Computers in Education Software & Apps

Three Categories Managerial Course Specific Non-Course Specific

Managerial Software/Apps Used for Administrative tasks Often located on school server tied to front office.

Examples: Grades Organizational Lesson plans Reports Parent conf.

Course Specific Tied directly to specific course or course content. Biology, history, math….software/App More open ended for younger students. more specific for older students. Careful not to let software define class objectives. Multi-media format Interactive &/or presentation

Non-Specific Allow teachers to work software/app into existing lessons. Modifies lessons to allow for better comprehension and creativity. Simple word Processor spreadsheet

Examples More Complex page layout / art / web page Idea mapping animation Video/multimedia Less likely to determine objectives

Determining Software/apps Availability? Lists of available titles. Ask Technology Coordinator Explore classroom & lab machines

Evaluating what you have… *Before you use, evaluate thoroughly. Engagement: Is the software/app intuitive? Does the software/app open up new ways to learn? Developmental appropriateness: Is the content/interface age appropriate?

Evaluation cont… Curricular Design: Does the software/app build on skills and guide students? Are there opportunities for feedback, assessment, and reflection?

Evaluation cont… Student Engagement: Does the software/app align with your learning goals? Does the motivational potential exceed the potential for distraction? Adaptability: Does the app include a range of levels? Does the app take advantage of features such as VoiceOver or closed captioning?

Evaluation cont… Software/app evaluation rubrics can be helpful.

Rubric example

Rubric example

Finding? Look for catalogs that list titles. Talk with Colleagues

Finding/purchasing? Search the web ISTE Go to conferences NECC/ISTE Visit vendor sites to download evaluation copies.

Much of this will be left to you!