Saturday, December 5, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Module 12
Technological Tools for Assisting Students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) and for each Too, Noting Strategies for Teaching ELLs.
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te900.htm
In this article Critical Issue: Using Technology to Support Limited- English-Proficient (LEP) Students' Learning Experiences the article presents the issues and solutions to learning and teaching English Language Learners. The goals of this program are to participate in social environment, communicate in classroom, and participate in society settings.
Technologies that this article discusses are mainly computer base because it presents an individualized and personal experience for each learner. Inspiration is a program that serves as a visual tool that can help these students see the relationship among ideas and how they connect to the bigger picture. Another program that this article discusses is virtual field trips that help students experience things that normally wouldn’t be accessible. This also gives relevant information to English Language Learners that they can use in the everyday classroom situation.
http://www.edutopia.org/technology-software-english-language-learners
In the article The Word and the World: Technology Aids English-Language Learners by Maya Payne Smart it discusses the effective ways for teaching ELLs students. Using technology is one of the greatest ways to learn English because of the multitude of programs that are out there. This article discusses several possibilities including Read Naturally, Scientific Learning’s Reading Assistant, and Project FRESA. Along with basic internet and specialized tools English Language Learners can learn effectively.
Read naturally is a program given to English Language Learners to create fluency. “Reading Assistant is a one-on-one guided oral-reading support program that has speech-recognition software that helps children pronounces words correctly.” Project FRESA creates literacy activities that have meaning in everyday life for these students. An example of one of their projects was creating questions on English and translated it into Spanish to interview workers. They then translated the answer back into English to compile what they have learned.
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te900.htm
In this article Critical Issue: Using Technology to Support Limited- English-Proficient (LEP) Students' Learning Experiences the article presents the issues and solutions to learning and teaching English Language Learners. The goals of this program are to participate in social environment, communicate in classroom, and participate in society settings.
Technologies that this article discusses are mainly computer base because it presents an individualized and personal experience for each learner. Inspiration is a program that serves as a visual tool that can help these students see the relationship among ideas and how they connect to the bigger picture. Another program that this article discusses is virtual field trips that help students experience things that normally wouldn’t be accessible. This also gives relevant information to English Language Learners that they can use in the everyday classroom situation.
http://www.edutopia.org/technology-software-english-language-learners
In the article The Word and the World: Technology Aids English-Language Learners by Maya Payne Smart it discusses the effective ways for teaching ELLs students. Using technology is one of the greatest ways to learn English because of the multitude of programs that are out there. This article discusses several possibilities including Read Naturally, Scientific Learning’s Reading Assistant, and Project FRESA. Along with basic internet and specialized tools English Language Learners can learn effectively.
Read naturally is a program given to English Language Learners to create fluency. “Reading Assistant is a one-on-one guided oral-reading support program that has speech-recognition software that helps children pronounces words correctly.” Project FRESA creates literacy activities that have meaning in everyday life for these students. An example of one of their projects was creating questions on English and translated it into Spanish to interview workers. They then translated the answer back into English to compile what they have learned.
Technology tools for E.L.L.s
http://bigred1214.blogspot.com/2009/11/technology-tools-for-english-language.html
There are many technologies the English Language Learners, such as Closed Captioning and Computer Programs. Closed Captioning can help students with grammar and sentence structure. A technique that can be used with closed captioning is to slow down or take the video step by step for harder to understand concepts. Computer programs, such as Rosetta Stone, can be extremely invaluable because it keeps the student involved with engaging and varying activities. A technique used for this is called "scaffolds" or instructional conversations. Computer programs also offer a multimedia experience with audio and visuals whether in pictures, videos or audio clips.
There are many technologies the English Language Learners, such as Closed Captioning and Computer Programs. Closed Captioning can help students with grammar and sentence structure. A technique that can be used with closed captioning is to slow down or take the video step by step for harder to understand concepts. Computer programs, such as Rosetta Stone, can be extremely invaluable because it keeps the student involved with engaging and varying activities. A technique used for this is called "scaffolds" or instructional conversations. Computer programs also offer a multimedia experience with audio and visuals whether in pictures, videos or audio clips.
Technological Tools for Assisting Students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) and for each Too, Noting Strategies for Teaching ELLs
TRIADIC SCAFFOLDS: TOOLS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS WITH COMPUTERS
http://llt.msu.edu/vol9num1/pdf/meskill.pdf
While English Language Learners are expected to master the English language, they are also expected to learn academic content in the very language they are in the process of learning. With that said, it is very important for teachers to do their best to help these students learn the English language the best they can. Adding the computer into the instructional mix affords many opportunities for this sort of language learning activity. Learning what language sounds like, looks like, and means can be supported and enhanced through teacher and student talk about what they see on the computer screen. A language education can make use of the visual representations of a word or picture on the computer screen to communicatively reinforce word, phrase, and sentence-level meaning. Further, they can direct learners to manipulate what they see on the screen, thereby reinforcing the visual aspects of the language they are teaching.
http://llt.msu.edu/vol9num1/pdf/meskill.pdf
While English Language Learners are expected to master the English language, they are also expected to learn academic content in the very language they are in the process of learning. With that said, it is very important for teachers to do their best to help these students learn the English language the best they can. Adding the computer into the instructional mix affords many opportunities for this sort of language learning activity. Learning what language sounds like, looks like, and means can be supported and enhanced through teacher and student talk about what they see on the computer screen. A language education can make use of the visual representations of a word or picture on the computer screen to communicatively reinforce word, phrase, and sentence-level meaning. Further, they can direct learners to manipulate what they see on the screen, thereby reinforcing the visual aspects of the language they are teaching.
Technological Tools For English Language Learners
It is estimated that by 2015, 1/3 students will be an English language learner. The article, “The Word and the World: Technology Aids English-Language Learners,” by Maya Payne Smart, talks about the various software and other technology that are use for English learners, and the pros and cons of using them. Some of these include, Read Naturally for developing English fluency, the popular Rosetta Stone, and Kurzweil 3000 for scanning text. There are also reading software such as Lexia Reading, My Reading Coach, and Reading Assistant.
According to Wegener-Taganashi, technology can help students with language skills that they can use in social settings. It mixes things up from the normal classroom instruction, and is more interesting to the students. Despite very little study on technology and English Language Learners, educators recommend programs because they aid in faster learning. The negative side says that few classrooms have the technology, and many teachers are not trained. Students need social interaction rather than sitting at a computer. There is also online social interaction where students can talk to other students, and many projects can be done.
http://www.edutopia.org/technology-software-english-language-learners
According to Wegener-Taganashi, technology can help students with language skills that they can use in social settings. It mixes things up from the normal classroom instruction, and is more interesting to the students. Despite very little study on technology and English Language Learners, educators recommend programs because they aid in faster learning. The negative side says that few classrooms have the technology, and many teachers are not trained. Students need social interaction rather than sitting at a computer. There is also online social interaction where students can talk to other students, and many projects can be done.
