Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purpo

Evaluate Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

Samantha Ramraj

• Load ‘Em Up: The Best Software in the Education World!
  
  
  
  • http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech102.shtml
    
  • Description: This website is really great, because the Tech Team has given their picks for the best software programs for classroom use. They recommended programs in eight categories, in which they would consider best for classroom use. Next, they evaluated the programs based on certain criteria. Also, several teachers have commented on their must-have tech tools for educators. They talked about what their favorite software is to have in classrooms along with software that they wouldn’t recommend teachers having in their classroom.
    
  • Opinion:  I really enjoyed this article because it would help me out in the future when I become a teacher. I will have a better idea of what software’s I should include in my classroom that would make it run more smoothly.
  
  
• Evaluating the usability of Web-based learning tools
  
  
  
  • http://www.ifets.info/journals/5_3/storey.html
    
  • Description: In this article, the authors are discussing the results from a study to experimentally compare two commercially available learning tools in a university course. They considered tools that would be suitable for diverse courses campus-wide.
    
  • Opinion: I liked this article because; it was very informational with letting you know what to consider when picking software for the classroom. I didn’t like this article because, it was more of a study based on an experiment.
  
  
• Selecting Software for Young Learners
  
  
  
  • http://www.ataccess.org/resources/atk12/selectsoft.html
    
  • Description: In this article, Kirsten Haugen of KidsCan explains that selecting software for your classroom can be a daunting task. She list seven steps in selecting the perfect software for your classroom: know the various types of software, evaluate software reviews, question the claims, talk with friends and colleagues, make use of demos and previews, avoid the “No Back Out Blues” and look for messages about Learning, Cooperation, Culture and Gender.
    
  • Opinion: This article was great and I liked it because it was brief and to the point. Kirsten Haugen listed several steps that would help a teacher out when selecting software for their classroom. She also included a checklist to assist us when evaluating software.