Classroom Software and Inner Computer Workings

Here is the scenario:

-You are a classroom teacher with only one internet connected computer. Your principal has given you the opportunity to pick any type of computer program for your class and you have up to $1000 to spend on said program…oh, but you can’t do any upgrades to your computer. So, what type of software do you choose?-

This would most likely be an awesome scenario for teachers, but I on the other hand almost had a heart attack trying to decide on ONE type of software that I would find suitable for my hypothetical classroom. First, I had to decide on a grade level and what type of classroom setting. For this assignment I decided on a 4^th grade ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) classroom. Furthermore, these students are also inner-city children with very little knowledge of computers and many do not even have a computer at home. Okay, so what type of software would best benefit this group of students? The one program I found that I could actually see using regularly is Clicker 5.  Clicker 5 is a reading and writing tool for multiple grade levels. The main reason I picked this for my class is because I can see where it would really benefit ESOL students. Through Clicker 5, students can create stories using sounds, words, and pictures. The students can also hear their writing before being done with it so they know if the grammar is correct or not. ESOL students often need pictures or other manipulatives to help them understand new words and this software does just that.

 Next, I had to see if this software would even work on my “classroom” computer.  My first step was to find out how much memory (RAM) my computer has, screen resolution, video card, processor speed, and my operating system. Well, I knew my operating system was Windows XP, but was unsure of the others. I went to the control panel on my computer, searched under performance and maintenance.

I found that my computer contains:

·         Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T5250 @ 1.50 GHz.

·         Memory: 1.50 GHz, 1.99 GB RAM

·         Screen Resolution: 1280 x 800 bits

·         Video Card: Mobile Intel 965 Express with 384.0 MB memory

·         Removable Media Options: 4 USB ports, DVD/CD drive

Wow, I am sure that sounds so confusing to you if you are reading this and not in my class! But, really knowing what is in your computer is important when purchasing any type of software. The basic system requirements for Clicker 5 are as follows:

System Requirements

       Windows:

·         Pentium II 400 or greater

·         Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Windows 7

• 128 MB RAM
• 400 MB free disk space

Mac :

• Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or above
• Power PC or Intel processor
• 128 MB RAM
• 400 MB free disk space

( http://www.enablemart.com/Catalog/Writing/Clicker-5)

From this, I can determine that Clicker 5 would work on my computer since I have more than enough RAM , free space, and I have Windows XP. I had to do a little research about the processor but found that an Intel Core 2 Duo should work fine. 

Back to the inner workings of a computer, I learned a lot in this week’s reading from Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom by Shelly, Gunter, and Gunter. Personally, I feel that I am fairly comfortable with the inner workings of a computer because when I was in elementary school, I attended a summer camp each year at a place called Whisker’s Computer Kids.  We learned how to use word processing, create drawings, and we also learned about the different parts inside of a computer. In the text it explores these topics on a much more detailed level. For example, the book explains the difference between “volatile and nonvolatile” memory. Volatile can be lost or erased where as nonvolatile is not lost when the computer is turned off (p.208). Additionally, the text also explored what to look for when purchasing electronics. This special section of the text interested me because I have never actually purchased my own computer. The current computer that I own was purchased for me by my parents as a gift. While I do like my computer, it is definitely a lot larger than I would like. I have been contemplating purchasing a netbook for class and just because it is more portable. The book explains the average hard drive (160 GB) and other features.All in all, I found the buying guide portion of the text to be the most helpful .I never have had the opportunity to really research the different specs of computer/netbooks/smartphones .