Chapter 4 Reflection

1) There are so many types of software; how do I know which ones to include in my lessons?

     I think all the software discussed in this chapter has a place in the classroom. The trick is finding what works for you and your students. The two mentioned that I use most with my First graders are search engines and games. We use search engines to find information about topics we are studying. The students also use educational games on days when they go to our school's computer lab, or when it is their day for Computers during center time. These games are picked out for them and usually review a skill they have learned.

2) 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?

      All three of these technologies are helpful when students need to present something they have learned. For example, the students may be working together to find and show how much money they could make at a summer lemonade stand. They could use the spreadsheet to plug in their data (cost, profit, etc.) and use video editing software to make a video presentation of their findings.

3) How can student use of different types of software help improve scores on state tests?

      The more students practice skills, the better they will do when tested on those skills. Software that is used to review math, reading, science or social studies skills will improve students' test scores if used often enough. This is only true when teachers are making sure the games students picking go along with the skills they are learning and being tested on.