Evaluation of Software #3 – Sheppard Software for Kids. (Grammar Tutorial: Verbs in Space, Adjectives, Noun Explorer and Comma Chameleon)

This grammar tutorial software was found on the Sheppard Software for Kids website. The website was an “F” designed, on a white canvas filled with numerous colourful icons. The icons were specific to the subject area the student wanted to explore. The games therein related to multiple topics which can be found in a local curriculum. The website contained a plethora of games and even new games which the student practiced. Navigating each window was easy and the instructions were direct and clear.

The student assessed the credibility of the software and found it to be a good educational source for its relevant purpose. The student focused on the vocabulary games, which the software provided. Clicking on the icon was all that was needed for full exploration of a game which is educational from the start. According to Piaget, the game “allows the student to construct their own knowledge, through exploration”.

The Grammar tutorial window, for instance allows the student to design a stage character using relevant Parts of Speech, for example: nouns, adjectives and verbs. As the student click on the relevant parts of speech a window appears with the definition and an example. The student can then click on the parts of speech icon, which access a scroll down of, specific parts of speech, which when clicked on demonstrated the appearance of the character based on the type chosen. Clicking on “play”, took the student to another window where another parts of speech could have been explored in the same approach. After the task was completed from the three parts of speech mentioned, the student was shown a description of the character he created.

The student found the tasks within the software to be very unambiguous. Also the language used was simplistic and relevant to the zone of proximal development of kids for which it was intended. Feedback was given to students with a sounding round of applause. The student was also able to put what they have learnt into practice by playing a variety of relevant games. However much of the instructions were not audible and the student had to read out the instructions for clarity. On the upside, there was much auditory, with reference to the games.

Here the students are learning by doing and exploration. The software was an Instructional Game which included problem solving. However there were tutorials before each drill and practice and the student was also simulated with the character which they themselves created. This approach can be viewed as a holistic attempt directed to automaticity. Here the students are learning by doing and exploration. From a teaching perspective, the software has a constructivists approach. It is one which scaffolds students, According to Vygotsky and allows them to individually construct knowledge According to, P

Evaluation of Software #2 – IXL Math Practice for Kindergarten (identifying shapes, counting money, and more).

 

IXL Kindergarten Skills is a software which assist students by building their mathematical solving skills. The software is colourfully attractive and easily navigated through an ‘F’ designed page. Students can explore and practice all the skills relevant to their Zone of Proximal Development. The links allow students, teachers and parents to easily navigate through its various subsections.

The software provides Reports on student’s progress and Awards for their success by tracking the student’s score on each test taken. It also provides information on the State’s Standards of Education, which signifies it’s credibility and allows for Membership to the site. Therefore much information and feedback is provided to the student for gauging their performance and building their confidence.

The software can be classified as one which is based on Drill and Practice and Problem solving. It takes the constructivist approach, of learning by doing, according to Piaget and Vygotsky. The awards, which successful students receive act as a positive reinforcement for increasing the likelihood of students’ continuous success, according to B.F. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning. It is also an individual effort which is geared towards helping students master maths.

The software had time limits, which at times frustrated the student and took away from it’s motivational factor. However, The software  had audio (verbal) and visual (written) instructions, which effectively allowed  ‘dual coding’ of the instructions. The software also represented it’s instructions very well through symbols and pictures which helped students link  the concrete to abstract and gave thorough explanations for  given answers when questions were incorrectly answered.

The software is one a Teacher would use as an educational tool, if the objective is to direct students towards automaticity.

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade/pre-k/

Evaluation of Software #1 - Your Baby Can Read Software

Your baby can read website is a colorful, easily navigated site which immediately draws the student’s attention. With the use of visual and audio effects, one is given a short course on the concept, uses and functions and effects of the software which was invented by Dr. Titzer. There are also video polls of parents communicating and demonstrating the effects of the software on their babies.

This software is an interactive one, which is geared towards giving a child an early start in Language Development and Reading Skills. It has been promoted by the concept which states that: ‘Children benefit greatly from getting a much earlier start since a child basically has only one natural window for learning language; from about birth to age four, according to Dr. Titzer.

The software uses Books, DVD s, Dual sided Cards and Game Cards and songs which engages learners through interactive sessions carried out by Parents or Teachers. The application works by stimulating the baby’s brain through ‘dual coding’ techniques; The baby sees the written word then hears the spoken word, the baby can then get to say the word or show actions.

The most interesting thing about this software is that it is easy to use and both parents and teachers can be a part of this fun learning experience which includes ‘sing-a-long’ songs. Also it is not just specific for babies but accommodates learning throughout different levels as the child grows older. Therefore The student continues to learn after mastering each stage.

There are some concerns that the software thrives on ‘recall of memory’, however the colours used in the software are attractive, the instructions are clear and repetitive. It focuses on proper pronunciation of words and uses pictures to help students link the concrete to the abstract.

The software looks at critical periods of learning and allow students to develop language and Reading skills through guided discovery, according to “Brain Based Learning”.

http://www.yourbabycanread.com