http://www.edutopia.org/technology-software-english-language-learners
Tools for Assisting Students who are English Language Learners
Now that half of our population are Ell students there are many tools made to help the students succeed in furthering their education. On this web site it mentions that they use 2 important programs to improve students English skills. The first that is mentioned on this site is called Read Naturally; this is a reading program that improves the English fluency of students. Another tool mentioned on this site is one I am familiar with and it is called Rosetta Stone. Rosetta Stone helps students connect pictures with words. This tool helps students with their vocabulary and it is geared toward each student individually, so that they may be challenged for their level. Some disagree with these tools because some teachers do not have the training for these specific tools. I have see students use Rosetta Stone and i agree if the student does not monitor correctly then the student will not improve their English skills.
http://www.edutopia.org/technology-software-english-language-learners
http://www.edutopia.org/technology-software-english-language-learners
Friday, November 13, 2009
Technological Tools for Assisting Students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) and for each Too, Noting Strategies for Teaching ELLs.
http://community.scholastic.com/scholastic/board/message?board.id=ESL&message.id=61
There are several different ways on how teachers can teach ELL students. This article talks about many ways on how teachers can teach ELL students to write. Writing is an important everyday thing that students will have to do throughout their life. In this article, the author list seven tips for teaching ELL students to write. The seven tips are ELL students use a limited vocabulary, are reluctant to use invented spelling, use inaccurate verb tenses, use chaotic writing structure and grammar, are reluctant to share in peer editing, have difficulty making sense of what sounds right and what does not and have cultural differences which make it difficult to express their thoughts through creative writing. Although, these are many challenges that a teacher may face, an effective teacher will use observations to create writing assignments based on their student's abilities. Effective teachers may demonstrate how writing and reading are related and connected to each other. They may also show how writing and reading are tools for thinking and learning. Effective teachers may also demonstrate how brainstorming, drafting, revising and editing are recursive processes.
In most schools, there are centers that let the ELL students go and read to people who are willing to listen and help the particular student with areas that they need help in and to help them use their vocabulary and grammar correctly. For example, here on campus at FGCU we have the Writing Center, which allows students to walk in and have other students or professors read their papers to check for proper spelling and grammar use. We also have the use of spell check on Microsoft Word. Students can use spell check and see what they missed right away. Although this is a very helpful technology tool, students should not rely on spell check all the time.
There are several different ways on how teachers can teach ELL students. This article talks about many ways on how teachers can teach ELL students to write. Writing is an important everyday thing that students will have to do throughout their life. In this article, the author list seven tips for teaching ELL students to write. The seven tips are ELL students use a limited vocabulary, are reluctant to use invented spelling, use inaccurate verb tenses, use chaotic writing structure and grammar, are reluctant to share in peer editing, have difficulty making sense of what sounds right and what does not and have cultural differences which make it difficult to express their thoughts through creative writing. Although, these are many challenges that a teacher may face, an effective teacher will use observations to create writing assignments based on their student's abilities. Effective teachers may demonstrate how writing and reading are related and connected to each other. They may also show how writing and reading are tools for thinking and learning. Effective teachers may also demonstrate how brainstorming, drafting, revising and editing are recursive processes.
In most schools, there are centers that let the ELL students go and read to people who are willing to listen and help the particular student with areas that they need help in and to help them use their vocabulary and grammar correctly. For example, here on campus at FGCU we have the Writing Center, which allows students to walk in and have other students or professors read their papers to check for proper spelling and grammar use. We also have the use of spell check on Microsoft Word. Students can use spell check and see what they missed right away. Although this is a very helpful technology tool, students should not rely on spell check all the time.
Technological Tools for Assisting Students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) and for each Too, Noting Strategies for Teaching ELLs.
Being a new teacher can be a daunting task with many new expectations. Teaching ELL students can be difficult for new teachers when they are thrown in to the classroom without properly having experienced teaching situations. The article I have found helps alleviate that stress that accompanies teaching students who speak English as a second language.
There are all sorts of strategies for teaching ELL students. In this article they advocate the use of ‘total immersion’ as the best way for learning to occur. Creating an environment in which the student learned their native language will allow for a conducive learning of English. One of the strategies that they include for the natural acquisition of English is to use visuals to reinforce spoken or written words. What better way to do these things then with the use of technology.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3747062
There are all sorts of strategies for teaching ELL students. In this article they advocate the use of ‘total immersion’ as the best way for learning to occur. Creating an environment in which the student learned their native language will allow for a conducive learning of English. One of the strategies that they include for the natural acquisition of English is to use visuals to reinforce spoken or written words. What better way to do these things then with the use of technology.
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3747062
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Technological Tools for Assisting Students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) and for each Too, Noting Strategies for Teaching ELLs
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/31169
Introducing and Reading Poetry with English Language Learners by Kristina Robertson is an article about English Language Learners reading poetry aloud to improve their learning which is practice for pronunciation and fluency. Dr. Hughes did research on the subject and said, "paying attention to vocabulary and rhythm develops oral language skills," (Hughes, 2007, p. 1) and the development of oral language skills has a strong correlation to proficiency in reading.
Poems can be used to introduce or practice new vocabulary, language structures, and shorter poems give ELLs a chance to learn an idea while working with a more manageable amount of text. Students will begin to understand and notice differences, as well as understand how the language creates an image or mood. Poetry offers an opportunity for reading, writing, speaking, and listening practice for ELLs.There are other opportunities to include poetry in other contexts such as social studies, history, science, and even math lessons. Poetry also gives students a chance to expand vocabulary knowledge, to play with language, and to work with different rhythms and rhyme patterns. Familiarize students with different kinds of poems, simple and familiar language, images, and themes that are accessible to ELLs, bilingual poetry in English and their native language are a good example.I think poetry encourages students to share their interpretations because poems have different meanings to an individual and not having a right or wrong answer allows conversation.
Introducing and Reading Poetry with English Language Learners by Kristina Robertson is an article about English Language Learners reading poetry aloud to improve their learning which is practice for pronunciation and fluency. Dr. Hughes did research on the subject and said, "paying attention to vocabulary and rhythm develops oral language skills," (Hughes, 2007, p. 1) and the development of oral language skills has a strong correlation to proficiency in reading.
Poems can be used to introduce or practice new vocabulary, language structures, and shorter poems give ELLs a chance to learn an idea while working with a more manageable amount of text. Students will begin to understand and notice differences, as well as understand how the language creates an image or mood. Poetry offers an opportunity for reading, writing, speaking, and listening practice for ELLs.There are other opportunities to include poetry in other contexts such as social studies, history, science, and even math lessons. Poetry also gives students a chance to expand vocabulary knowledge, to play with language, and to work with different rhythms and rhyme patterns. Familiarize students with different kinds of poems, simple and familiar language, images, and themes that are accessible to ELLs, bilingual poetry in English and their native language are a good example.I think poetry encourages students to share their interpretations because poems have different meanings to an individual and not having a right or wrong answer allows conversation.
Technological Tools for Assisting Students Who Are ELL
ELL Spoken Here
http://thejournal.com/articles/2008/04/01/ell-spoken-here.aspx
This website provides a network for teachers of English Language Learners. The concept of this site (The Journal –Transforming Education Through Technology) is to give a support system to teachers in school districts that do not help these educators as they should. The site also points out the No Child Left Behind puts teachers of ELL in a difficult position from the beginning of the year.
I am partial to this website because it supplies links to other ELL sources and has quotes/opinions of actual teachers. Some of the extra references include Childtopia, Dave’s ESL Café, ESL Flashcards, blogs, online educator courses, and specific TeacherTube videos. Each of these links provides tools such as teaching tactics, flashcards, and blogs for the educators to share ideas.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Podcast
Gabcast! EME 2040 #1 - Emily Overby's Podcast
This podcast discusses technological tools in assisting students with special needs.
