Instructional Computer Instructional Computer TECH2111 Dr. Alaa Sadik Instructional & Learning Technologies Department

Instructional Computer Instructional Computer TECH2111 Lecture Four: Software Selection & Evaluation “We shouldn't use computers or technology without thinking about how kids will learn!” (Gardner, 1996)

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers 6. Software selection & evaluation Based on the perspectives learned in Lecture 2, software must:  stimulate learner’s interest  enhance understanding and learning  encourage cooperative learning  be based on student’s experience  use appropriate visual and auditory stimulus  meet individual differences and types of intelligences Textbook:

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software  Educational aspects Accuracy Appropriateness Scope  Technical aspects Navigation Save/record-keeping Features Presentation Quality  Documentation Technical information Teacher's guide

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software Accuracy  Error-free information.  Current information.  Objective, balanced presentation of information.  Bias-free viewpoints and images.  Balanced representations of cultural, ethnic, and racial groups.  Correct use of grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software Appropriateness  Concepts and vocabulary relevant to students' abilities.  Information relevant to the curriculum.  Interaction compatible with the physical and intellectual maturity of intended audience.

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software Scope  Information of sufficient scope to adequately cover the topic for the intended audience.  Logical progression of topics.  Variety of activities, with options for increasing complexity.

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software Navigation  Rapid retrieval of information and screen transitions.  Intuitive icons, menus, and directional symbols that foster independent use.  Controllable pace, including options for stop/pause/exit  Controllable sound.

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software Save/Record-Keeping Features  Options for printing/downloading text.  Save option for games or activities in progress.  Note-taking feature, when appropriate.  Record-keeping feature to monitor student progress.

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software Presentation  Information presented in a manner to stimulate imagination and curiosity.  Use of appropriate and supportive feedback.  Options for help, tutorial segments.  Uncluttered screen displays.  Captions, labels, or legends for visuals.  Legible text and print size that is appropriate for the intended audience.

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software Quality  Visuals relevant to the content.  Sound that is clearly understandable and consistent in quality and volume.  Sound and music that is relevant to screen displays.

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software Technical Information  Descriptions of specific hardware requirements for operating the application.  Instructions for installation and operation.  Toll free technical support telephone number.

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software Teacher's Guide  Description of target audience.  Summary of the contents of the application.  Instructional and/or behavioral objectives.  Suggestions for classroom use, lesson plans, related activities.  Support materials for student use, such as camera-ready worksheets and activity pages.

Perspectives on Teaching and Learning with Computers Evaluation guidelines for educational software See Figure 4-10, p.114 for a sample software evaluation form.

Discussion & Conclusion