Finding the Best Software

"Finding the Best Software"

McKenzie, W. (2003). Find the best software: Using bloom's taxonomy and multiple intelligences to select and use software. Learning and Leading with technology, 30(8), 54-58.

The kinds of considerations that need to be made when choosing software are how you are going to use that particular piece of technology. Will it be able to reach different kinds of learners such as those who are auditory learners, visual learners, and those who learn best through hands on experience? The most important thing to consider is to remember that not all students learn in the same way and software doesn’t normally address all types of learners on its own. For example software that has its instructions mainly in written or auditory forms but few visuals may be difficult for students whose primary language is not English. It is up to us as the teacher to modify/incorporate the software into the classroom in such a way that it is beneficial to all of the students.

In order for software to reach multiple intelligences requires a teacher who is consciously making an effort to address them. Software should probably not be the core of a lesson but rather should be brought in as an aide to learning and supplemental instruction. And when it is used the teacher should still be involved in making sure that the students think about what they are doing and apply it to other parts of their learning as well.

Here is an additional website that talks about multiple intelligences. The main theme of the website is that teachers need to be aware of the multiple intelligences and be flexible enough to use several if a particular method does not seem to be effective for either the whole class or even a single individual.

http://www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.htm