Identifying+Similarities+and+Differences

__**Technology:**__ __**Challenges:**__
 * __ Strategy __: **
 * __Identifying Similarities and Differences__
 * The technique of identifying similarities and differences is a "fundamental cognitive process" (Getner and Markman 19994; Medin, Goldstone, Markman 1995). As teachers and instructors we ask students to do this on a weekly basis to help students understand in their own way the text that they are being asked to read. Whether it's comparing two scientific theories or to Shakespearean plays, it is important that students are able to systematically identify and classify the ideas that they are being presented with in the classroom.
 * Though direct instruction has been proven to be an effective way to implement this strategy, the use of technology can greatly enhance the student's experience.
 * __Inspiration Concept Mapping Software__
 * **Classroom Implementation:** This software can help teachers demonstrate to students how to effectively identify similarities and differences between characters, types of writing, literature and other information and data. Instead of teachers passing out Venn diagrams or concept maps and having students fill them in at their desk, this gives teachers an opportunity to use new technology and really get their students involved in the process of learning. This software could be used for middle or high school classes. One specific example of implementation would be in a high-school English British Literature class. After reading two British novels such as Frankenstein and The Count of Monte Cristo, students will spend a day in the computer lab using Inspiration Concept Mapping Software to create a detailed Venn diagram comparing the two novels.
 * **Rationale**: This product is designed to help students plan, organize, and research more effectively through the use of graphic organizers. The website http://www.inspiration.com/Inspiration, provides examples and lesson plans for teachers, other educational products and success stories.
 * **Resources**: In order to use this technology, a school would need to purchase the Inspiration Concept Mapping Software and have computers available to use the software with.
 * **Cost:** The cost of this software is: $310 for a 5 computer license, $550 for a 10 computer license, and $895 for a 20 computer license.
 * __ InspireData Software __
 * **Classroom Implementation:** In math and science classes, charts and graphs are a common occurrence. They allow students to visually display data in a meaningful way. However, we typically do this using graph paper and maybe some markers or colored pencils. With InspireData software students can go beyond one-dimensional graphs and charts on paper, and create professional looking, quality data displays on the computer. The software also allows students to manipulate variables and show more than one typ of data at a time without doing a completely new graph.  For instance, in a middle school science class studying weather, a teacher can assign students different cities all over the world to chart temperatures and precipitation using the software.
 * **Rationale:** This software will help students to organize and analyze data with the use of charts and graphs. With this software students will be able to compare and contrast data easily and effectively in their math and science classes. The software provides ways for students to easily change variables, plot points and show multiple groups of data on one graph to better visualize the information.
 * **Resource:** In order to use this software, a school would need to purchase InspireData and have computers available to use the software with.
 * **Cost**: The cost of this software is : $280 for a 5 computer license, $440 for a 10 computer license, and $640 for a 20 computer license.
 * __Free Write word-processing software for Handheld computer systems__
 * **Classroom Implementation:** Many teachers ask their students to compare and contrast in class. This typically involves getting out a piece of paper and writing it out. This process has become boring to students who are more at home with their hands on a keyboard then with pen and paper. Using a word-processing software with a hand-held PDA can allow students to complete the assignments in a more organized interesting way. No more eraser marks!
 * **Rationale:** Free write is a complete word-processing program designed to be used with PDA's. The software allows you to delete, edit, proofread with spell check, and other great features like auto-capitalization. According to the Free-Write website, this software can be used for all types of writing including journaling, note taking and peer-editing, as well as your typical essay and outline formats.
 * **Resource:** To use this software you would need a PDA or Palm with the Palm OS 3.1 - .5 operating system.
 * **Cost:** I was unable to verify pricing for this software on this website (http://hi-ce.org/software/handheld/index.html)
 * __Literacy Development__
 * One educational challenge is literacy development. In order for readers to continue to develop their literacy skills they need to be able to monitor their own comprehension as they read. This is not always easy for some students. In order to help students continue to grow in their literacy development, Inspiration Concept Mapping software provides students with the tools they need to improve. Because technology is such a major part of today's student's lives, using technology software instead of pencils and paper to organize and compare and contrast, may help motivate students to take initiative in their learning.