This podcast discusses technological tools in assisting students with special needs.
http://barrier-free.arch.gatech.edu/index.php
This site offers many tools that can be used for students of various needs. Such as using calculators that talk or have bigger buttons and displays. Using computers to help those with motor skill impairments. It also provides links to these tools which can be very useful to teachers of special needs students. Such as a Math-to-Braille translators so that students with visual impairments can understand the math problems.
This site offers many tools that can be used for students of various needs. Such as using calculators that talk or have bigger buttons and displays. Using computers to help those with motor skill impairments. It also provides links to these tools which can be very useful to teachers of special needs students. Such as a Math-to-Braille translators so that students with visual impairments can understand the math problems.
Podcast
Gabcast! eme 2040 #1 - Venus Ramirez's Podcast
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs
Handhelds and Special Needs Students
This article gives tips to help students with disabilities for example: dyslexia and Dysgraphia. Many times students are affected within their mathematic skills because of their disabilities like dyslexia because students confuse numbers at times. In this article it speaks about a talking calculator that speaks to you. That way the student can catch small errors while doing math functions. Another tool mentioned in this article is reading systems. This tool helps students who take information easier by listening then just reading alone. This article gives a few example websites that have your computer read aloud articles for you. I think some of these tools are very useful in the future for me as special education major.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/articles?71
This article gives tips to help students with disabilities for example: dyslexia and Dysgraphia. Many times students are affected within their mathematic skills because of their disabilities like dyslexia because students confuse numbers at times. In this article it speaks about a talking calculator that speaks to you. That way the student can catch small errors while doing math functions. Another tool mentioned in this article is reading systems. This tool helps students who take information easier by listening then just reading alone. This article gives a few example websites that have your computer read aloud articles for you. I think some of these tools are very useful in the future for me as special education major.
http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/articles?71
What are specific computer applications that can assist students with learning disabilities?
This article located at http://www.washington.edu/doit/Stem/articles?71, has suggestions of some technologies for students with learning disabilities. They are word processers, reading systems, speech Recognition, and Organizational Software. There are tools such as talking calculators and dictionaries, and word prediction programs.
Word processors have many features that help people with Dyslexia. These include spelling and grammar checking, font sizes, and color changes. Reading systems allows the text to be read out loud. OCR, (optical character recognition software), along with a scanner such as Freedom Scientifics’ WYNN, or Kurzweil 3000 are good because they convert text in to electronic format, and read it out using electronic speech and display the text on the screen. Concept mapping software helps people visually organize ideas and thoughts. Speech Recognition software takes words spoken using a microphone and converts them into text. It’s often not a good accommodation if the person has reading difficulties. . Some people have a hard time organizing so they can use software to help organize tasks. As you can see, there are many technological tools that can assist students with learning disabilities.
Word processors have many features that help people with Dyslexia. These include spelling and grammar checking, font sizes, and color changes. Reading systems allows the text to be read out loud. OCR, (optical character recognition software), along with a scanner such as Freedom Scientifics’ WYNN, or Kurzweil 3000 are good because they convert text in to electronic format, and read it out using electronic speech and display the text on the screen. Concept mapping software helps people visually organize ideas and thoughts. Speech Recognition software takes words spoken using a microphone and converts them into text. It’s often not a good accommodation if the person has reading difficulties. . Some people have a hard time organizing so they can use software to help organize tasks. As you can see, there are many technological tools that can assist students with learning disabilities.
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs and Noting the Specific Learning Outcomes for each Technology.
One of the many challenges in today’s classrooms is the diversity of students. This is not just applicable to ethnicity, but also to students’ diversity in learning skills. Everyone processes information at a different rate so it is difficult sometimes as a teacher to teach the same lesson to every student. This article by Lisa Wahl and Julie Duffield offers advice to teachers that may be having some difficulty with diverse learners.
The article gives some advice concerning some change-ups when making a lesson plan for students with differing needs. Also, there is information covering specific disabilities and/or specific learning objectives such as reading and math. The article states, “Simple graphics software and word processors, as well as resources and tools found on the Internet, offer students a variety of ways to access content, work with information to develop understanding, and demonstrate what they know.” (WestEd) After reading this article a teacher may gain a new point of view for teaching kids with diverse needs.
http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/kn-05-01.pdf
The article gives some advice concerning some change-ups when making a lesson plan for students with differing needs. Also, there is information covering specific disabilities and/or specific learning objectives such as reading and math. The article states, “Simple graphics software and word processors, as well as resources and tools found on the Internet, offer students a variety of ways to access content, work with information to develop understanding, and demonstrate what they know.” (WestEd) After reading this article a teacher may gain a new point of view for teaching kids with diverse needs.
http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/kn-05-01.pdf
podcast
Gabcast! EME 2040 #1 - Erica Reill's podcast
Different learning abilities call for different needs that are beneficial to all.
Different learning abilities call for different needs that are beneficial to all.
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs and Noting the Specific Learning Outcomes for each Technology
The article Basic Technology Tools for A Diverse Student Population expresses how important it is for each student to have access to the curriculum in ways that suit their learning. The author talks about different enhancements that can be put in the classroom to help certain portions of the student population that may actually end up profiting other students in the classroom as well. One example the author gives us is the use of sound amplification systems, like speakers, that can be put in the classroom to assist students with a hearing loss. By using these sound amplification systems students with attention deficit disorder and those for whom audio is a learning-style strength, can also benefit from this!
Digitized text also allows accessibility to a much wider audience than previously possible, particularly if assistive tools are provided. Text manipulations can be done by the student for easier reading by changing font sizes, contrast, colors, etc. Text speech readers can convert the text to speech, and tools can be used to highlight words and sentences as the reader progresses at the appropriate rate and offer vocabulary assistance when needed. Multimedia content such as audio files, ebooks, images, video and interactive programs offer teachers a broad range of options to enhance their content for learners of all styles. The key to these different examples is that the teacher is the one that needs to assist in using different technology to assist students of diverse populations.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Gabcast - Samantha Ramraj's Podcast
Gabcast! EME 2040 #1 - Samantha Ramraj's Podcast
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs and Noting the Specific Learning Outcomes for each Technology
http://www.techlearning.com/article/8902
Basic Technology Tools for Diverse Learning Needs discusses how schools are being held accountable to show that all students are learning, every student must have access to the curriculum in ways that suit their learning. In Universal Design for Learning, the author talks about using an open approach when we design educational environments to meet the entire range of learners. Kathy Weise emphasizes how important basic desktop tools are. She states, "It is important for teachers, aides and staff to have professional development training in learning to use these tools and enable students' exposure to their capabilities and use." Curriculum and lesson plans are critical because when changes are put into the lesson up front less time is spent than in making changes later for each individual need.
Technology increasingly offers a growing range of digital resources that can provide content to a classroom of diverse learners in many ways. One way that technology offers a growing range of digital resource is, students have the choice of changing the text size, color and contrast. Multimedia content allows students to listen to the story while following along in the book.
