in most of schools today.

1. Blog Setup

I was comfortable setting up the blog. I have never setup a blog but I found this process user friendly.I was able to customize it to meet my needs and did not encounter any major issues that I was not able to solve.

Keeping this blog will be a challenge however. I am not comfortable with journals and sharing my thoughts so this type of work could be difficult for me to complete. With that in mind, maintaining my blog will allow me to build my personal reflection skills which at times are not very strong.