a. Pick one piece of software to use in the classroom. Identify the software and the instructional objectives and goals you will meet.
I am not yet teaching but the software that is most appealing to me, that I would use in my classroom is the “creative” or “critical thinking” software. I think it is very important for students to discover different ways of learning and also to be allowed to learn in their own individual ways. While I am not very familiar with the creative type educational software, it seems that its use in the classroom would really fit with my philosophy as a teacher. I think it is very important for students to be able to learn as individuals, able to have choices within the curriculum, and not have to be put into a mold. This creative software will allow students to find new ways of thinking.
b. After using the software with your students, discuss what went well and what challenges you faced. What would you do differently if you were to use the software again? Note: If you are not teaching yet, you will pick software that you have seen used by others, or pick one you know you will use to complete this part.
I have seen many different software types used in the various classrooms I’ve been in. When I did observation hours, I observed a second grade class using the “successmaker” software. I also have subbed as a teacher aid many times and have seen teachers using “successmaker” software, using the smart board, and other educational gaming software (I am not sure of the actual name of this software).
It seems to me that successmaker software is a drill and practice type of software, where the students are completing math problems then are given their score. The teacher uses their scores to monitor their progress in math (I am pretty sure successmaker does more than just math but math is one only genre of successmaker I have seen used). If the teacher is not satisfied with the score the student gets they frequently ask the student to try the same program again so that they can try again for a higher score.
The gaming software I have seen used in classrooms really appeals to students and that is the one they always seem to want to use during “free” computer time or during their centers. This type of software is more like simulation software and the types I have seen are less question and answer and more role playing and progress based.
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