RR#4 software learning gains

This week I was asked to choose one software program for my classroom. The best part: price was not the concern. After looking through the three software catalogues my choice was from www.journeyed.com . I chose a program called kidspiration because of the number of writing graphic organizers that were available on this program. Wanting to steer away from the traditional chart paper organizers I found this program to bring out a more innovative way for students to participate during writing. I also found this software now supports SMART technologies and can be used with higher-resolution monitors.

After finding the program, I was asked to compare my computer's specification to the system requirements for Kidspiration. When trying to figure out just what type of computer I had, this became the hard part. I’ve often looked at the little stickers that are attached to the computer and thought that was pretty much all I needed to know about the hardware. With a little more research I went to the start button, then to my computer and right clicked on properties when I got to there. As I did this a screen popped up with all the information that I needed. These were my findings for both my computer and software.

 

Specifications	Asus Intel Pentium Inside	Kidspiration 3.0
Operating System	Windows 7	Windows XP, Vista, 7
Processor Speed	2.20 GHZ	266 MHZ
Memory (RAM)	4.00 RAM	128 MB Minimum
Screen Resolution	1280x768	800x600
Video Card	Mobile IntelR 4 Series Express
Removable Media Options	DVD RW Drive Z2400 Series

 I was curious when I saw the words, "no academic proof required" because in those words my thinking is that this software would be easily loaded onto my hardware at school with no real problems. My school district policy states that we are not allowed to download any type of software without the permission and consent from an administrator. You must have written approval from administration, who in turn have the tech person at the school install the program.

In reading chapter 4, I learned a whole lot more about my computer then I really knew. I was particularly interested in memory and how it stores data. I was interested in the transfer and how this happens. I learned from the reading that when the computer transfers instructions into memory it does this through storing bytes. The visual of the stadium seating was helpful in understanding how this takes place. The differences between RAM and ROM were clearly stated and I now understand that the acronyms RAM and ROM actually do stand for something important. Most never worry about what is running a computer system, they are more interested in the fact that it is working correctly. Knowing how much memory a device can hold and and the storage capacity was knowledge that I used to fix my own home computer. My solution was that I needed to buy more memory. Knowing what an input and output device is makes it clear on how we receive information (output) from our devices. (monitors, printers, etc.) This assignment was difficult for me because I am one that didin't really care to know how the hardware works. My only concern has always been that it is working correctly.