Making Technology Work For You

Does This Really Work? By Sara Sawtelle

This article was based on how to examine software, and note if it is a good tool for the classroom. The author had a few philosophies on how this may work. She compared it to the scientific method, and made a plan that was similar to this. First create a hypothesis by meeting with the school director of instruction. Second, planning the experiment by gathering a committee for all the details. Third was preparation by learning as much as possible about the software. Fourth was testing and predictions by using documentation for adjustments. Basically to sum it up you need the right teacher, time and planning to make it all happen. There are a lot of different types of software out there and it can be tough to find a few that work with your curriculum. I think it is a great idea to test the program or software using the scientific method that way you get the best for your needs. The author also points out theses top ten tips for evaluating software for your classroom:
1. Objectives
2. Plan
3. Involve
4. Evaluation of the criteria
5. An effective teacher
6. Environment and equipment
7. Training
8. Knowledge and skills
9. Monitored
10. Evaluation

I could easily adapt this to my teaching skills and classroom. I believe it is a great idea to evaluate and test software before making it official. There are so many technology tools to choose from, and by doing this screening process it will help eliminate the non-effective tools. I can use this technique for all classes and grade levels. It will be different depending on which I choose, but overall will still help significantly. I think as a teacher you have to put effort into your teaching tools to be an effective and fun teacher.