Amazing Software Programs

Chapter 5 discussed even more of the software programs used beyond just your basic programs. I was fascinated at some of the programs they have such as the IEP generator software that assists teachers with coming up with IEP’s as well as the Worksheet and Puzzles generator. A worksheet or puzzle on skills that have been taught is an easy way to assess children’s knowledge. Also, the electronic gradebook is amazing to me. I have recently heard of teachers having that program at their school and how it is a convenient and quicker way to input grades for progress reports and report cards. We don’t have that program at our school, but I think I would enjoy it if we did. I was interested in many topics in Chapter 5, but the one I could relate to the most was using the graphic tools. However, I don’t have any of this particular software except what came on my computer such as word art, paint, etc. I can’t imagine actually having the software and some of the techniques I could use to create certain documents. Right now, I even use word art in my lesson plans sometimes, but like I said before it doesn’t come from an actual program. If I taught upper grades like middle school or high school, I think it would be necessary to purchase many of these programs due to some of the assignments they would be working on. However, it would be a waste of money with early childhood grades. I think what we have now on our computers is sufficient for my first graders. For example, on Fridays I allow some of the one’s who made good choices all week to use the paint program in Microsoft word to draw and they absolutely love it.