There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lessons? What I would decide first, is what NCSCOS goals/objectives am I trying to meet and what can I use to accomplish them. Dare County has a Technology Specialist who coordinates the software. I'd have to check with this person to see what is available for use in the classroom. Also, I'd look at the reviews of the software and check to see what others say. Ultimately, I'd also look at it and review it for myself. I would not just look at software, I'd also look at websites and videos, such as this one.
I understand why students should use educational software and the internet, but why should my fourth-grade students learn to use spreadsheet, database or video editing software? Students of all ages should be doing age-appropriate activities that fall inline with the ISTE NETs standards. They should not be using excel for complicated tasks, but certainly can create graphs and do some math activities. This school website, at Plymouth, IN gives some good activities teachers can use in their elementary classroom using excel. If students wish to compete as they get older, they need to start young to fully comprehend the technology.
How can student use of different types of software help improve scores on state tests? Students enjoy playing the educational games and using the various software programs. They want to learn which reinforces the skills on the program. Additionally, drill and practice software reinforces a skill. Blogs can help elementary students with their writing skills. Many schools, like ours in Dare County, use the Accelerated Reader (AR) Software to go along with the AR books. Students receive feedback, which ultimately improves testing scores. Any program that reinforces skills can only be helping with state test score, im my opinion.
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