2nd article

http://horizon.unc.edu/projects/monograph/CD/

This article was written by Jerry Dawson, the Marketing Director for Perian Spring Software. Dawson claims that in order for software to be effective in the classroom their must be four characteristics in place. These characteristics are: presentability, accountability, customizability, and extensibility. I agree with Dawson on these points. Software must be able to engage students, but also meet the standards of the school and the state. If the technology being used is not adequate, it has no business being used in the school. I also like the option of providing assessments on software. I think it would give the students a break from the traditional routine of paper and pencil testing. On-line grade books are an efficient way to reveal students' grades to them, so they are able to judge where they are at. Customization is also important, so the teacher can tailor their instruction to fit their lesson plan and meet the needs of the student. Extensibility is another key that I think is interesting. The idea behind this is to take the software beyond its environment. Lessons could be shared on the internet, or students could have on-line pen pals. I think it would be neat for students to interact with others from a different part of the world. I particulary enjoyed the part of the article where Dawson talks about needing knowledge of technology for future careers. That is very important, because as educators that is what we will be doing. We will preparing students for their future.