TIPS ON BUYING EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE FOR YOUR CHILDREN
How have you been deciding what educational software to buy for your
children? Word of mouth? What the package says? Reviews?
Antic has looked at over 100 pieces of software
and consulted with educators in the field to compile software-choosing
guidelines for YOU, the parent.
Ask (insist if necessary) to see the software demonstrated
at the store. This may be easier than you think. I've been
experimenting at several local software retailers and they'll usually let
you see a demonstration.
Choose software that you can feel involved with as a parent.
Look for open-end programs. That is, see that the exact
same thing does not happen each time you use it.
Is the program expandable? Does it have an editor which
will let you change it? For instance, what do you do with a spelling
program when your child has mastered all the words? It would be nice
to add new ones.
Are instructions easy to follow?
Are any pre-required skills stated?
Is the documentation clear? Does it include some follow-up
activities related to the skills in the program?
Does the program let children teach themselves?
Is the program tolerant of mistakes? Does it handle
saying "no" or "wrong" supportively?
Does the program give honest positive reinforcement for correct
answers?
Is there good interaction with the computer? Will the
child be able to do more than just press the return key and watch the computer
have all the fun?
Is the educational goal of the software clear and is the content
accurate?
Is the program fun? Drills and quizzes may work fine
in school in the context of a lesson. Home education needs to be
more inviting.
Watch for good visual quality screen appearance: Make sure
words are legible and not cut off by the edges of the screen. Pay
particular attention to the look of the words if you're using a TV for
a monitor because text is generally not as clear. Text adventure
games may get hard to read after a while on a TV set. Watch for the
speed with which the words and pictures appear. Not too fast for
the younger ones.
Programs categorized as "games" may be educationally worthwhile
if they involve some logical thinking. -A.M.
Educators Speak About Software Ellen Bialo, from EPIE, Educational Product Information Exchange, stresses
that for pre-reading children the parents must be involved. Also,
she mentioned that sometimes very young children don't understand that
what they do on the keyboard affects what happens on the screen.
If this happens, you should explain the connection to the child.
Cindy Char, research psychologist at the Bank Street College
of Education suggested to Antic: Try letting your children use your software
tools. For example, by introducing them to the word processor you
use they can start to see what jobs computers are good for. Practicing
spelling words might make more sense when done with a spelling checker
to correct a story your child has written.
Bobbie Goodson, computer resource teacher for the Cupertino,
California School District says, "Text adventures are great for older children.
They bring imagination into play and I can't think of anything better."
ANTIC VOL. 3, NO. 8 / DECEMBER 1984 / PAGE 12