Evaluating Instructional Technology Resources for 21st Century Teaching Instructional Software

The instructional software Joe Rock and Friends Book 2 is selected for third-grade students studying English as a second language for reading and practicing new vocabulary. This program is free and corresponds to instructional needs regarding the essential criteria (“Joe Rock and Friends Book 2,” n.d.). Thus, it is suitable for the class, provides high interactivity, user control, feedback, the possibility to control the process, clear instructions, the lack of errors, relevant content, the flexibility of settings, and compatibility with used devices. Its advantages are the choice of materials helping avoid distractions and easy integration in the lessons. Meanwhile, the possible drawbacks include a limited number of stories and non-simple grammar requiring educators’ particular attention.

Instructional Website

One of the credible instructional websites for the selected class and subject is Fun Brain, and it presents a variety of activities for children divided by their grade. The company providing these free educational games has been on the market since 1997, and there is no bias due to the absence of ads or any data different from the intended content (“Games, books, and videos for kids in grade 3,” n.d.). This source is continuously updated, efficient in operation, contains no fallacies, and includes high-quality graphics. Moreover, the website has no errors of any nature, encompasses numerous topics and types of tasks, is easy to navigate, and all information is verifiable and unique.

WebQuest

The selected lessons from WebQuest are aimed for ESL (English as a Second Language) learners. It presents a plan for a week intended to teach students to read fluently and help them acquire new vocabulary (“Daily skills for 2nd nine weeks,” n.d.). The materials are comprehensive, and there are a few graphic elements, which do not distract from reading and doing tasks. However, the introduction to them is simple and does not contain any motivational elements while being effective in general. The activities imply synthesizing sources and require the use of multimedia software. In turn, detailed instructions ensure clarity, and the resources are both online and offline. As for evaluating outcomes, it seems efficient due to the incorporation of numerous criteria.

Instructional App

The Android instructional app suitable for the students is Third Grade Learning Games. It allows them to learn about parts of speech, prefixes, and other topics and learn new vocabulary authentically while playing simple games (“Third-grade learning games,” n.d.). Besides, the feedback is specific, and teachers can alter settings regarding the children’s needs. The app is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and motivates students to play while giving directions in the case of mistakes. The assessment data is immediately available after finishing the activities, and the sounds help participants understand when they do something wrong. Moreover, the instructions are helpful, and the website provides all the required information.

Reflection

While completing the assignment, I learned about the importance of assessing educational resources to confirm their credibility and, consequently, applicability to teachers’ and their students’ needs. The former should use specific websites and rubrics for identifying and evaluating them to ensure a positive outcome of their inclusion in the process. The difference between the solutions is in the orientation of instructional software on narrow topics, the division of tasks by grades on websites, the indication of timing on WebQuest, and a greater variety of apps. I would use these four types of resources for teaching based on their suitability to objectives. For example, the selection of Joe Rock and Friends Book 2 was conditional upon its benefits in reading, and it can be included when learning it. Fun Brain and Third Grade Learning Games useful for practicing different topics, and they will be used accordingly. As for WebQuest, it is advantageous for long-term programs and will be implemented for this goal.

References

Daily skills for 2nd nine weeks. (n.d.). WebQuest. Web.

Games, books, and videos for kids in grade 3. (n.d.). Fun Brain. Web.

Joe Rock and Friends Book 2. (n.d.). SuperKids Software. Web.

Third-grade learning games. (n.d.). Google Play. Web.