Module 5 Activity 5a: Explore Website Resources

 Explore Website Resources

Educational websites like educational software are powerful tools that go a long way in helping to transform pedagogical practices within the classroom from a teacher centered approach to a student centered approach.  This comes at a critical juncture as we move towards making our schools child friendly while at the same time equipping them with 21^st century skills.

As part of the requirement for activity 5a, I had the opportunity to examine several websites. Several of them proved quite useful to me a Science teacher at the elementary level. These site use innovate ways of presenting age appropriate information through interactive, educational games and simulations. Additionally, students are offered further support through digital worksheets and homework assistance among other things.  Teachers are also offered support through the availability of lesson plans and opportunity for collaboration with other educators in some instances. Some of the sites also provide assistance to parents so that they can better help their child.

Below is a list of some of the websites reviewed.

http://interactivesites.weebly.com/teacher-tools.html

http://www.discoveryeducation.com//parents/?campaign=flyout_parent
 http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz

http://www.eia.gov/kids/index.cfm

Activity 3:Reviewing Educational software

Prior to activity three, Educational Software/ Web base resources were simply selected at face value. Very little or no attention was paid to critical evaluation of these resources. This activity (activity 3) proved quite beneficial in that it provided necessary information needed to evaluate educational resources. The knowledge gained from this activity will be employed in the classroom and in the end will be of great benefit to my students.

 As part of planning, teachers should include a list of criteria that would guide the selection of educational software/ web based resources that would be referred to or used by learners, or colleagues.

Module 5 Activity 2: Experiencing Educational Software

Educational software as the name suggests is geared toward teaching students or towards self- directed learning. Activity 2 dealt with the personal experiences gained through the use of educational software. The readings provided some  insight into the factors that influence the development of these software such as age and purpose. According to the readings educational software would be appropriate if they help learners to achieve learning outcomes and assessment standards through:

• repetition and practice (especially in Foundation Phase and remedial situations)
• basic skills development
• cognitive (thinking) skills development
• deepening subject understanding through interactivity
  
  

After having gone through the readings, I am now equipped with the tool to evaluate and select educational software that are appropriate. The knowledge gained