Basic Technology Tools for Diverse Learning Needs discusses how schools are being held accountable to show that all students are learning, every student must have access to the curriculum in ways that suit their learning. In Universal Design for Learning, the author talks about using an open approach when we design educational environments to meet the entire range of learners. Kathy Weise emphasizes how important basic desktop tools are. She states, "It is important for teachers, aides and staff to have professional development training in learning to use these tools and enable students' exposure to their capabilities and use." Curriculum and lesson plans are critical because when changes are put into the lesson up front less time is spent than in making changes later for each individual need.
Technology increasingly offers a growing range of digital resources that can provide content to a classroom of diverse learners in many ways. One way that technology offers a growing range of digital resource is, students have the choice of changing the text size, color and contrast. Multimedia content allows students to listen to the story while following along in the book.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Podcast
Gabcast! EME 2040 #0 - Sara Schroeder's Podcast
The subject of this podcast is Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs
The subject of this podcast is Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs
Show is Better than Tell - Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs
Show is Better than Tell
By Chris Charuhas
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech214.shtml
The article Show is Better Than Tell by Chris Charuhas, is an extremely well thought out article which states that it is the teacher’s job to be able to teach everyone. Chris writes that by using less text, and more visuals, it is easier for many special needs students to comprehend what is to be learned. He also noted that using large pictures with step-by-step tasks (minimal text) had a huge response from parents who praised this process. Often teachers overcomplicate lessons. By making the learning process simpler for students with learning disabilities and low English efficiencies, they where better able to grasp the topics at hand because there was less un-needed text and there was a presence of vivid visuals for them to consider. Another interesting point was that when tested online and in text, students without learning disabilities also enjoyed this learning process.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs and Noting the Specific Learning Outcomes for each Technology
http://www.kweise.net/portfolio/lesleygrad/5007/UDL%20article_kweise.pdf
Basic Technology Tools for A Diverse Student Population discusses that every student has strengths and difficulties when it comes to school. Schools are being held responsible for the learning of all students.In schools today there are many languages, learning styles, tool skills, backgrounds, disabilities, access, and engagement that all effect learning. There are ways to reach every student, it may take a little effort.
Making enhancements is not only beneficial to one student but can benefit more. For example, the use of sound amplification systems in classrooms can assist students with hearing loss but also benefit students with attention deficit disorder and students whom are audio learners. For students who have visual impairment text manipulations can be done by changing font sizes, contrast, and colors. Also, text speech readers can modify the text to speech, and tools can be used to highlight words and sentences, and offers vocabulary aid when needed for students that speak different languages. In my experience assessing one students needs does benefit many students. I have always been allergic to chalk so my classrooms that had blackboards switched to whiteboards or smartboards which are newer tools in education.
Basic Technology Tools for A Diverse Student Population discusses that every student has strengths and difficulties when it comes to school. Schools are being held responsible for the learning of all students.In schools today there are many languages, learning styles, tool skills, backgrounds, disabilities, access, and engagement that all effect learning. There are ways to reach every student, it may take a little effort.
Making enhancements is not only beneficial to one student but can benefit more. For example, the use of sound amplification systems in classrooms can assist students with hearing loss but also benefit students with attention deficit disorder and students whom are audio learners. For students who have visual impairment text manipulations can be done by changing font sizes, contrast, and colors. Also, text speech readers can modify the text to speech, and tools can be used to highlight words and sentences, and offers vocabulary aid when needed for students that speak different languages. In my experience assessing one students needs does benefit many students. I have always been allergic to chalk so my classrooms that had blackboards switched to whiteboards or smartboards which are newer tools in education.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Module 11
Technological Tools for Assisting Students with Special and/or Diverse Needs and Noting the Specific Learning Outcomes for each Technology
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htm#langlearner
In the article, Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement, the ninth paragraph down present information on students with disabilities and how to improve their learning through technology. Two main ways that technology helps students with disabilities is modifying text to match the specific needs of the students reading it and allowing accommodations for students with disabilities to participate in standardized testing. Students with disabilities are usually separated from the rest of the school and with the help of technology these students can become integrated with the rest of their school.
The first goal of technology when helping students with disabilities is allowing them to access materials in a more manageable way. “Text styles and font sizes can be modified as needed by readers with visual disabilities; read aloud by computer-based text-to-speech translators; and integrated with illustrations, videos, and audio.” The second way that technology helps with aiding students with disabilities is by helping with standardized testing. “State academic content and achievement standards now define the goals of education for all students, and most students with disabilities are now expected to reach the same level of proficiency as their non-disabled peers.” With the help of technology students with disabilities are able to work in a more proficient and accessible way that helps them achieve the goals that are set for them.
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/methods/technlgy/te800.htm#langlearner
In the article, Critical Issue: Using Technology to Improve Student Achievement, the ninth paragraph down present information on students with disabilities and how to improve their learning through technology. Two main ways that technology helps students with disabilities is modifying text to match the specific needs of the students reading it and allowing accommodations for students with disabilities to participate in standardized testing. Students with disabilities are usually separated from the rest of the school and with the help of technology these students can become integrated with the rest of their school.
The first goal of technology when helping students with disabilities is allowing them to access materials in a more manageable way. “Text styles and font sizes can be modified as needed by readers with visual disabilities; read aloud by computer-based text-to-speech translators; and integrated with illustrations, videos, and audio.” The second way that technology helps with aiding students with disabilities is by helping with standardized testing. “State academic content and achievement standards now define the goals of education for all students, and most students with disabilities are now expected to reach the same level of proficiency as their non-disabled peers.” With the help of technology students with disabilities are able to work in a more proficient and accessible way that helps them achieve the goals that are set for them.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Websites providing Test data
http://professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/sat-subject/scores/data
This is the college board website. It is easy to use and full of useful information for every nation-wide given test such as the SAT, AP, CLEP, and so on. It also shows you what information the teachers will use and what the scores can be used for. It also explains how the data can identify what kind of student you are. It also provides the average scores and also gives you option to compare scores.
This is the college board website. It is easy to use and full of useful information for every nation-wide given test such as the SAT, AP, CLEP, and so on. It also shows you what information the teachers will use and what the scores can be used for. It also explains how the data can identify what kind of student you are. It also provides the average scores and also gives you option to compare scores.
The Nation's Report Card - National Assessment of Educational Progress - NAEP
The National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP, is where you can compare national and state student performance. For this reason, it is called the Nation’s Report Card. Students are tested in reading, science, writing, mathematics, and many other subjects. The test data is used to compare state to national, and to other state’s progress.
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/faq
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/faq
Websites Providing Test Data from National, State, and Local Educational Resources
This website Florida Department of Education is a great website. When looking at this site I focused on FCAT (Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test) scores from different years, grades, and categories. You can look up scores by subject such as Science, Writing, Math, or Reading. When you go to Prior Years FCAT Scores & Reports, you can choose the type of report, the county, the year, the grade, and the subject. Scores can be looked at all the way back to 2001.
