Find the Best Software

Assignment Six

McKenzie, W. (2003). Find the best software: Using bloom's taxonomy and multiple intelligences to select and use software. Learning and Leading with technology, 30(8), 54-58.

• What considerations need to be made on selecting software for the classroom?

When selecting software for the classroom, you should consider how it will best fit the class / students. Such as: 

Tutorial: offering content, concepts, and skills with the opportunity for their application.

Guided Practice: application of specific skills with support, interaction, and feedback

Independent Practice: use of specific skills to reach an identified goal.

Assessment: evaluation of student mastery of specified skills and concepts through appropriate tasks.

Heuristic: learning activities that require problem-solving skills and provide for more than one strategy to successfully complete the tasks.

Productivity: used for writing, composing, organizing, sorting, calculating, drawing, painting, and publishing.

Simulation: providing a vicarious experience for the students through electronic means.

• Describe what you feel is most important to consider after reading this article.

I feel the most important thing to consider when selecting software is to make sure it is user friendly for the students. Teachers who use software and learning methods should make sure it is user friendly so students do not get frustrated.  Software lesson programs like Jumpstart.com are a great tutor resource for students and it is very user friendly.  I also found websites like BBCtyping.com is a great tool for teaching first grade and up how to type on a computer. Both softwares are safe, kid-friendly, and easy to use for beginners.

• How might software address multiple intelligences?

Software might address multiple intelligences like Visual/Spatial: with software programs that create charts, graphs, maps, tables, illustrations, art, puzzles, costumes, and many other materials.  The visual/spatial intelligence allows students to picture ideas and solutions to problems in their minds before they are able to verbalize them or put them into practice.  I found a math software game called My Mathematical Life that fifth graders and up enjoy. In My Mathematical Life, "Students discover the math involved in everyday living as they take a character from high school graduation to retirement, advising on important health, education, career, and financial decisions. Students apply math skills, create representational models, and develop critical thinking, strategic planning, and time management skills as they work to ensure their character’s happiness. Students select a character to guide through the ups and down of life. Working as an advisor, your students help the characters manage their resources to the fullest to achieve their personal goals" is explained on Sunburst.com.

• Find at least one site on the Internet that explains multiple intelligences and why they are important to consider.

The article, “Multiple Intelligences: A Theory for Everyone” explains the different types of intelligences, the importance of how to teach to the different learner types, and how to implement the lesson styles in the classroom.  It also provides the 8^th Intelligence!

Guignoon, Anne (1998). Multiple Intelligences: A Theory for Everyone. Retrieved from http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr054.shtml