Software Review/ Emerging Technology/Innovative Uses Rashi Ratliff Edu 214 June 16, 2015

Software Review Reviewer: Rashi Ratliff Software title: Arthur’s Kindergarten Publisher: The Learning Company Cost per single license/lab pack/site license: $12.99 for a single purchase; educators can use for free Computer Compatibility/System requirements: Wins 98/XP/Vista; Windows 8; Windows 7 Appropriate grade levels: Ages 4-6; pre-k ; Kindergarten

Software Review Ctd.. Brief description: Software is a combination of learning, fun, and helpful features. There is 15 different educational activities. Teaches a year’s worth of kindergarten skills. Curriculum areas the software meets or addresses: Vocabulary, letter recognition & sounds, shapes, music composition, arts & crafts, patterns & sequencing, logic & problem solving

Software Review Ctd.. Strengths: The program covers all areas across the curriculum. Engages the learner while providing practice. Weakness: Be sure system has enough RAM or the game will crash. How long did it take to become familiar with the program? How long might it take students? Why? It did not take long to become familiar with the program. It should not take students long to become familiar because once you are in the program you just click to go to the area of interest.

Software Review Ctd..  Rate the program according to the following Characteristics/Criteria:  SA = Strongly Agree A= Agree D=Disagree NA=Not Applicable  __SA_ Program has educational value:  __SA_ Program is free from stereotypes:  __SA_ Content is of interest to students:  __SA__ Information is presented clearly and logically:  ___A__ Graphics, & audio contribute to the educational value:

Software Review Ctd..  __SA_ Students would enjoy using this program:  __A__ Program gives appropriate feedback:  __A__ Students control the program's rate:  __A__ Documentation is clearly written:  __SA_ Teacher's guide is useful:  __A___ Program in progress can be easily saved or exited:  __A___ Program is user friendly:  __A___ Skill levels can be adjusted by the user/instructor:

Emerging Technology  Kindle eReaders Kindles are great additions to the classroom setting. These eReaders are lightweight yet powerful device that can store thousands of books and give students the tools they need to make reading more enjoyable and motivating.

Emerging Technology Ctd..  Features & Usage of Kindle  Students can practice using the dictionary to look up words  Highlight important parts of a book  Learn how to use the note taking feature  Access books on Amazon on topics that interest them  Turn text to speech feature and have Kindle read to them  Change the size of font and spacing  Download music and listen while they rea

Emerging Technology Ctd..  Features & Cost  Lightweight and easy to carry around  E-ink screen is like reading paper  Purchase price $ $  Books are cheaper on Kindle  Most books can be purchased for 9.99 or less  Most books have six licenses

Innovative Uses  Classroom Response Systems (“clickers”)  Encourage student engagement by using electronic devices that allow students to record answers to multiple choice questions and results are instantly displayed  Also serve as a catalyst for discussion

Innovative Uses Ctd..  Podcasts  Podcasts can convey information students need for initial learning or review  Students can listen to information before class  Teachers can make a recording available to students for review

Innovative Uses Ctd..  Mobile media capture  Use of smartphones to capture and record sound, images, and video  Collect images  Recording student presentations  Construct a multimedia portfolio or journal  Document stages of a process or event

References  20 Types of Tablet Tools for Teaching | NspireD2: Learning Technology in Higher Ed. (n.d.). Retrieved from teaching/ teaching/  Using Technology to Enhance Teaching & Learning - SMU. (n.d.). Retrieved from  Using Technology to Enhance Teaching & Learning - SMU. (n.d.). Retrieved from

References Ctd..  Kindle Paperwhite: Amazon's Official Site. Shop Now. (n.d.). Retrieved from  Arthur's Kindergarten. (n.d.). Retrieved from