ICT resources for science teachers

3. Trying out science software

There is a wide range of educational software avalable for science teachers. Some of this software is educationally sound, but at times the software is not well-designed. It would not be possible to gain a full understanding of educational software in one workshop, but you will be able to consider the main evaluation criteria using the evaluation tool provided as you learn more about the various science software that you could use.

Follow these steps to complete these activities. Look for contexts that are meaningful to you in your classroom. You could search for and download science software or use science software that is already installed on your computer.

1

If necessary, download freeware or shareware software of your choice and install it. Alternatively, indentify educational software that is already installed on your computer. (15 - 30 min)

• Ensure that you understand what the basic educational software categories are. Read the resource file to guide you. Knowing what category the software falls into will influence which guidelines you will use in the next step of this activity.

Click here to read about educational software and categories

Click here for a list of science software demonstrations that you could install and use

2

Work in pairs (45-60 min)

• Using the guidelines as appropriate for evaluation to assist you, explore the educational software that you selected.
• List the principles of OBE that this software uses.

Criteria for evaluating educational software

Click here to evaluate outcomes-based principles in the resource

3

• List the learning outcomes or assessment standards these resources are most likely to support.

Refer to the curriculum statements:

• GET Natural Science
• FET Physical Science

4

Form groups of between 4-8 teachers (45-60 min)

• Share your educational software evaluations with your colleagues and demonstrate parts of the programme to show the best features.
• Discuss and compile a list of ways in which the learners could use this software most effectively

5

Work on your own (between workshops)

• Reflect on the software that you experienced and make notes on how you could use this software in your class with learners, should you have the opportunity to do so.
• Make some points on what activities you will design for learners. In a later activity you will be asked to create a worksheet. The use of this software in class could be the topic of that worksheet.

You have the option of using the South African National Portal (Thutong) to enhance this workshop activity.