This website has very easy access. It also has a Frequently Asked Questions page that has over 100 questions about different state tests and exams that people may have. There are different statistics throughout the website and you can compare different parts of the state and even districts. This website is a great example of a site that has different educational resources.
http://www.fldoe.org/default.asp
This website has very easy access. It also has a Frequently Asked Questions page that has over 100 questions about different state tests and exams that people may have. There are different statistics throughout the website and you can compare different parts of the state and even districts. This website is a great example of a site that has different educational resources.
http://www.fldoe.org/default.asp
Friday, October 9, 2009
http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2009/2009064.pdf
National Center of Education Statistics
The web site is a data resource from harvard law library. The website gives figures on all types of drop out rates. It gives the rates by age 15-24 in grades 10-12. It also shows results by family income and lifestyles. The Resources come from the united states and International, but the website also shows the positive aspect with graduation and completion rates. The website has so much information to take in, but the NCES provides at least 50 pages of scores from 2000 to 2009.
National Center of Education Statistics
The web site is a data resource from harvard law library. The website gives figures on all types of drop out rates. It gives the rates by age 15-24 in grades 10-12. It also shows results by family income and lifestyles. The Resources come from the united states and International, but the website also shows the positive aspect with graduation and completion rates. The website has so much information to take in, but the NCES provides at least 50 pages of scores from 2000 to 2009.
Websites Providing Test Data from National, State, and Local Educational Resources
I went onto Florida Department of Education website to find test data at state, and local level about the FCAT. I liked this site because you can compare different states like Florida and New York or districts like Broward and Lee. The search can be as specific as you desire, the subject(s), year(s)and/or, grade level(s). I wanted to know what people felt about a test called the FCAT. Does FCAT Pass The Test?,By Jay P. Greene and Marcus A. Winters discusses the FACT. FCAT stands for Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. There is a debate about the FCAT, many teachers believe they "teach to the test" which forces teachers to cram information teachers know will be on the test to students instead of teaching to the curriculum. The other side believes that "teaching to the test" is not a bad thing if teachers teach the general knowledge that is expected of students to know while in school, for example learning to read and do math.
I grew up in Florida so I know about the FCAT. Many of my friends were in danger of not graduating high school because of the test. Although my friends were passing their reading and math classes they did not pass one or both parts of the test. I was told by one of my past teachers that some parts of the FACT won't be covered in the curriculum until after the FACT will be taken. It is my understanding that the FACT is an assessment of what knowledge is expected of that year. How is it possible to be tested on material that will be learned in April, May, or June if the test is in March?
http://fcat.fldoe.org/
http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/_tampatrib-does_fcat.htm
I grew up in Florida so I know about the FCAT. Many of my friends were in danger of not graduating high school because of the test. Although my friends were passing their reading and math classes they did not pass one or both parts of the test. I was told by one of my past teachers that some parts of the FACT won't be covered in the curriculum until after the FACT will be taken. It is my understanding that the FACT is an assessment of what knowledge is expected of that year. How is it possible to be tested on material that will be learned in April, May, or June if the test is in March?
http://fcat.fldoe.org/
http://www.manhattan-institute.org/html/_tampatrib-does_fcat.htm
Websites Providing Test Data from National, State, and Local Educational Resources
The website that I found is for East Lee County High School. It provides FCAT results from grades 9-11. The website also provides a brief overview of what FCAT is and why Florida uses the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). This website allows us to see the percent of students who scored at or above grade level and also provides us with the state average in a certain subject area. What I like about this website is, you can compare East Lee County High School with other schools in the same district and compare their test scores, school grades and parent reviews.
http://www.greatschools.net/modperl/achievement/fl/7423#fcat
http://www.greatschools.net/modperl/achievement/fl/7423#fcat
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Websites Providing Test Data from National, State, and Local Educational Resources
http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_assessment/data.html
This website is for the evaluation of performances of the students so that teachers and faculty can improve. They have two links that show State Assessment Data and National Assessments of Student Performance. The different tests range from reading and writing to science and math. There are different levels of passing that place the students into ranges where the researchers can accurately manipulate the data.
This website is open to the public so that everyone has access to the where the students, state, and country are rated compared to others. Putting this as public knowledge makes sure changes are made to approve testing. There are several other links that show different test results and with this wide range more informational data can be collected for research.
This website is for the evaluation of performances of the students so that teachers and faculty can improve. They have two links that show State Assessment Data and National Assessments of Student Performance. The different tests range from reading and writing to science and math. There are different levels of passing that place the students into ranges where the researchers can accurately manipulate the data.
This website is open to the public so that everyone has access to the where the students, state, and country are rated compared to others. Putting this as public knowledge makes sure changes are made to approve testing. There are several other links that show different test results and with this wide range more informational data can be collected for research.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Nation's Report Card
The Nation’s Report Card website is offers a lot of information on any given state’s educational data. It allows anyone to view bountiful statistics pertaining to educational resources and tools. There are different statistical breakdowns that can be reviewed by state or in general.
The purpose behind the website is to offer public knowledge of schools’ performance that can be as general as the whole nation, or as specific as a single school. This information can be useful for a picky parent or an inquisitive student. Overall this website provides detailed analysis of SAT scores and more in-depth resources with convenience.
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/
The purpose behind the website is to offer public knowledge of schools’ performance that can be as general as the whole nation, or as specific as a single school. This information can be useful for a picky parent or an inquisitive student. Overall this website provides detailed analysis of SAT scores and more in-depth resources with convenience.
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Data-driven teachers by Dr. Scott McLeod
The main purpose of this article was to describe data-driven decision-making (DDDM). DDDM is a method of teaching exercises that helps create better information/data about students for the educators to utilize. To properly conduct the DDDM strategy, one should use five steps/elements.
First, have/create good baseline data, which can be shared with administrators to adjust the curriculum. Next, the teacher should create measurable instructional goals which are specific, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound (SMART). Then, the educator should have frequent formative assessments because this type of assessment has been proven to have a greater impact on student learning than many other practices. The fourth element of DDDM is to share the findings with a professional learning community to distribute the results of the data so that educational practices can be significantly improved. Finally, the educator should remain focused on instructional interventions, and remember that short-term goals add up, as do many small improvements.
http://www.schoolcio.com/showarticle/21990
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Websites for Classroom Instruction Excel, PowerPoint and Word
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm
This website can be very useful because it not only offers tutorials for Excel, PowerPoint and Word, but also it offers tutorials for various windows applications and even operating systems. It also offers tutorials of Excel, PowerPoint and Word when used on other computers or operating systems, along with shortcuts and basic skill learning.
http://www.fsdb.k12.fl.us/RMC/tutorials/office.html
This is a very basic website that is easy to navigate. It offers a lot of resources for teachers. It also teaches teachers how to use the programs to make things to use in class such as quizzes and crossword puzzles.
This website can be very useful because it not only offers tutorials for Excel, PowerPoint and Word, but also it offers tutorials for various windows applications and even operating systems. It also offers tutorials of Excel, PowerPoint and Word when used on other computers or operating systems, along with shortcuts and basic skill learning.
http://www.fsdb.k12.fl.us/RMC/tutorials/office.html
This is a very basic website that is easy to navigate. It offers a lot of resources for teachers. It also teaches teachers how to use the programs to make things to use in class such as quizzes and crossword puzzles.
Websites Providing Tutorials Emily Overby
http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/archives/techtorials.shtml
This website has a mass amount of information on PowerPoint, Excel, and Word along with curriculum programs, web design, and links for special needs students, and early childhood. This website is very assessable and has the option of either viewing the “techtorial” online or having a printable version. This website has great ideas for all grades and useful tutorials that every teacher should view.
