ERIC Number: EJ868629
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1539-1523
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Commercial Software Programs Approved for Teaching Reading and Writing in the Primary Grades: Another Sobering Reality
Lovell, Meridith; Phillips, Linda
Journal of Research on Technology in Education, v42 n2 p197-216 Win 2009
This article reports the results of a systematic and comprehensive evaluation of the suitability of 13 commercially available, authorized software programs for teaching reading and writing in the primary grades. These programs were assessed on interface design, content, instructional design, whether manufacturers' educational claims were supported by the programs, and appropriateness to supplement reading and writing instruction. Regardless of date of publication, most software programs were judged to be noninstructional, in that they did not track student progress, provide feedback, or adapt to suit student needs. Many used decade-old interface design and program functions as well as content features, thereby limiting their usefulness as educational tools. (Contains 1 table.)
Descriptors: Feedback (Response), Student Needs, Computer Software, Reading Instruction, Problems, Writing Instruction, Elementary Schools, Reading Programs, Program Evaluation, Program Effectiveness, Educational Policy, Evaluation Criteria, Instructional Effectiveness, Educational Technology, Technology Integration, Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer Software Evaluation, Computer Interfaces, Instructional Design, Foreign Countries
International Society for Technology in Education. 180 West 8th Avenue, Suite 300, Eugene, OR 97401-2916. Tel: 800-336-5191; Tel: 541-302-3777; Fax: 541-302-3778; e-mail: iste@iste.org; Web site: http://www.iste.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A