Software Review/Emerging

Technology/Innovative Uses
Tyler Bruch
EDU 214-1903
 Software Review:
Name of reviewer: Tyler Bruch
Software title: Edmodo
Publisher: Edmodo
Cost per single license/lab pack/site license? Free!!!
Computer compatibility/system requirements: Access to an internet browser
Appropriate grade levels: 6-12
Brief description of the software: Social network for students, teachers, and parents
Curriculum areas the software meets or addresses: Overall communication about
grades and assignments
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the software? Allows for seamless
communication, but lacks in person interaction.
How long did it take you to become familiar with the program? Takes only about 15
minutes to become well acquainted with the system.
How long might it take students? Why? It might be even quicker for students
because most students are quick learners with technology.
 Software Review P2
Rate the program according to the following Characteristics/Criteria:
SA = Strongly Agree A= Agree D=Disagree NA=Not Applicable
Program has educational value: SA
Program is free from stereotypes: SA
Content is of interest to students: A
Information is presented clearly and logically: A
Graphics, & audio contribute to the educational value: A
Students would enjoy using this program: A
Program gives appropriate feedback: SA
Students control the program's rate: A
Documentation is clearly written: A
Teacher's guide is useful: A
Program in progress can be easily saved or exited: SA
Program is user friendly: SA
Skill levels can be adjusted by the user/instructor: NA
Software Review P3
Additional Reviewer Comments:

- Wonderful software for keeping in touch with the students and their parents.
This makes it so school in general is less linear and isolated. If a parent were to also
get involved then they could be kept up with their child and know where they are
at, just incase there might be some action a family member would have to make
to keep them doing their work. Grades are also seamlessly posted so that there is
less confusion on a students position in class. This also makes it so all the students in
the class have an outlet to talk to the other classmates in a scholarly fashion,
making it more accessible for introverted students.
Emerging Technology: Elmo

Elmo is a company that has been

making up to date technological
projectors for presentational
purposes. The company itself started
in 1921, where it set its goals to help
classroom needs in presenting
material. As technology and
education shifts, as does the model
of the Elmo that is upgraded
consistently.
Emerging Technology P2

The Elmo has many versatile uses. It could be used to show how to solve a
lengthy math problem, correct an essay to show errors, or simply just
present new material. The price of an Elmo depends on the model. Some
are about $100, but the most expensive one ranges up to $5000. Whether it
is an older model, it serves its purpose to aid classroom instruction.
Innovative Uses: Internet Research

In almost any class currently,

some type of computer research
can be done in a computer lab.
This makes learning and
assessment much more
interactive regardless of the
subject. The internet is an infinite
information pool that everyone
uses, so teaching students to
innovatively use it is essential.
Innovative Uses P2
Internet Research Uses:
Doing research for a scholarly essay with credible sources

Doing research on a historical event for a project

Doing research on a math problem as a project to teach other classmates

Printing out pictures to visualize something in an essay

References

Borg, Nick. (2016). Edmodo. Retrieved from

https://www.edmodo.com/about.

Shokai, Sahaki. Elmo USA Corp. (2016). Elmo USA Corp. Retrieved from

https://www.elmousa.com/about/.

Hertz, Mary Beth. (2013, January). George Lucas Educational Foundation.

Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/pros-cons-

computerlabs-mary-beth-hertz