Melissa+Greenberg

Accelerated Reader 1. The purpose of Accelerated Reader is to practice reading and improve individual reading skills. The students or teachers can choose what type of reading to complete and the student is able to complete activities that help with reading aloud, with others, and to themselves. The teacher is also able to create quizzes to test the students at the end of activities. 2. This software program falls into drill and practice because it has different reading examples to complete and then uses quizzes to test the student's progress. 3. I would integrate Accelerated Reader in my kindergarten or first grade classroom (the program is intended for preK-12). The program would be integrated in the reading curriculum and the program could be included during other reading activities in the classroom. For instance, if the class was to read an actual book in the classroom, the program would be useful to improve reading skills before actually reading a book. 4. The strengths of this program is that it allows students to practice reading and progressively improve reading skills. It also allows the teacher to see each individual student's improvement. 5.Accelerated Reader is sold to schools as a whole for a one time price, not disclosed on the website.

Reader Rabbit 1. The purpose of Reader Rabbit is to help kids learn important academic and creative lessons while "playing" and having an interactive adventure along with various characters in the program. 2. Reader Rabbit would be instructional, simulation, as well as problem solving. The activities in the software teaches children different aspects of subjects while they "play" the game and use problem solving to get to different levels. 3. This software could be incorporated in the classroom for the intended grade, for example use the first grade Reader Rabbit software for first graders, as the program is grade based. The program is somewhat like a game so the students should not be playing it daily, but perhaps weekly would be something they could look forward to while also learning and gaining skills. 4. The strengths of this program is that it is intended to be fun for students while also allowing them to learn and progress. The weaknesses of Reader Rabbit might be that it's too game-oriented and not academic enough. 5. Reader Rabbit ranges in price from about $10 to $20. This affordable program is available at various places but is mainly sold on the website Reader-rabbit.com.

GCompris 1. GCompris is intended to provide a learning experience for children ages 2-10. The program includes games to help with understanding of computer use, algebra, science, geography, games, and reading. 2. This software would fall under the category of simulation and problem solving. The students learn through playing different levels of games. 3. I would use GCompris in my classroom similarly to Reader Rabbit in that it is also a game based software. The software is nonetheless effective and could really help students learn different subjects through fun and adventure. 4. The strengths are that it is focused on several different subjects important for elementary aged children through the fun of adventure and interaction with virtual characters. The weaknesses may be that the software is too much like a video game and there is no formal way to quiz or test the student's knowledge of learned material. 5. This software is free to download off of the maker's website gcompris.net/-en-

Kidspiration 1. Kidspiration is meant for grades K-5 and invokes visual learning. Its purpose is to improve reading, writing, math, and overall thinking skills. 2. Tutorial would be the category under which Kidspiration would fall because it is again a visual program, showing the student the material. 3. Kidspiration would be a great program for all types of learners but especially for visual learners in my classroom. I would let first grade or even Kindergarten use this software because it covers a variety of subjects but is not too challenging for young minds to comprehend. 4. Kidspiration is very visual and as a result would be beneficial to visual learners. This type of software could be less beneficial to audio or kinesthetic learners. 5. This program runs more expensive than most ranging from $69 all the way to $550 for computer licenses. The software is available through Inspiration.com/kidspiration.

ClueFinders 1. The purpose of ClueFinders is said to be "edutainment", meaning that through enjoyment of games, the student is also able to learn material. 2. ClueFinders is a simulation game that also includes problem solving because it is almost a mystery game in which it is up to the student to figure out the answer. 3. I would put this into my classroom as an infrequent activity to allow the students to have fun while also learning. The game includes fantasy and science fiction so it is appealing for children of all ages. 4. The strenghts of this software would be that it allows students to enjoy learning and work with each other and the program to reach the outcome of the game. It could be weak in specifically covering subjects such as math or reading. 5. This game runs from $4.99-$53.95 and can be found at stores such as Amazon.com.