ict resources for maths and science teachers workshop 3: evaluating educational software
TRANSCRIPT
ICT resources for maths and science teachers
Workshop 3: Evaluating educational software
Refresh your memory
Previous workshop
Evaluated web-based teaching resources Have you used some resources more extensively? Have you found new resources?
Experience
Don't learn to do, but learn in doing. Let your falls not be on a prepared ground, but let them be bona fide falls in the rough and tumble of the world. * Samuel Butler
What is your experience of educational software?
Categories of Educational Software
Repetition and practice. Especially in Foundation Phase and remedial situations.
Basic skills development.
Cognitive (thinking) skills development.
Broad categories
Instructional Learning area-specific.
Content and skills. Concepts would be specific to learning areas.
Repetition (drill) and practice. High number of repetitive tasks to develop mastery.
Broad categories
Developmental. Basic skills development.
Numeracy and literacy development in the lower phases. e.g Maths Blaster. Creativity and organisational tools - content-free tools.
Organise and present data in creative ways. Cognitive skills development.
Content-rich educational software. Aims to develop higher order thinking skills.
Remedial and special needs. Specifically appropriate for use in remediation and for special needs.
Simulations. Siimulates what could be done in reality.
Activity 2: Evaluate educational software
Work in pairs. 45 min
Identify which evaluation tools to use. Evaluate the software. Identify how learning principles are supported.
Reflection.
Activity 4: Sharing
Interest groups of up to 8. 45 min
Share evaluations. Demonstrate parts.
Homework reflection
Consider how youcould use the software in class with learners
Make some points on what activities you will design for learners.
Bring a worksheet or exam paper that has many equations in it to the next workshop