Grants, Instructional Software, and Technology “Tools” Selection
Intro: Several classrooms have been chosen as a "Model Technology Classroom".
Part
I. Grant budget proposals should include demographics of your class:
Include
a brief description of your classroom in the first paragraph. Include
age or grade range, subject(s)
taught, and the school's geographic location.
Part
II. On the Classwork page, there is a link for Basic
Grant Information.
Begin by going to this page or using Google to find and summarize (copy & paste is
fine) 3 grants that you could
obtain for your classroom. (You can put all of this info in the Numbers document along with your Part III write-up)
Part
III. Use a Numbers spreadsheet developed in class to keep track
of expenditures.
Chosen
classrooms have received a $3000 allotment of fictitious dollars to
spend on instructional
software and technological tools.
You will receive a teacher workstation and 4 student computers (Macintosh
operating systems).
The teacher's workstation will need to have presentation capabilities.
Assume the school system already has a site license for Microsoft Office:
includes Powerpoint/Word/Excel (you will not need to purchase this
software).
Each purchase should be classified using the following scale & should
be geared toward your major:
Drill-and-Practice: Allows learners to work
problems or answer questions & get feedback on correctness.
(Examples
include: Accelerated Reader, Math Blaster, Spell It, Spanish Before You
Know It, Keyboarding, etc.)
Creativity: Helps students tap into their creative/imaginary side
Research
Tools: On-line
or CD-ROM resources that serve primarily as reference materials,
(Examples:
Worldbook Encyclopedia, Time Almanac, Encarta)
Simulation /Problem
Solving : Teaches
directly the steps involved in problem-solving or helps learners
acquire
the skillls by giving them the opportunities to solve problems.
Models
real or imaginary systems to show how those systems work or to demonstrate
underlying concepts.
(Examples
include: Frog Dissection, Jump Start First Grade, Thinkin' Things)
Data
Collection / Productivity Tools: Any
software that facilitates the non-teaching aspects of the profession.
(Examples
include: Grade Book Programs, Make Test, Master Planit, Planners/Organizers,
etc.).
Multimedia
tools: Any
tools that foster the development of projects compiling a variety
or
resources,
such as: pictures, test, video, and etc. via the computer resulting in
an original
product.
(Sample software includes: Keynote, mPower, HyperStudio, KidPix, Clip-Art
CD's, Photo/Graphic image Cd's)
Other
Technological Tools: projector,
projector screen, digital video camera, reading pen, printer, scanner,
digital
camera, flex-cam, Elmo, LeapPad, etc.
A few good links to get you started:
http://www.swexpress.com/home.nsf
http://www.softwareoutlet.com/
http://www.learningcompany.com
http://www.educational-software-directory.net/
http://www.journeyed.com/home.asp
Additional
Specs:
- Spend the money down as close as you can. Do not Overspend!
- Create an Numbers Spreadsheet to track this information (Example sheet)
- As
a minimum, you must have at least two titles in each category.
You can have as many items as you
can afford, so buy as many quality items as you can!