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm
This website is a great tool for tutorials on Microsoft Office and using PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. The website takes small step by step instructions in the different fields so you can either go through the whole process or pinpoint your weak spot. Another great aspect of this website is it has applications for how to use Dreamweaver and Kidspiration which are two great programs that teachers can use in the classroom.
This website has a mass amount of information on PowerPoint, Excel, and Word along with curriculum programs, web design, and links for special needs students, and early childhood. This website is very assessable and has the option of either viewing the “techtorial” online or having a printable version. This website has great ideas for all grades and useful tutorials that every teacher should view.
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm
This website is a great tool for tutorials on Microsoft Office and using PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. The website takes small step by step instructions in the different fields so you can either go through the whole process or pinpoint your weak spot. Another great aspect of this website is it has applications for how to use Dreamweaver and Kidspiration which are two great programs that teachers can use in the classroom.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Tutorials for Using Word, PowerPoint and Excel
http://shareme.com/showtop/e-learning-demo.html
This site is a listing of learning demos. It includes tutorials for Excel, Power Point, MathAid, and many more. Unfortunately, you have to pay for these systems.
http://www.lttechno.com/links/spreadsheets.html
This website was designed to help researchers create spread-sheets. It includes both general information, and divides based on grade range. It is also separated into topical categories, such as science, math, and social studies.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tutorials for Microsoft Programs
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_word.htm
• This website not only offers tutorials for Microsoft Word/Excel/and Power Point, but it also offers resource material that is helpful for other technologies in the classroom. The tutorials are very user friendly and can easily be integrated into any teacher’s curriculum.
http://coekate.murraystate.edu/kate/trainingandtutorials/
• The Kentucky Academy of Technology Education website is something that can be useful to anyone, not just a teacher. They offer multiple links to tutorials on all the Microsoft software; in addition it also gives certain tips and tricks for all the software.
• This website not only offers tutorials for Microsoft Word/Excel/and Power Point, but it also offers resource material that is helpful for other technologies in the classroom. The tutorials are very user friendly and can easily be integrated into any teacher’s curriculum.
http://coekate.murraystate.edu/kate/trainingandtutorials/
• The Kentucky Academy of Technology Education website is something that can be useful to anyone, not just a teacher. They offer multiple links to tutorials on all the Microsoft software; in addition it also gives certain tips and tricks for all the software.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Using Word, PowerPoint and Excel in K-12 Classrooms
http://www.sabine.k12.la.us/class/excel_resources.htm#Excel%20Templates
Classrooms that Excel Resources has guides, applications, tutorials, and lesson plans using excel. One reason I find that this is a good site is because it breaks classrooms K-12 into elementary, middle, and high school grade levels and appropreate lessons for the level. On the other hand, when you click on some of the links the pages are not found.
http://swapp.canyonisd.net/1589104131246247/lib/1589104131246247/project_brainstorming.pdf
Brainstorming Ways to Utilize Word, PowerPoint and Excel gives ideas to using Word, PowerPoint, and Excel in the classroom. Letter writing,notetaking, spelling, vocabulary were some ideas for using Word. Some examples for PowerPoint useage are review for tests, quizzes, introduce new curriculum concepts, and book report.Last, Excel are to teach reading graphs, tables, charts, data gathering, and comparing data.
Classrooms that Excel Resources has guides, applications, tutorials, and lesson plans using excel. One reason I find that this is a good site is because it breaks classrooms K-12 into elementary, middle, and high school grade levels and appropreate lessons for the level. On the other hand, when you click on some of the links the pages are not found.
http://swapp.canyonisd.net/1589104131246247/lib/1589104131246247/project_brainstorming.pdf
Brainstorming Ways to Utilize Word, PowerPoint and Excel gives ideas to using Word, PowerPoint, and Excel in the classroom. Letter writing,notetaking, spelling, vocabulary were some ideas for using Word. Some examples for PowerPoint useage are review for tests, quizzes, introduce new curriculum concepts, and book report.Last, Excel are to teach reading graphs, tables, charts, data gathering, and comparing data.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Microsoft Office Tutorials
Here are 2 websites for learning Microsoft Office. The first one is http://www.officetutorials.com
This website provides downloadable Tutorials of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as Access and publisher, and Mail. The homepage says you can download and share them even though they are copyrighted. The Tutorials are used by K-12 schools, colleges, businesses, and many others. The Tutorials are organized by program. The 2007 Microsoft programs have their own sections on the site because of all the changes that were made.
If you rather not download, then go to http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm. this website has Office Tutorials for both PC and Mac. You can select either basic or advance depending on your knowledge of the Microsoft Office Programs. They even have keyboard shortcuts for people who are unable to use the mouse, or if you want to access features quicker.
Both these websites are pretty easy to use, and you have your choice of downloading or viewing online.
This website provides downloadable Tutorials of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as well as Access and publisher, and Mail. The homepage says you can download and share them even though they are copyrighted. The Tutorials are used by K-12 schools, colleges, businesses, and many others. The Tutorials are organized by program. The 2007 Microsoft programs have their own sections on the site because of all the changes that were made.
If you rather not download, then go to http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm. this website has Office Tutorials for both PC and Mac. You can select either basic or advance depending on your knowledge of the Microsoft Office Programs. They even have keyboard shortcuts for people who are unable to use the mouse, or if you want to access features quicker.
Both these websites are pretty easy to use, and you have your choice of downloading or viewing online.
Microsoft Tutorials
http://www.pitt.edu/~edindex/OfficeindexXP2.html
This website shows how to begin using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. There are 10 lessons on how to use Microsoft. The site teaches those who are not familiar with Microsoft, but t goes more in depth of what other things you can do with Microsoft for those who know how to use it.
http://academics.smcvt.edu/cbauer-ramazani/gsl520_online/howtos2.htm
This website seems more complicated then my first website. This site is for beginners and intermediate. I think the site would help me alot with how to make power point more professional then how i do them now.
This website shows how to begin using Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. There are 10 lessons on how to use Microsoft. The site teaches those who are not familiar with Microsoft, but t goes more in depth of what other things you can do with Microsoft for those who know how to use it.
http://academics.smcvt.edu/cbauer-ramazani/gsl520_online/howtos2.htm
This website seems more complicated then my first website. This site is for beginners and intermediate. I think the site would help me alot with how to make power point more professional then how i do them now.
Microsoft Tutorials
This website explains everything that you need to know about PowerPoint, Excel and MS Word. A step-by-step process is included on the website for each program. The three programs are listed on the homepage of the website and you just have to click on which program you need assistance with to get to the tutorial. More than one tutorial is available for each program depending on if you are a beginner or if you are advanced with the program.
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm
The second website that I found also had a lot of information concerning PowerPoint, Excel and MS Word. The website is very easy to understand as well; all you have to do is click on the link that says Office Tutorials.com and it takes you to the main page for the program tutorials you are looking for. From there, you just look at the left hand column for the program tutorials you need help with.
http://www.georgetownisd.org/ccorner/technology/msofficeprogs.asp
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line.htm
The second website that I found also had a lot of information concerning PowerPoint, Excel and MS Word. The website is very easy to understand as well; all you have to do is click on the link that says Office Tutorials.com and it takes you to the main page for the program tutorials you are looking for. From there, you just look at the left hand column for the program tutorials you need help with.
http://www.georgetownisd.org/ccorner/technology/msofficeprogs.asp
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Microsoft Tutorials
Internet 4 Classrooms
This website explains everything you would ever need to know about all different programs including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. The website is very easy to access; all you have to do is click on the program and it goes to a new page that breaks down the program and you can click on which ever link that you need help with. I have already saved this website to my computer, this is a site that will help me and other future teachers a lot!
