Choosing Educational Software

Choosing appropriate software for the classroom can be tricky at times. This can be an overwhelming and time consuming task. For me, a lot of consideration must be given to the time it takes to learn and set up the program, and if I need to organize lab time in order to utilize the program effectively. Since lab time in my school can be very challenging to acquire, activities need to be well timed, and predictable in terms of length.

Despite this challenge, I am still able to find many other methods for technology integration through use of the SmartBoard. The SmartBoard allows me to present, simulate, and explore new concepts every day! I often use the SmartBoard as a station in group activities ranging from investigations, to drill and practice games, to enrichment activities. This has allowed me to move away from "technology application days" that were separate from "regular teaching days", to incorporating technology into my everyday teaching.

My starting point is variable. Sometimes I have a specific learning outcome in mind, and choose software that will enhance the process. Other times, I discover new technology or have a specific program in mind, and then try to think of ways that the program will enhance the learning of my students. Wherever the starting point, some other key considerations for me are:

Curriculum Connections
The program should help most students reach the learning goal of the lesson or activity.

Accessibility to students and teachers both at school and at home
If the program is more accessible, there are more opportunities for integration in the way of student practice at home, or for assessments and evaluations.

Audience engagement
The program should appeal to the target audience (students AND teachers). Let's face it, why would teachers make an effort to incorporate technology that they themselves do not enjoy using? Some factors include overall presentation, such as quality graphics, multimedia options, interactive games, and appropriate quantity and quality of text per page.

Reliability
The program needs to function reliably and consistently. Time needed to set up and get program ready for use should be fast and predictable.

Flexible Integration
There are a variety of ways of integrating the software into the classroom. For example, investigation and exploration activities, simulations within lessons, practice and consolidation activities, enrichment or remedial activities, and/or games.

User friendly
This is the most important feature for me. Ease of navigation and use of features is critical for use in the classroom.

Below are some of the programs that I often utilize in my lessons or class activities, and the ways in which they are most commonly used.

Fathom and Excel - For organizing data, creating charts and graphs, analyzing the relationships between variables.
ExploreLearning.com - For simulations, practice and consolidation, investigations, visualizations, and interactive games.
Geometer's Sketchpad - For investigations, simulations, visualizations of abstract concepts, graphing, and designing.
Smart Technologies Notebook software - For presentations, simulations, practice and consolidation, and games.

Marcia