Software And Tech Toys

Software And Tech Toys - Transcript

What educational software is available Which program is worth the money What add ons should I purchase

6 Categories of Software Productivity software Word processing spreadsheet publishing multimedia and authoring Tutorial Software Teaches material in an interactive way decides when student has completed enough tasks to proceed Simulation Presents situation where student takes risks as if confronted with the real life situation Drill and Practice Provides practice in skills students have previously been taught Problem Solving Uses critical thinking skills not relegated to any specific content area Games Specific learning objectives with the game serving as a motivational device also called edutainment

Software Selection
8 Ways to Choose Good Software Know the specific software needs of the population grade level ability level purpose of software class language needs Locate the software educational software catalogs preview centers demo copies reviews software stores trial downloads Research hardware compatibility memory and hardware requirements Examine the program s contents appropriate for students see evaluation form Look at instructional design learner control reinforcement sequencing flexibility appearance Check to see how easily the program is learned simple commands help screens Evaluate a program in terms of consumer value lab packs site licenses academic versions Investigate the tech support and cost toll free number for help return policy

Software Packaging
Home Version or Consumer Version contains one disk and no teaching materials School Version contains disk and teacher manual which usually includes online and offline classroom material of use Additional materials may include lesson plans templates and blackline masters Lab Packs contains 5 10 disks and teacher classroom materials and is a good bargain for classrooms with more than one computer Site License means permission is granted for legally copying the program for every computer in a specific building or district Some site licenses may be for a specific number of computers Network Version indicates the program has be specifically formatted so that it can be installed on the network and shared by all of the computers attached to the network

Software Evaluation Form
Software title Grade Level Poor Content Alignment with curriculum 1 Appropriate for grade level 1 Accuracy 1 Ease of Use Easy program loading Simple screen directions Program Appearance Uncluttered screen 2 2 2 Subject Deficient Sufficient Desirable Examplary 3 3 3 45 45 45 67 67 67 89 89 89 10 10 10

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2 2

3 3

45 45

67 67

89 89

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2 2

3 3

45 45

67 67

89 89

10 10

Learning Styles Uses more than one modality Support Tech support Teacher manual with acitivities Hardware Memory Needed Computer Compatibility Printer Compatibility Needs hard disk Peripherals needed

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45

67

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10 10

What educational software is available
Microsoft s Free CD offer for teachers

Lists ed software often with more info than available in catalogs PEP list ed software publishers Great place to order catalogs Clearing House Publishers Yet another list of publishers for ordering catalogs

What educational software is available
Review Sites

Links to companies

has search for specific titles

What educational software is available Review Sites
Provides searches by subject title and latest software Hedgehog Review Children s Software Review Forum on children s software available Way Cool Reviews of Software

What educational software is available
Review Sites EvaluTech is a searchable database of instructional materials K 12 Mid South Clearing House Software Review List

World Village reviews games multimedia educational software and more

What educational software is available

Answers these questions Is the software truly interactive or just interpassive Does it engage your child s imagination Is it easy to use Can you leave your child alone with it Does it let your child take charge and command their learning Does it have multiple levels of difficulty allowing your child to grow Does it tell your child why the answer is wrong or provide poor feedback Does it allow your child to work with other kids or parents

D ownloading Trial Versions of Software
Softseek
Education and Science Typing Tutor Slam Dunk

2 steps 1 Download What Where 2 Install

Tech Toys
These peripherals can be added to your computer to enhance your enjoyment

Zip Drives

Tech Toys
These peripherals can be added to your computer to enhance your enjoyment

Computer Cams

Tech Toys
These peripherals can be added to your computer to enhance your enjoyment

USB Devices and Hubs

Tech Toys
These peripherals can be added to your computer to enhance your enjoyment

Alpha Smart Keyboards

Tech Toys
These peripherals can be added to your computer to enhance your enjoyment

Sony Mavica

Tech Toys
These peripherals can be added to your computer to enhance your enjoyment

Computer Drawing Tablets

So what is the best way to spend
If your computer is more than 2 years old consider spending your money on upgrading the hard drive or ram