Module+VII+Evaluating+Educational+Technology+and+Integration+Strategies+Software

Module VII Evaluating Educational Technology and Integration Strategies Software  1. Inspiration Inspiration is a powerful software product that allows students to think visually through webbing, concept mapping, and more. Inspiration provides students in grades 4-12 and beyond with the ability to organize and develop their thoughts before creating reports, presentations, and video production projects. Language arts teachers will find Inspiration an awesome writing and literature tool. History and science teachers can use Inspiration to create timelines and to plan research reports and projects. Inspiration can be integrated into all areas of the curriculum and will inspire your students to new heights! 2. Adobe Acrobat Are you looking for a way to create professional documents that can be distributed electronically via various means including the Web and that can still maintain the integrity of images and formats that have been integrated using products like Adobe Photoshop, PageMaker, or other desktop publishing software? Adobe Acrobat is the perfect solution. Whether you are a novice just beginning to design formatted documents or a skilled designer, Adobe Acrobat helps you maintain control over how, when, and by whom your documents are accessed. Create and exchange documents, collect and compare comments, and tailor the security of a file in order to distribute your documents reliably and professionally. 3. Adobe Captivate Adobe Captivate is a software program that you can use to create online demonstrations, tutorials, scenario-based instructional videos, and software simulations. Captivate also can be used to build scenarios in which you can branch from one topic to another to create a controlled set of links and paths for users to follow. The software outputs to either Flash or PowerPoint files that can be used in podcasts. The software also lets you build interactive programs, demos, and lessons. Because it is based on several Flash technologies, the end product is a small file size that makes it very efficient to use on the Web. The ability to add hot spots within the screen allows viewers to branch to other slides and sections of the presentation, providing an interactive lesson format. 4. LeapFrog LeapFrog products are changing the way some children learn reading, writing, and arithmetic. LeapPads, a LeapFrog product, uses books embedded with NearTouch technology, which makes any part of a page touch-interactive. By using the special pen and touching it to words on the page, the voice program reads aloud the words. Students can write, draw, and paint using story-based games, the interactive touch screen, and the pen. LeapFrog products have multiple skills levels, tailored tutorials, and an entire system with features that meet the diverse learning needs of K-4 students.