Developmentally Appropriate Software

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Developmentally Appropriate Software

• Allen C. Grant
• Louisiana State University Laboratory School
• agrant_at_lsu.edu

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Why DAP?

• DAP software engages children in creative play,
  mastery learning. Problem solving and
  conversation
• Children control the pace and action of the
  software
• Children can repeat activities as often as they
  like
• Children can make and share decisions
  collaboratively

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How do I know what is DAP?

• Haugland/Shade Developmental Software Evaluation
• Simpleuses 10 criteria as its form of
  evaluation(highest possible score is 10)
• Takes anti-bias into account
• Any software over 7.0 is considered appropriate

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Criterion 1-Age Appropriate

• Realistic Concepts
• Appropriate Methodsteaching method reflects
  cognitive, physical, emotional and social skills

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Criterion 2-Child In Control

• Actors not reactors children decide the
  sequence of events rather than react to
  predetermined activities
• Children set pace, not the computer
• Can escape! Children can return to the main menu
  anytime
• Trial and error

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Criterion 3-Clear Instructions

• Picture choiceshas graphics
• Simple and precise directions
• Verbal instructionssound

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Criterion 4-Expanding Complexity

• Low entry, high ceiling software should reflect
  childrens current cognitive, physical and
  language skills
• Learning sequence clear software moves easily
  to more complex concepts in a meaningful manner
• Teaches powerful ideasconcepts/knowledge that
  children can internalize and apply to new
  situations or problems

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Criterion 5-Independence

• A Teachers Favorite!
• Adult supervision not needed after initial
  exposure

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Criterion 6-Non Violence

• Non-Violence
• Software is free of violent characters and
  actions and does not contain objects children can
  use to perform violent acts
• Software models social values demonstrates the
  importance of caring, cooperation, communication,
  sharing and friendship

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Criterion 7-Process orientation

• Discovery Learning
• Intrinsic motivation no external rewards
• Process engages, product secondary children are
  motivated when they are engaged in exploration

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Criterion 8-Real World Model

• Concrete representation objects are realistic
  and resemble closely how they appear in
  environment
• Objects function children are provided with a
  small model of the world right in their classroom
• Simple reliable model the scale of objects is
  realistic

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Criterion 9-Technical Features

• Animation
• Colorful
• Installs easily
• Operates consistently
• Prints

• Realistic corresponding sound effects
• Realistic graphics
• Runs quickly
• Saves childrens work

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Criterion 10-Transformations

• Objects and situations change
• Process highlighterchildren learn about hidden
  processes
• i.e. sun and water on plant growth

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Rating

• 1.0-software reflects all characteristics within
  a criteria
• 0.5-software reflects at least half the
  characteristics within a criteria
• 0-software reflects less than half of the
  characteristics within a criteria
• Deduct for anti-bias if applicable

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Determining anti-bias deduction

• Multiple languages
• Universal focus contains objects and situations
  familiar to all children and/or represents
  objects and situations from diverse cultures
• Mixed gender and role equityno stereotypes
• People of diverse cultures assume pivotal roles
• Different abilities or age realistic view of
  diverse ages and abilities
• Diverse family styles

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Resources

• Developmental Software Awardshttp//childrenandco
  mputers.com/developmentalawards/developmental_awar
  ds.htmSince 1992, the Developmental Software
  Awards have identified programs that do an
  exceptional job of meeting children's interests,
  needs, and abilities.
• ALA Notable Computer Software for
  Childrenhttp//www.ala.org/alsc/nsoft00.htmlThes
  e titles are selected by a committee of
  librarians and educators from across the country
  on the basis of their originality, creativity,
  and suitability for young children. The members
  select materials that respect both children's
  intelligence and imagination, exhibit venturesome
  creativity, and encourage the interests of users.
  Look for the 2001 list to be posted soon.
• Edumatchhttp//www.edumatch.com/index_flash.cfmT
  his is also a commercial site that allows you to
  "find educational software that matches your
  state's curriculum, your teaching style, and all
  the features you prefer" through a super search
  format. The page has some programming errors so
  there may be some problems with the display.
  Products may be ordered directly from this site.

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Resources-continued

• Technology and Learninghttp//www.techlearning.co
  m/review.htmlThis magazine's Web site provides a
  searchable database of reviews.
• Superkids.comhttp//www.superkids.com/This site
  provides its own reviews by educators, parents,
  and children, as well as news on related issues.
  It provides search and browse functions and
  includes a bestseller list and a price survey.