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_excel.html
ESSENTIAL MICROSOFT OFFICE XP: Tutorials for Teachers
This website has a lot of great information on all of the Microsoft Office programs which includes Excel, PowerPoint, Word and more. This website has easy access as well; all you have to do it look in the left column and click on which program you want to learn about. The only thing I didn’t like was that info for each program is very wordy, but I guess there is a lot of information to learn on each program.
http://www.pitt.edu/~edindex/OfficeindexXP2.html
This website explains everything you would ever need to know about all different programs including Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. The website is very easy to access; all you have to do is click on the program and it goes to a new page that breaks down the program and you can click on which ever link that you need help with. I have already saved this website to my computer, this is a site that will help me and other future teachers a lot!
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/on-line_excel.html
ESSENTIAL MICROSOFT OFFICE XP: Tutorials for Teachers
This website has a lot of great information on all of the Microsoft Office programs which includes Excel, PowerPoint, Word and more. This website has easy access as well; all you have to do it look in the left column and click on which program you want to learn about. The only thing I didn’t like was that info for each program is very wordy, but I guess there is a lot of information to learn on each program.
http://www.pitt.edu/~edindex/OfficeindexXP2.html
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools
Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes
By: Emily Overby
URL: http://www1.american.edu/IRVINE/eval.html
Description: This website discusses how the use of technology and computers in the classroom should not be the only methods teachers use. Through the use of different types of strategies for testing out these programs like talking with other educators or testing it with students the teachers are able to see if the tested program is viable for the objectives. Along with this the website also presented actual steps for teachers to use when analyzing programs.
Opinion: I found this website to be very helpful when it comes to evaluating software for instructional purposes. It gave you not only a worksheet but a fourteen step process to work through to see if the program is viable. Along with graphs and a brief explanation of the purpose this website is an overall helpful aid in this process.
URL: http://www.thejeo.com/Archives/Volume3Number1/DePaoloFinal.pdf
Description: This website describes web-based survey software and tells of the advantages of using them. This website creates a clear and easy process of how to create one and the different methods of doing so. The website states that web-based surveys help enhance the lesson along with creating a better communication between the students and teacher.
Opinion: I found this website to also be helpful when it comes to creating and presenting surveys in your classroom. This website gave a list of other website where you can create surveys along with charts and descriptions of this task. It is also organized perfectly so you have no problem finding what information you need.
URL: http://www.childrenssoftware.com/evaluation.html
Description: This website is an overall article that presents the problem of too much software to choose from and how evaluation of the software is needed to enhance this important aspect of education. The website goes into the history of evaluating software and the problems and advancements that have happened. It also tells in detail what software is and the reasons why it is important to evaluate it.
Opinion: I found this article to be interesting and helpful when understanding how to evaluate interactive programs. This article went into great details and presented lots of different facts. It correlated perfectly with my article I reviewed and would help any teacher understand this matter better.
Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes
In the article, EVOLUTION OF EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE EVALUATION: INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE ASSESSMENT written by (Bayram and Nous) the main purpose surrounds the idea of revolutionizing educational software through evaluations and assessments. The main goal of educational software is to be effective in the classroom and serve students and teachers to enhance learning. The article discuses the need to revolutionized instructional software rather than just producing mass products of the same quality at faster rates. The final aspect of this article is the discussion of terms and how they are interchangeable at times while at other times it means completely different things. “The four words description, review, evaluation and usability combined with the words software, technical, pedagogical, or educational, generate a set of 16 possible terms hindering a simple across-the-board comparison of software.”
The article also tells of how teachers choose software to best fit their program they are teaching. Since the technological revolution there are several options to choose from when picking programs to assist the objectives the teacher puts into place. Only through working with the program personally and testing it out is the teacher able to choose what is best for their students. The usability of the mass amount of products is another subject this article touches on. Many of these programs do not meet the needs to fulfill the objectives and it has been that way for many years. “The weaknesses identified often with evaluation practices include their normative nature, subjectivity, lack of reliability, and difficulty in obtaining an overall impression”. In conclusion the article states how evaluations of the use of computers in curriculum and the different types of educational software is greatly needed to revolutionize this field.
http://www.tojet.net/articles/324.htm
Bayram, Servet and Albert Nous. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology . April 2004. 25 9 2009.
The article also tells of how teachers choose software to best fit their program they are teaching. Since the technological revolution there are several options to choose from when picking programs to assist the objectives the teacher puts into place. Only through working with the program personally and testing it out is the teacher able to choose what is best for their students. The usability of the mass amount of products is another subject this article touches on. Many of these programs do not meet the needs to fulfill the objectives and it has been that way for many years. “The weaknesses identified often with evaluation practices include their normative nature, subjectivity, lack of reliability, and difficulty in obtaining an overall impression”. In conclusion the article states how evaluations of the use of computers in curriculum and the different types of educational software is greatly needed to revolutionize this field.
http://www.tojet.net/articles/324.htm
Bayram, Servet and Albert Nous. The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology . April 2004. 25 9 2009
Evaluating Software for Classroom use
By: Nolan Ryan
Electronic Materials for Children and Young Adults
http://eduscapes.com/earth/management/softevaluation.html
This website offers possible hints and helpful ideas on what you should evaluate software you are going to use for the classroom. The website is very basic and easy to use.
This website can be useful and easy to navigate but needs to be formatted better. Seems to be well organized
Evaluating and Choosing Instructional Software
learning.sec.hccs.edu/members/.../ECIS-Presentation-Sandra5-2007.ppt
This isn't a website but a link to a PowerPoint. Its gives you a deep understanding of what to look for and what to avoid when choosing a software for use in the class room.
This can be useful because it can be used when internet access isn't available. It's a little lengthy and it seems to need a high understanding for certain terms in order to understand what the PowerPoint is trying to say.
General Techniques for Evaluation of Learning and Instructional Materials
www.unilorin.edu.ng/.../GENERAL%20TECHNIQUES%20FOR%20EVALUATION%20OF...
This is a PDF which means it can used offline. As mentioned in the title this gives you a general idea of what to look for in classroom software.
This can be useful because it can be used offline. Seems to be like a professional paper done by a college professor. Can be useful for first time teachers or those who are new to using technology to help teach.
Software Evaluation for Educational Purposes
- Title: IDEAS: Instructional Design for Elearning Approaches
- Summary: This website gives different source of information for teachers to research when it comes to e-learning. Some of the offered links open up PDFs that are incredibly helpful in determining software choices.
- Opinion: My evaluation of this website/blog is moderate. There could be more useful links for educators to follow.
http://www1.american.edu/IRVINE/eval.html
- Title: Software Evaluation
- Summary: Fantastic outline of how to evaluate software for instructional purposes. This website has different strategies bullet-pointed for easy interpretation. Also, there is a form that can be printed out in order for others to evaluate effectiveness of software.
- Opinion: This site is by far is chalked full of useful information that can help an educator determine the pros and cons of software instructional. Navigating the site is also VERY user friendly.
