JumpStart ABC

JumpStart ABC focuses on letters and their pronunciations. It is similar to JumpStart Phonics, however, it narrows in on the identification of letters. It commences with a song performed by animations. This immediately indicates that it is produced with very young children in mind. More so, kndergarten children. Apart from identifying letters, JumpStart ABC also takes into consideration words and their meanings. There are three locations for activities to occur. Throughout the entire software, there are options for printing the current activity so that the child can have a "hands on" experience. This involves the child in the learning process and follows Piaget's theory of "learning by doing, the constructivist approach." The option for printing activities not only offers a hands on experience but also a deeper interaction of the child with the lesson at hand. The instructions are short and precise. They are followed by examples given. Feedback is given with every attempt at an answer. If the child makes a correct decision, then he or she is praised. If not, then the child is given verbal encouragement. Overall, the software is interactive and attractive through its enthusiastic and interactive games. It is very relevant to its targeted age group.


Follow the links below to access the software's website and the other links for more phonics information:

www.JumpStart.com

www.JumpStartPhonics.com

Jump Start Phonics

"Jump Start Phonics" is an audio-visual software geared towards early and middle childhood. It relates to the sound of speech. Upon entering the software, one is greeted by the words "Discover, Learn and Excel," as if to signify its objectives. The software is suitable to children because it uses animations of animal characters, in its intuitive attempt to educate and reinforce this aspect of language called, Phonics. Its bright, attractive colours are also alluring to children. The animations also appeal to children through their singing and talking. There are three locations for activities to be participated in: a barn; a fire house and a train station. Each location is suited with a different activity, from identifying rhyming words to identifying upper and lower case letters and their positions in words. This gives the children opportunities for choice of learning. If they are not able to participate fully in one location, they have the option of learning at other locations. The software is relevant to children by its simple instructions which are repeated when the child is hesitant to answer. An answer is noted whenever the child performs the task required. Also, the child may be prompted in answering. This shows its usefulness in relation to children, for they need constant reinforcement and prompting. Jump Start Phonics acknowledges whether or not a response made is correct or incorrect. It gives liable feedback on answers. It allows the user to use the mouse and the navigation keys on the keypad. This shows the relevance and use of both hardware devices. It is a directed approach to children in which it employs "drill and practice." Overall, the software is indeed relevant and applicable to learning Phonics. It is suitable to children through its animated appeal and reinforcements. Its usefulness is easily recognizable because of its characteristics. Any child can learn from this software because of its uncomplicated instructions and properly layed out, interactive activities. Follow the links below to access the software's website and the other links for more phonics information:

www.jumpstart.com

www.starfall.com

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/wordsandpictures/index.shtml

Evaluation of the software "Encarta Kids 2009"

Encarta Kids is a software that can be downloaded from the "Encarta Student Premium CD." It is an educational research tool that is divided into ten categories. They are: Animals; Science; Sports and Recreation; The Arts; Reading and Writing; People; Places; History; Social Studies; Games and Fun Stuff!

Each category entails several questions which narrows its area of focus. If a desired aspect of a category is not found, there is a "search bar" located at the top of the page which assists the researcher in acquiring an accurate and viable finding. The abundance of categories offered in the software, covers an extensive range of topics that pertain to useful, relevant information.

It is effortless to navigate through the program, with a visible and distinct "Home" button at the top left hand corner of the page, for quick and efficient exiting of the current page. This software is appropriate for children, ages five and onwards. Some adults may be easily attracted by its inviting colours, appropriate structure and comprehensible instructions. It's enchanting games are educatinal yet entertaining.

Encarta Kids makes learning fun because of its profound creative properties. It is undoubtedly siutable for children, mostly because of its educational relevance. Encarta kids infuses pragmatics with fundamental, intrinsic theory to produce an excellent educational research software. These links can allow u access to the site and other helpful sites:
www.encartakids.com
www.encarta.com