Software Evaluation

I think that all of software criteria are useful and important. It takes a lot of work to build a computer game or educational program or either a website. If I had to pick the five I thought were the most important they would be standards, active learning, hardware compatibility, installation, and documentation.

Standards- standards are always important for everything. The program needs to have the correct information and be able to meet all standards that will have the best result and help children learn. The government also has a set of standards that need to be met.

Active learning- I think active learning is definitely important because it keeps the students engaged in the learning activity. The level of active learning is hugely important to keep the students full attention on the game or whatever it tends to be.

Hardware compatibility- This is also hugely important because there are a lot of different computers out there these days and the computer software needs to be able to work on all machines without problem.

Installation- Not everyone is computer literate. My mom can't do anything on the computer without help and that changes generation to generation. But, a lot of people are starting to use computers for a lot of different reasons. There are games for the computers that are awesome for small children and some of their parents have a lot of trouble being able to use those games. The installation process is important because it needs to be easy to install programs and games for parents and other people who don't know how to use computers.

Documentation- The way the program is set up is important. It needs to be easy to read, logical, and clear. Also be able to catch the attention of people is important.

The three academic softwares that I chose were Imaging softwares, Encyclopedias, atlases, grammar tools, dictionaries, and Oregon Trail, Jump Start programs, etc.

I chose imaging softwares it would be great use in a classroom. I would love this to scan pages or pictures from books onto my computer so i can share them with my class.

I chose to use computer programs such as encyclopedias, atlases, grammar tools, dictionaries, etc because it can make things easier on the teacher and the students. A lot of things are done online and to have these tools available on the computer is very helpful.

Lastly, I chose to use computer games such as the Oregon Trail, Jump Start Programs, PBS, and Disney Junior because they are very educational for the younger students and can teach a lot.