- Title: GENERAL TECHNIQUES FOR EVALUATION OF
LEARNING AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: A.O. Abolade (Ph.D.)
- Summary: This PDF is a comprehensive explanation of how to evaluate teaching methods utilizing technology.
- Opinion: I believe that the article is somewhat accurate and it also offers a bibliography. Articles are sometimes more useful then information you might find on a website laced with links.
Evaluating Software
This article has several categories for selecting software. These include Drill and practice, Tutorial, Simulation, instructional games, problem solving, and Integrated Learning Systems. There are links of examples of all of them. Next, it gives a checklist of Criteria for selecting software in each of these categories. The software selected should have no grammar errors, is up to date, and no stereotypes. It should be easy to use, and have no technical errors.
This article seemed really involved, and it would be hard to remember all the Criteria for selecting software. The important thing is to read reviewsfrom teachers, and if possible, test the software out for yourself. It should be fun, and capture your student’s attention.
http://towson.dhauf.com/istc301/software.shtml
This article seemed really involved, and it would be hard to remember all the Criteria for selecting software. The important thing is to read reviewsfrom teachers, and if possible, test the software out for yourself. It should be fun, and capture your student’s attention.
http://towson.dhauf.com/istc301/software.shtml
Evaluating Software Programs for Your Course
Evaluating Software Programs for Your Course\ Glencoe Online: 2002
This article outlines the importance of how different types of software and hardware can affect the way children learn in the classroom. Depending on the software students can learn more compared to other instructional tools. There are also some other things that are not as obvious when evaluating these materials. They include: price range, software distribution, software location, and support.
Even if you find great supplemental software that would fit great into the curriculum it has to be able to fit into the allotted budget and properly configured for the available computers. The final decision of whether to use certain software in the classroom comes down to the teacher.
http://www.glencoe.com/ps/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/print/1
This article outlines the importance of how different types of software and hardware can affect the way children learn in the classroom. Depending on the software students can learn more compared to other instructional tools. There are also some other things that are not as obvious when evaluating these materials. They include: price range, software distribution, software location, and support.
Even if you find great supplemental software that would fit great into the curriculum it has to be able to fit into the allotted budget and properly configured for the available computers. The final decision of whether to use certain software in the classroom comes down to the teacher.
http://www.glencoe.com/ps/teachingtoday/educationupclose.phtml/print/1
Evaluating Software for Classroom Use
You should evaluate the software that you are going to use in the classroom on many different points. You should evaluate it on not only on how the students but how you teacher can use it. Is it easy to check how the students are doing? Does it neatly summarize their grades in a table or some other easy to read format? Are there some applications of the software that tests the students on how well they understand the information being taught to the students?Is it age appropriate? There could be many ways to evaluate the software used in class. It all depends on what you are going to use the software for. It is hard to evaluate the software needed until you fully understand the curriculum and how you can fit the software into it.
Evaluating Technology For instructional Purposes
Evaluating Technology for instructional Purposes
Jean Niflis
- Evalutech
http://www.evalutech.sreb.org/
This website, from the Southern Regional Education Board, contains searchable database of thousands of print and software reviews in several subjects and formats. It has certain criteria for reviews to be accepted. Anyone in the country can use this resource.
I like how there are guidelines for each review so you’re not just getting something that someone wrote up. I also like how there is a list of keywords in case something you tried to search didn’t work.
- Education World
http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/archives/edurate.shtml
This website gives reviews based on real experiences of using the software in the classroom. It also has many resources such as columnists, tips, and links to websites that they think are the best.
This website has lots of interesting and fun resources and reviews for teachers.
- SuperKids Software Review
http://www.superkids.com/aweb/pages/reviews/reviews.shtml
This website has searchable reviews as well as a list of all software reviews in alphabetical order. The reviews are from parents, teachers, and kids.
To me, this website is less cluttered, and you can find information easier based on how it’s organized.
Instructional Purposes of Evaluating Software and Hardware
Summary of Article- Selecting Software for Young Learners
This article was created to help educators choose the correct and most cost efficient software possible. It States that you should be aware of what kind of software you are looking at (tutorials, point& click, creative, word processors, etcetera). Next it says to read through the reviews of the product and consider if the claims being made are valid. It is then suggested that you converse with others about your options and try to test the software (like with a demo). Finally, consider both how free the child is to explore the software and the message behind the work (i.e. does it stereotype, involve violence, pursue winning, etc.)
How Does It Relate?
By using the seven step method provided by the Kristen Haugen, a teacher can select, and therefore evaluate different software and have a standard by which to choose from. In a way it is like a rubric for deciding whether or not to use the materials.
My Opinion:
I greatly enjoyed this web page because it provides information in a simple, easy to understand style. I also appreciate the checklist that was provided. This is the kind of resource that could enhance many classrooms if it were well known.
What Needs To Be Further Researched?
There are a few areas that need to be further researched. First, does this method of evaluation work at higher levels. Next, is it practical to take so many steps to produce an evaluation of software? Finally, can this system be utilized by every type of educator?
ATA-Resources-AT in K-12-Selecting Software. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2009, from
http://www.ataccess.org/resources/atk12/selectsoft.html
This article was created to help educators choose the correct and most cost efficient software possible. It States that you should be aware of what kind of software you are looking at (tutorials, point& click, creative, word processors, etcetera). Next it says to read through the reviews of the product and consider if the claims being made are valid. It is then suggested that you converse with others about your options and try to test the software (like with a demo). Finally, consider both how free the child is to explore the software and the message behind the work (i.e. does it stereotype, involve violence, pursue winning, etc.)
How Does It Relate?
By using the seven step method provided by the Kristen Haugen, a teacher can select, and therefore evaluate different software and have a standard by which to choose from. In a way it is like a rubric for deciding whether or not to use the materials.
My Opinion:
I greatly enjoyed this web page because it provides information in a simple, easy to understand style. I also appreciate the checklist that was provided. This is the kind of resource that could enhance many classrooms if it were well known.
What Needs To Be Further Researched?
There are a few areas that need to be further researched. First, does this method of evaluation work at higher levels. Next, is it practical to take so many steps to produce an evaluation of software? Finally, can this system be utilized by every type of educator?
ATA-Resources-AT in K-12-Selecting Software. (n.d.). Retrieved September 23, 2009, from
http://www.ataccess.org/resources/atk12/selectsoft.html
Instructional Software and Hardware Tools
By: Sara Schroeder
Title – Selecting Software for Young Learners
Summary – This site helps teachers select software for their classroom. It assists the educator by listing ten things to consider, and a check list to follow when getting ready to choose software for the classroom.
Opinion – I really like this web page because it gives information in a simple, easy to understand style. I also appreciate the checklist that was provided.
Title – Free Software & Teaching Resource Search
Summary – This site provides a tool-bar for educators to quickly find and create classroom activities such as word searches.
Opinion – I like this site because it can be useful to create fun classroom activities for younger students. Unfortunately, it is less helpful to teachers at the secondary level because many of the activities are too simple for older students.
Title – Educational Software Evaluation for Teachers
Summary – This site is designed to help with grading software. This software automatically calculates the grades based of the specifications of the educator. It also provides the ability to install a password so parent can check their student’s grades, and students can view past assignments.
Opinion – I dislike this site because most of what is provided is given to the teacher when they begin their career in a school.
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