Software Review,Emerging Technology, & Innovative Uses

Kaitlyn Hoskins

Edu 214 1002

June 19, 2015

Software Review Name of reviewer: Kaitlyn Hoskins

Software title: SmartThinking

Publisher: Pearson

Cost per tutoring package/ Available Packages: 1 Hour of Tutoring $35.00 4 Hours of Tutoring $120.00 1 Essay Submission $19.95 1 Long Essay Submission $34.95 1 SAT Essay Review $9.95

Appropriate grade levels: Secondary Education/Higher Education

Computer compatibility/system requirements: Needs internet access

Software Review (cont.) Brief description of the software:

This software can be used for a variety of subjects, but the writing software specifically allows students to submit an essay and have the essay reviewed and critiqued by an online tutor based on criteria requested by the author. The software is an online writing lab.

Curriculum areas the software meets or addresses:

The writing software covers curriculum in writing, reading, and editing.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the software?

This software provides students with individual expert help in developing essays. However the critique takes 24 hours to complete and students must go back and edit their work based on the critique.

How long did it take you to become familiar with the program?

This program is very user friendly and is simple. You simply upload your work using the step by step directions and receive and review your critique. There is also a FAQ and help desk available.

How long might it take students? Why?

It should not take students long at all as it is user friendly, simple, and provides students with a FAQ and help button.

Software Review (cont.)Rate the program according to the following Characteristics/Criteria:

SA = Strongly Agree A= Agree D=Disagree NA=Not Applicable

SA • Program has educational value:

A • Program is free from stereotypes:

A • Content is of interest to students:

SA • Information is presented clearly and logically:

SA • Graphics, & audio contribute to the educational value:

A • Students would enjoy using this program:

SA • Program gives appropriate feedback:

SA • Students control the program's rate:

SA • Documentation is clearly written:

SA • Teacher's guide is useful:

SA • Program in progress can be easily saved or exited:

SA • Program is user friendly:

NA • Skill levels can be adjusted by the user/instructor:

Additional Reviewer Comments:Great tool to help students understand the writing process and improve their writing.

Emerging Technology: SMART Board

Highlights and Features: Silktouch™ technology: accurate, natural, and responsive touch

SMART ink™ technology: write on the board with touch or in pen.

HD 1080p resolution: to display images/videos

Touch Points: Multiple students can touch the board, rotate, zoom,

Uses: Viewing videos/images in HD

White board use to write on/type on and quickly erase

Integrative presentations

Zoom, rotate, click on images/links.

Price: US$3,799 to US$4,999, depending on size

Additional info: SMART Board is compatible with all SMART technology (including variety of

programs that require a SMART board)

http://education.smarttech.com/

SMART Board

Innovative Uses forSecond Life (virtual world)

“Second Life is a free 3D virtual world where users can socialize, connect and create using free voice and text chat.”

Teachers have used Second Life as a way of integrating technology into their classrooms and interesting their students.

Students create a virtual avatar; a graphic representations of themselves like cartoons and interact and participate in a virtual world with one another.

Teachers have used the virtual world to teach topics such as:

Unit on self-image: with the kids using avatars to visualize their body ideals and issues—something that would be more difficult to do in real life.

Geology: A working volcano could be created in the world and students could view it.

Business/Economics: Use money in the virtual world to run business and make money

Virtual Lectures: Students attend the lecture online.

Innovative Uses forSecond Life (virtual world)

References

Rapp, D. (2008, August 1). Virtual Classroom: Second Life. Scholastic. Retrieved June 19, 2015, from http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3749877

SMARTHINKING: The leader in on-demand student support. Pearson. Retrieved June 19, 2015, from http://www.smarthinking.com/services-and-subjects/

SMART Technologies - SMART Introduces SMART Board® 400 Series Interactive Display Overlay. (2011, November 15). SMART Technologies. Retrieved June 19, 2015, from http://investor.smarttech.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=624078