Software Selection
Sally Gilstrap
Shasta County Office of Education
dsgilstrap@shastalink.k12.ca.us
W 530.225.0255
H 530.244.4362
Why?
My Mistakes…
Standards
Opportunity to Learn
Building the Wall – Brick by Brick
Have and Have Nots
Multicultural
Is Software the Best Way to
Accomplish the Goal?
Is the computer the appropriate medium
to use to satisfy particular instructional
goals and objectives. Identified
Standards.
There is always the possibility that a
careful needs analysis will result in a
decision to use some other teachinglearning strategy
Needs & Goals
Identify the Need
Set the Goal
Does this software directly meet the goal
and how will this be measured?
Begin With the End in Mind
Standards to be addressed
Forms of Assessment
Communication provided to parents and
students
Environment – lab vs. classroom : Do I
have enough access to support the use of
software in this lesson
Types of Software Programs
Technology “The Constant”
Automaticity: Drill and Practice
Problem Solving
Research and Reference Tools
Technology the Constant
Word Processing Software
Desktop Publishing Software
Test Generators and Test Question Banks
Worksheet Generators, Certificate
Generators, PuzzleMakers
Databases: Gradebooks
Presentation Software
Technology The Constant
Common Software Titles
Include: Word Processing, Desktop Publishing,
Graphics, Spreadsheet, Database and
Presentation Software
Microsoft
StarOffice Products
ClarisWorks
Word Perfect
Etc…
Automaticity - Drill and
Practice
Standards Addressed
Pre-Mid-Post Assessment
Reports for Parent, Student, Teacher
Teacher Controls Student Placement
Time on Task
Home License?
Where will students access?
Multicultural?
Parent Communication Component?
Automaticity – Drill and
Practice
Commonly found titles
WiggleWorks
SpellIt3
Math Blaster
Etc…
I am not recommending any of the above
mentioned titles but attempting to give some
titles as an example of typical drill and kill
programs.
Problem Solving
Simulations
Open Ended – Student Controlled
Oregon Trail
Etc.
I am not recommending any of the above mentioned
titles but attempting to give some titles as an
example of typical drill and kill programs.
Research and Reference
Internet – Web Browsers
Encyclopedia
Etc…
Quality Software Review
Checklist
1. Determine specific content, grade
level, student group to be addressed.
2. Make sure to select the best type of
software for the learning situation.
3. Use the following questionnaire to help
determine effectiveness of software for
particular learning situation.
Instructional Design:
Is the level of the software ageappropriate?
Is the purpose of software open-ended?
Are there references supporting the basic
ideas?
Does the software support instructional
themes or concepts?
Author/Publisher:
Is the author a known expert in this field?
Is a contact included for technical
assistance?
Does the publisher have an inherent
bias?
Is a reputable organization taking credit
for the software?
Source:
Can you tell when the software was created?
Are versions updated regularly ?
Are the links/resources up-to-date?
Are sources documented in a bibliography?
Are opposing views acknowledged respectfully?
Is there an explanation of methods used to
interpret info?
Ease of Use:
Is the software user friendly?
Is information ordered; logical; clear
directions/indexes?
Do graphics and multimedia add to the
software quality?
Is using the software a pleasing experience?
Is the cost justifiable to your needs?
Does the software track student progress?
Is there an assessment component?
Ranking
All Software is not alike.
Criteria In a Nutshell
Identify Standard to be taught
Content
instructional presentation
demands placed on the learner
technical features
documentation and management features
Ellsworth and Hedley (1993)
Specify Requirements
 Compatibility with available hardware
 Cost
Will the school need multiple copies of the software?
Will a site license be necessary?
user friendliness
level of interaction desired
adequacy of documentation
access to technical support via toll-free number
direct correlation with the instructional
objectives and curriculum requirements
identified in the needs analysis. (STATE
STANDARDS)
Ask…
Macintosh or PC Platform
Will it work on my Operating System
Hard drive Space
RAM Requirements
Processor Speed
Other Hardware Requirements
Keep Asking…
How big are the files you will be creating.
Video, sound, graphics are large
Where will you store the files?
Will you be trading files or e-mailing
them?
Keep Asking…
Is staff development included in the
software purchase?
Can a demo disc be ordered for preview
Did it load, launch and run?
Is there phone or online support
Video or CD training?
Ongoing costs for updates and license?
Ready to Buy!
ONE MORE THING!!
Sound? If it is instructing have you
listened to the pronunciation?
Have you used the product to see how
long it will take your students to get past
the introduction and into the heart of the
curriculum?
Freeware Instead?
http://www.tucows.com/
Shareware?
You download and use for a specific
time before you pay.
Software Piracy
Laws and regulations throughout the world
condemn software piracy. For example, in the
United States software piracy is punishable by
statutory damages of up to $100,000 for each
work infringed and may result in a felony
conviction. Penalties for felony convictions
include fines of up to $250,000 (US) and
imprisonment for up to 5 years. To find out
more on how to protect you and your company
from software piracy, please read on.
Software Piracy
What Is A Software License Agreement?
A software license agreement is a legal
agreement between a software user (the
licensee) and the software developer that
sets the terms and conditions under which
the software and its accompanying
materials may be used.
What Are The Facts About
Software Piracy?
The five most common forms of software
piracy are:
1. "Softlifting"-the creation of
unauthorized copies by a licensed user
for the use of fellow employees,
colleagues or friends, contrary to the
terms of the license agreement.
Software Piracy
2. "Hard Disk Loading"-the unauthorized
creation and loading of copies of
software programs onto the hard disks
of computers by hardware dealers.
Software Piracy
3. "Bulletin Board Piracy" or "Internet
Piracy"-the illegal transmission and
posting of copyrighted software
programs to computer bulletin boards,
from on-line services or via electronic
mail.
Software Piracy
4. "Counterfeiting"-the illegal duplication
and sale of copyrighted software that is
designed to appear legitimate.
5. "Software Rental" or "Mail Order
Clubs"-the rental of software alone or
installed on a computer which is, in
turn, rented for a specific time period.
Plagiarism
http://www.geniuspapers.com/
http://www.academictermpapers.com/
http://www.researchpaper.com/
http://www.papershighway.com/
http://www.cyberessays.com/
http://www.termpapers-on-file.com/
http://www.oppapers.com/donate.php3?desire=
store.php3
http://www.fastpapers.com/
And many many more
Links to Software
http://www.c-smart.org/
Educational Software Publishers
http://www.microweb.com/pepsite/Softwa
re/publishers.html Total # of companies
listed: 2,207 (Last Update: 7/17/01)
Note: Go directly to the company for
pricing before using the c-smart cost.
Group Software Share
In Groups
List software you use and how you use it
to meet State Standards.