To consider the affordances and constraints of a particular piece of software

Aim

To consider the affordances and constraints of a particular piece of software.

Evidence and reflection

Pick a particular program that you use a lot (such as, for example, Notebook or Activ software for a whiteboard) or that you encourage the pupil to use – it can be on any device. What do you consider to be the particular affordances for learning that it has? (Or, to put it another way, how does it help pupils to learn?) What are the particular constraints of the same program, in your view?

Extension

Do you think that the pupils share your view of the affordances and constraints of the program? Whether ‘yes’ or ‘no’, what makes you think so?

More in this chapter

• To examine the classroom environment
• To plan resources to support specific learning activities
• To produce a classroom plan
• To evaluate routine activities to maximise time for teaching and learning
• To monitor an individual pupil to estimate active learning time
• To evaluate the variety of learning objectives, tasks and activities
• To analyse the involvement of pupils in whole class parts of lessons
• To consider the pros and cons of group working
• To consider grouping strategies from the perspective of the pupils
• To prepare for having parents or support staff working in the classroom
• To develop information sharing systems for support staff and parents
• To consider the impact of the recent focus given to teaching about computers
• To consider the involvement of parents and carers in the classroom and school
• To consider the working with support staff