Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1999

Publication Title

Information Technology in Childhood Education

Volume

1999

Issue

1

Pages

255-261

Abstract

A software review procedure developed by the authors is described. The procedure centers around a form that extends the functionality of traditional software evaluation forms by enhancing the use of the computer software in the early childhood classroom. The form encourages teachers to discover ways a piece of software can be integrated across disciplines and used as an anchor for instruction. Users of the review form are also encouraged to examine ways the software motivates the user to remain engaged in its use. The majority of the review form emphasizes the important role of the teacher in identifying outcomes or skills, which may be acquired while using the software. Outcomes or skills are divided into nine areas of development: (a) physical development, (b) social/emotional development, (c) language development, (d) math/science development, (e) problem solving development, (f) self-esteem/confidence development, (g) aesthetic development, (h) multicultural awareness, and (i) creativity development. After addressing the outcomes in the nine areas of development, the reviewer creates activities, which can be applied to those areas. The review form was developed as an aid to educators in using software, which is age appropriate and individually appropriate.

Comments

Copyright by Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. Reprinted from and with the permission of AACE (http://www.aace.org).

ORCID

0000-0002-9810-1760 (Childress)

Original Publication Citation

Childress, M.D., Lee, G.L., & Sherman, G.P. (1999). Reviewing Software as a Means of Enhancing Instruction. Information Technology in Childhood Education Annual, 1999(1), 255-261. Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).

Share

COinS