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