week 11 and 12 response to peers

Week 11

1YF

Week #11 YFM Summary of Integrating Problem-Solving and Educational Software

COLLAPSE

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When we use the technology in our class, the first thing that we need to do is select a problem-solving software and an educational software appropriate for the subject and grade level you teach or plan to teach, the common types of problem-solving software that are increasingly seen in today’s classrooms include games and simulations. A key benefit of well-designed educational games is that they are structured to require application of content knowledge and skills in order to “win” the game, which results in students wanting to learn the information rather than learning it to pass a test. Educational software gives the student the opportunity to engage in interactive basic skills practice that provides immediate individual performance feedback. Integrated Learning Systems (ILS) provide instructional content, mastery-type practice, feedback, and assessments that are aligned to state standards of the purchaser and tracked by individual students;  Although increasing student performance in mathematics, and reading. Using NTeQ to Integrate Problem-Solving and Educational Software, the Five Key Components are: Computer Functions, Research and Analysis, and Activities During, Before, After Computer Use.

2 AG

Integrating Problem-Solving and Educational Software

Instructional software is an exciting development for use in the modern classroom. Problem-solving and educational software provide learners with a platform to exercise and develop critical thinking skills. Simulations and games are the common problem-solving software used in the classroom and are designed to boost the ability of students to observe, recall, organize, formulate, and analyze ideas. Programmers design educational games that compel students to apply their content skills and knowledge in order to win the game. The competitive and immersive nature of games mean that students will spend hours acquiring information, which they certainly would not have done to pass a test or exam. Another type of educational software is practice and drill exercises that give students the opportunity to practice foundational skills and receive immediate feedback on their performance. ILSs (Integrated Learning Systems) offer instructional feedback, mastery-type practice, assessments, and content that closely adhere to state standards. Although ILSs can improve performance in mathematics, they are less successful in developing reading and comprehension skills. The principles of effective pedagogy intrinsic to problem-solving and educational software are individualization, immediate feedback, student motivation, active learning, social learning, scaffolding, and self-assessment. The online Educational Software Preview Guide (ESPG) provides a list of software programs recommended for use in Prek-12 classes. Programs that have received favorable ESPG reviews are SuperKids, Discovery Education, Children Technology Review, and TEEM (Teachers Evaluating Educational Multimedia). The criteria used to evaluate software are ease of use, content accuracy, research-based instructional approaches, learning assessment, and effective instructional goals. Lastly, NTeQ is an invaluable model that alters the traditional roles of student and teacher. Teachers should take five essential components into account when preparing lesson plans based on the NTeQ model, namely the computer functions required for successful lesson execution, the research and analysis necessary, and the student activities to be completed before, during and after computer use.

 

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3 WEEK 12

YA

Lecture 2: Assistive Technology for COMMUNICATION

Positive things:

Any device, system or method that improves the ability of a child with a communication impairment to communicate effectively. The benefits that assistive technology have for improving the communication are incredibly good. For example, students can have access to print materials such as large print books, audio books, desk top magnifiers. Also, it provides access to writing for students with visual impairments like lower screen resolution, high contrast settings, screen magnification software, screen reader software, scan and read software, refreshable braille output. Assistive Technology for Students with Hearing Impairments is, on the other hand, another good option for them because it facilitates kids with disabilities the use of especial equipment to improve their learning process.

 

Possible negatives:

One of the negatives of this use could be the expensive cost. Many technologies are thousands of dollars and many school districts do not have the funds to provide these tools. Also, to be able to use them properly, training must take place, which is very time consuming.

4 OG

Lecture 1: Assistive Technology (AT) for Families

The lecture notes are comprehensive and outline several aspects that can be viewed as either positive or negative. On the positive aspects, the lecture notes provide a comprehensive explanation of what ATs are and their uses. For instance, it is stated that they are pieces of equipment or product system that improve the functionality of children with disability (FCTD, n.d). Also, the lecture notes provide AT's uses and state that they are essential in aiding daily living, communication, and access to communities.  

There are, however, negative aspects that can be noted in the lecture.  The lecture highlights some of the policies that protect the education of the learners with disabilities, the notable being IDEA, IEP, and Rehabilitation Act (FCTD, n.d). However, it fails to explain to the readers where individuals can seek redress when these provisions are violated. The lecture also provides that individuals can be helped to afford the ATs, especially when they are incapable of purchasing them (FCTD, n.d). It, however, fails to explain the specific criteria that need to be met. For instance, it is stated that the age factor is a determinant for funding but fails to state which age bracket of learners can benefit from financial help.