Integrating Computer Technology into the Classroom Chapter 11: Reflection

What are the benefits of using problem-solving or educational software?

Problem-solving Software Example and How to use

TimezAttack TimezAttack is a program used to increase student performance with multiplication tables.  This program provides simulations where students improve their multiplication table performance by defeating ogres.  To defeat the ogres, students must collect snails (that actually aid in providing the answer) and use these snails to break walls and identify the patterns in multiplication.  It allows them to work at their own pace, but provides them with a competitive race with their peers, in regards to levels of completion. TimezAttack can be downloaded from http://www.bigbrainz.com/online/select_school.php

Educational Software Example and How to use

SuccessMaker Successmaker uses a variety of multimedia actions to teach students new skills and reinforce basic skills.  It provides mastery-practice, assessments, and provides feedback to both the students and teachers.  Students can be set at their own level and from there they will progressively improve.  By working to increase student performance in both math and reading, Successmaker also identifies progress data.  This helps teachers to see what progress the students are making and provides them with suggestions about the amount of time the students need on the program to reach their goal. Successmaker can be purchased from http://www.pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZyM6&elementType=mergedNavGroup&navGroupName=Features%20and%20Benefits&PMDbProgramID=55601

How do I choose the correct software?

 

               I feel as though the Educational Software Preview Guide is best suited for my classroom.  It provides a search tool that enables users to filter software features that are important.  Users are able to give a title or publisher, but can also identify software by subject, grade level, mode, and hardware.  This will allow users to find software based on their needs rather than just providing various reviews.  Although the other sites did the latter, they are still great at providing information on various software programs.

When I integrate problem-solving or educational software into a lesson, what changes will be needed?

Problem-solving Software Implementation Example

TimezAttack Computer Functions:  Providing Practice and Feedback Research and Analysis: Whole Program progress (Multiplication) Results Presentation: Automatic Student Feedback and Correction (Multiple tries)(Repeat for mastery) Activities Before Computer Use: Locate program and identify user name and password Activities During Computer Use: How many computers being used? Activities After Computer Use: Evaluation/Reflection of progress made

Educational Software Implementation Example

SuccessMaker Computer Functions: Providing Practice and Feedback Research and Analysis: Specific reading or math skills reviewed, and provide extra lessons for those objectives with decreased improvement Results Presentation: Final percentage for students and objective breakdown for teachers Activities Before Computer Use: Locate program and identify user name and password Activities During Computer Use: How many computers being used? Activities After Computer Use: Evaluation/Reflection of progress made