This past week I worked on the software evaluations. I looked at Timez Attack, Dance Mat Typing, and Playhouse Disney. The first two, Timez Attack and Dance Mat Typing, I found were useful only for extra practice, not so much as part of an actual lesson. These would be perfect for at-home practice and/or during downtime and post-activity time in class. Timez Attack was beneficial for those who learn best visually. So, boys would probably benefit the most from this. I thought the game could be produced a little better, yet considering its small credibility and amateur production it can help students learn. Dance Mat Typing seemed very advanced for a free product. It was easy to play and the overall gameplay was excellent. My favorite software was the Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online. Extremely detailed and relevent to children, Disney put together a fantastic program that allows Pre-K age children to have fun and learn at the same time. I actually got way too involved in this game, playing and viewing so many different activities.
After reading the articles on WebQuest, I feel I have a better understanding of how to set up my Filamentality page. As a teacher, I will definitely use this resource. The first article, "Focus", explained the proper way to use and set up a WebQuest. Big or small, a WebQuest can really enhance a child's learning experience, escpecially in our expanding technology age. Also, knowing that there are so many great WebQuests out there, I would feel comfortable using other teachers work.
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I also did the Dance Mat Typing! I thought it was way cool, and my boyfriend does not type correctly so I was having him play with it, he thought it was cool too!! I feel that i have a better understanding of the filamentality as well. I really love that they can be geared towards children whom are very under acheiving or children whom really need to be challenged.
Hi David,
I just love the typing software. It really does help grade schoolers to use the right fingers on the right keys, so they can type on the computer correctly their whole lives.
I disagree with "...those who learn best visually. So, boys would probably benefit the most from this." Albeit that my mom made me join a collegiate sorority to learn how to act like a lady instead of a tom-boy, I'm a VERY visual person. Being a visual learner has little to do with gender.
Perhaps there's another reason that the software seemed more appropriate for boys. If it's an attacking software, larger percentages of boys may be drawn to it. Again, girls play attack games, so there is still appeal to girls. Remember the Amazons?
Tristen
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