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 or that you encourage the student 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 students to learn?) What are the particular constraints of the same program, in your view?

Extension

Do you think that the students 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 student to estimate active learning time
• To evaluate the variety of learning objectives, tasks and activities
• To analyse the involvement of students in whole class parts of lessons
• To consider the pros and cons of group working
• To consider grouping strategies from the perspective of the students
• To consider the involvement of parents and carers in the classroom and school
• To consider the working with support staff