1. SOFTWARE REVIEW/EMERGING TECHNOLOGY/INNOVATIVE USES PRESENTATION Amber Kuhlman Edu 214 – 1001 – 1002 6/18/15

2. READING DETECTIVE BEGINNING Name of reviewer: Amber Kuhlman Software title: Reading Detective Beginning Publisher: The Critical Thinking Company Cost per single license/lab pack/site license? $22.99 for two computers, $45.99 for six computers Computer compatibility/system requirements: Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000/Me/NT/98, 200 MHz or faster cpu, 98 MB 64 MB RAM, 800x600 or higher resolution display, CD-ROM, sound card Appropriate grade levels: Grades 3-4 Brief description of the software: An educational program that teaches reading comprehension skills through detective cases. Curriculum areas the software meets or addresses: It teaches students reading comprehension skills such as: reading for evidence, facts vs. inferences, and defining vocabulary using context. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the software? It is very educational, but might be difficult for students to complete on their own because it is less fun than other programs. How long did it take you to become familiar with the program? Looking through tutorials, the program seems simple to use and does not take much time to become familiar with it. How long might it take students? Why? As it is designed for third and fourth graders, the program is very intuitive and won’t take long for students to become familiar with.

3. READING DETECTIVE BEGINNING Rate the program according to the following Characteristics/Criteria: SA = Strongly Agree A= Agree D=Disagree NA=Not Applicable __SA_ Program has educational value: __SA_ Program is free from stereotypes: __A__ Content is of interest to students: __SA_ Information is presented clearly and logically: __A__ Graphics, & audio contribute to the educational value: __A__ Students would enjoy using this program:

4. READING DETECTIVE BEGINNING __SA_ Program gives appropriate feedback: __SA_ Students control the program's rate: __A__ Documentation is clearly written: __A__ Teacher's guide is useful: __SA_ Program in progress can be easily saved or exited: __SA_ Program is user friendly: __A__ Skill levels can be adjusted by the user/instructor:

5. RASPBERRY PI Raspberry Pi is a credit card sized portable computer. It plugs in to any computer monitor or TV and uses a standard keyboard and mouse. It has all of the functions of a regular computer, such as: internet, video playing programs, spreadsheets, word processors, and the ability to play games. The Raspberry Pi is inexpensive and designed to teach people of all ages the ins and outs of programming and how computers work. This piece of hardware would be especially useful in education when teaching our younger students how to use computers. Raspberry Pi allows them to explore the world of technology without the risk of damaging expensive school computers.

6. RASPBERRY PI Price - $35 - $100 For more information on the Raspberry Pi, you can visit their website at https://www.raspberrypi.org/. https://www.raspberrypi.org/

7. CELL PHONES IN THE CLASSROOM In Colorado, teacher, Willyn Webb, has found innovative ways to integrate the use of cellphones into her lesson plans. Even though cell phones are technically banned by the district, Webb uses cellphones in her classroom to poll her students, send out homework reminders, and allow her students to look up facts using a google text-messaging service. Her students are more engaged in class after the technological paradigm shift, so the principal looks the other way on the disregard for district policy.

8. REFERENCES Koebler, Jason. (16 October 2011.) “Teachers Use Cell Phones in the Classroom.” Retrieved from http://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school- notes/2011/10/26/teachers-use-cell-phones-in-the-classroomhttp://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/high-school- notes/2011/10/26/teachers-use-cell-phones-in-the-classroom N.a. (N.d.) “The Critical Thinking Co.: Reading Detective Beginning Software.” Retrieved from http://www.criticalthinking.com/reading-detective-beginning- software-6-pc-download.htmlhttp://www.criticalthinking.com/reading-detective-beginning- software-6-pc-download.html N.a. (N.d.) “What is a Raspberry Pi?” Retrieved from https://www.raspberrypi.org/help/what-is-a-raspberry-pi/ https://www.raspberrypi.org/help/what-is-a-raspberry-pi/