1. Computers in Education
Software & Apps

2. Three Categories
Managerial
Course Specific
Non-Course Specific

3. Managerial Software/Apps
Used for Administrative tasks
Often located on school server
tied to front office.

4. Examples:
Grades
Organizational
Lesson plans
Reports
Parent conf.

5. Course Specific Tied directly to specific course or course content.
Biology, history, math….software/App
More open ended for younger students.
more specific for older students.
Careful not to let software define class objectives.
Multi-media format
Interactive &/or presentation

6. Non-Specific
Allow teachers to work software/app into existing lessons.
Modifies lessons to allow for better comprehension and creativity.
Simple
word Processor
spreadsheet

7. Examples
More Complex
page layout / art / web page
Idea mapping
animation
Video/multimedia
Less likely to determine objectives

8. Determining Software/apps
Availability?
Lists of available titles.
Ask Technology Coordinator
Explore classroom & lab machines

9. Evaluating what you have…
*Before you use, evaluate thoroughly.
Engagement:
Is the software/app intuitive?
Does the software/app open up new ways to learn?
Developmental appropriateness:
Is the content/interface age appropriate?

10. Evaluation cont… Curricular Design:
Does the software/app build on skills and guide students?
Are there opportunities for feedback, assessment, and reflection?

11. Evaluation cont… Student Engagement:
Does the software/app align with your learning goals?
Does the motivational potential exceed the potential for distraction?
Adaptability:
Does the app include a range of levels?
Does the app take advantage of features such as VoiceOver or closed captioning?

12. Evaluation cont…
Software/app evaluation rubrics can be helpful.

13. Rubric example

14. Rubric example

15. Finding?
Look for catalogs that list titles.
Talk with Colleagues

16. Finding/purchasing? Search the web ISTE Go to conferences NECC/ISTE
Visit vendor sites to download evaluation copies.

17. Much of this will be left to you!