Digital Blog Post E: Chapter 7

The are three concepts from Chapter 7 that I found to be most intriguing:

1. Evaluation Criteria
2. Building, Inventing, and Creating Software
3. Debates about Games and Gaming

Sometimes finding the best software can be a challenge and this section does offer some helpful methods to evaluating software, but I actually have some of my own, simpler methods for evaluation.  For me,what of the first things I do before looking for software is start by reading reviews on a particular product, and with the help of this I can analyze what most people will specifically say about product, usually what one of the reoccurring flaws with the product like slow downloads or a very small storage capacity.  From there I start to actually look up the product and I look at the demographics it incorporates such as the RAM, storage, and processing abilities.  Then comes the final decision as to what do I specifically need in a software, which does not always include the bells and whistles that make some appear more desirable, but anyone can have their own of evaluating software.

The concept of building software also struck my attention, as building my own software is something I did not give much thought into.  I am sure that building any kind of software is not easy, and especially challenging when trying to meet specific demands for a classroom, as there could be a need for virtual and interactive components for the curriculum.  Perhaps it could be something as simple as building a small website for students to navigate, or could be more advance than that like composing an interactive video.  Building my own software sounds both fun since I can create what I want my students to learn, but at same time I wonder if I actually have the skills to create something complex that is both educational and enjoyable for the students to utilize.

Of course one of the most interesting aspects about the concept of using video games as part of a curriculum, are the debates surrounding it.  People are always going to debate that certain games are too violent or adult oriented for their kids, but of course those games are not affiliated with educational games anyway.  When talking about video games for school uses I think more along the lines like Jump Start games I use to play in school, they taught about math, reading, and how to work together with others to reach a common goal.  I would definitely like so see more schools utilize more video games because in my opinion it makes a student think more deeply about their decisions and what is the best course of action when they hit a roadblock.
 
References:
Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Garza, R. (October 4, 2015) Websites created with ToonDoo. http://www.toondoo.com/MyToondoo.toon