Software Presentation Project

Purpose

The purpose of this assignment is to experience a wide variety of educational software and learn how it can enhance students’ meeting curriculum content standards.

How you will meet the purpose

With your group members you will choose one piece of educational software to evaluate and present.  You will need to organize your presentation into a multimedia presentation (Web Page, PowerPoint Presentation, Video, other)

Groups

This project is completed in groups of 2-3 or 4.  The workload of the project should be equally divided as the grade assigned will be given to the group as a whole.

Project Steps

1. Choose a piece of software:
   • Here is a link to an incredible Software Search Engine:  Educational Software Preview Guide
   • Follow this link to a free software download page.
   • Follow this link to a great listing of tons of educational software.  You will get the title here and reviews, but will have to dig a little to get to the software websites for free downloads (hopefully).
2. Spend time learning the software.  Pretend you are a child of the age range the software is intended.  Attempt to make all the typical mistakes in navigation and reading a child would make.  See how the software is able to redirect you.
3. Select an appropriate curriculum area to showcase the software.  As an example, select appropriate California curriculum content standards that may be met by your demonstration of the software.
4. Create a hyperlink from the Multimedia Presentation to the software application to assist in presenting the software.
5. Search the Web to find Internet resources that support the use of the software.  Evaluate the resources and report your findings in the Multimedia Presentation.
6. Briefly explain/demo an activity that could be done with the software to engage students in curriculum. (Target a specific grade level). During your curriculum presentation, demonstrate the program briefly to the class showing key features.
7. Plan your presentation to include the members of your group.  Your presentations must not exceed 15 minutes long.
8. REFLECTION - Each person submits a reflection via WebCT on how each member of the group worked as a group/partners. Did the group divide the work evenly and was there an equal effort given by each member (explain your responses)? What challenges did you face and how did you solve problems. What would you do differently next time you work in a group? What was rewarding or valuable about working with your group member(s) rather than working alone? Comment on any other part of this activity that you feel the need to include.

PLEASE NOTE:  It is your professional responsibility to do your share of the work.  It is also your professional responsibility to accurately indicate when a member of the group has not performed tasks as agreed. In the event that a member of the group does not do his/her fair share of work, as corroborated by other members of the group, the grade for the non-performing member may be lowered. A conversation will take place with the group to discuss the situation.  As a member of a group, or member of a faculty,  you must be willing to address inequities and find solutions.