Step 1: Online Article
In their article, Predicting Quality in Educational Software, Squires and Preece cite Nielsen’s (1994) version of ten usability heuristics. At the end of their article, they also note an initial set of “learning with software heuristics.” I pinpointed additional key questions based on eight of these guidelines that I feel should be considered when evaluating software for classrooms.
1. Does the software have “visibility of system status”? Will my students know what is occurring while they are using the system?
2. Is there a “match between the system and real world”? Are my students going to understand the language used by the system?
3. “User control and freedom”- Will my students be able to undo actions independently and without having to retrace unneeded or unwanted steps? Is the system easy to navigate and/or kid-friendly?
4. “Consistency and standards”- Will my students have to wonder whether one term means different things or will the system’s terms be used and defined consistently?
5. “Recognition rather than retell”- Is the system visually set up in such a manner as to allow my students to find their way? Are directions visible and clear as well?
6. “Flexibility and efficiency of use”- Will the system cater to both my beginning and advanced learners easily? Will it self-adjust levels based on my students’ responses?
7. “Aesthetic and minimalist design?- Does the system contain a copious amount of elements that aren’t necessary for learning to take place? Do they interfere with the elements that are actually relevant for student learning?
8. “Help users recognize, diagnose, and recover from errors”- Will my students be able to solve their errors independently without my a...
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...district/state standards.
ISTE Evaluation Tool
This form was probably the most thorough of all the forms. It included plenty of room on which to detail strengths, weaknesses, the learning strategy in the design, and final recommendations. It also included detailed directions on how to use the form, along with a list of the definitions of the acronyms. It was similar to Kathy Schrock’s form and the above Computer Software Evaluation Form because there were sections to note the software’s promotion of real-world connections, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and creativity. This again reminded me of Squire and Preece’s adherence to socio-constructivist methods and those that promoted cognitive skills. Lastly, I would say that it was also partly tied to SRI guidelines because it addressed student grouping and assessment guidelines.
Information and Software Technology Years 7–10: Advice on Programming and Assessment. (2003). Retrieved April 10, 2014, from http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/syllabus_sc/pdf_doc/info_soft_tech_710_support.pdf
works in a way that results in continuous improvement of student learning. Within this system instructional software, assessment tools… may be used to provide or determine instruction/interventions and supports for studentsEfficaciously teach all students
Schiffma, S.S. (1991). Instructional systems design: Five view of the field. In G.J. Anglin (Ed.),
4.2. Learners and others should have access to information that will help support the assessment process.
In chapter four the focus switches away from assistive technology supporting students in one content area and focuses on the teaching profession and how assistive technology can assist teachers to employ a universal design for learning. The Universal Design for Learning (UDL) promote learning that best for the student and promoting students a variety of methods to express their knowledge.
"When we talk about communication, we are talking about peoples' lives, no less than that - so there really are no degrees of freedom. If we get it wrong, if we miss the boat - people drown" (Mirenda, 2008). I feel that it is our duty to provide not only meaningful education but a means in which the students are given the tools necessary to function and communicate to the best of their abilities and AAC can do this. The Assistive Technology tools can assist the students to improve their communication and have a bright future in which they are a productive, independent adults.
Assessment templates and documents – Most centers will have a certain format that has been agreed and put in place for Assessors to use. For example, when planning assessment, there will be standardised forms for you to use to record assessment planning as well as feedbacks.
Instructional Design is a systematic approach to design, evaluation and management of instruction. It helps to facilitate learning in an effort to improve. There are many models that have been developed to assist in the design of instructional materials. This paper will compare three: ADDIE, ASSURE and Kemp with a focus on online learning.
Luchoomun, D.; McLuckie, J.; van Wesel, M., 2010, Electronic Journal of e-Learning, v8 n1 p21-30, Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/EJ880096.pdf.
Nguyen, T, Mondragon, F, O'Brien, W, Jackson, K, Issa, R, & Rojas, E 2012, 'Student Background and Implications for Design of Technology-Enhanced Instruction', Journal Of Computing In Civil Engineering, 26, 5, p. 562, Publisher Provided Full Text Searching File, EBSCOhost, viewed 13 April 2014.
In the article by Chris Preston and Lee Mowbray (2008) a kindergarten classroom was the choice of installation of the interactive hardware. The justification for using this technology with Kindergarten children was their short attention span and the ability of the interactive whiteboard to keep them actively involved promoting learning (Preston and Mowbray 2...
Post-use evaluation as a valuable, but least administered type of evaluation tries to measure the actual effects of the materials on the users. It can measure the short-term effect as regards motivation, impact, achievability, instant learning, etc. and also it can measure the long term effect as regards durable learning and application. It can answer such questions as:
...n because of the ability they present to measure student knowledge at any moment. I did not know before using the Technopedia site that there were so many different types of student response systems. I always just imagined the basic student response system with four A, B, C, and D buttons. However, the fact that you can have student response systems that allow for elaboration to open-response questions make this technological tool even more useful and effective. With so much pressure on standardized testing, this tool allows teachers to question and rank the knowledge of each individual student. Furthermore, because of the abilities of current Smartphones, the expensiveness of student response systems goes out the window in a classroom that allows cell phone use. I truly believe that both of these technologies can truly change and positively effect education.
The integration of various computer technologies have pushed designers of curriculums to modify their teaching and instructional design in such a way that they promote the essence of instant, interactive, and transferrable knowledge. There...
Learners’ satisfaction and results of the project are shown through interviews and surveys. Teachers say that the apps were a studying tool and that learners used numbers and phonics more confidently. Insightful results in independent test show good academic results. Results show improved scores.