 Over
the last few years there has been a dramatic increase in the number
of special needs software packages on the market. It seems like
every day there is a new software catalogue in our pigeon holes
tempting us to part with our all too scarce budget allocation. Our
expectations of software have risen too. Today we expect software
not only to work on all our machines but also to engage the pupils
AND meet the requirements of the National Curriculum.
The
educational software market in 2004 is still a minefield for the
uninformed and unwary. Unstable programs with poor quality graphics
and sound, badly designed user interfaces and content with dubious
educational worth, share the suppliers shelves with some real well
programmed software gems.
So
how do you sort out the winners from the also rans?
 The
best recommendation for any software package comes from word of
mouth (or the Web equivalent). Talk to colleagues from other schools
or your LEA advisor about software. If you have access to the Web,
try posting a question to the BECTA SENIT or SLD forums, which are
a fountain of information and advice about all things ICT. Try getting
out of your classroom once in a while and visit one of the many
ICT events and exhibitions held around the country, where you will
usually get an opportunity to try out the software for yourself.
This
area of our Web site contains reviews of software we have found
particularly useful with our students. We have also included some
helpful tips on using these programs in the classroom and where
possible, suggested some ideas for extension or using the software
away from the computer. |
