Teachers Resources |
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Mouse Mischief is an exciting interactive new program developed by Microsoft (2010) to help students and educators get the most from their lessons.  Image retrieved from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/ EVALUATING INTERACTIVE RESOURCES AND THEIR SUITABILITY IN THE CLASSROOM
This particular digital resource was created with the specific purpose to sustain motivation and engage students to participate interactively, in a hands-on collaborative approach to learning. The multiple mouse feature, allows up to twenty-two students to complete Yes/No questions, Multiple-Choice and Drawing tasks simultaneously. It is a valuable resource in the classroom because it is challenging and highly effective in sustaining student and teacher motivation. It is also a very simple resource to install and operate for both student and teacher. ‘Mouse Mischief’ is a low cost resource, which is easily set up in the classroom and is free to download directly from Microsoft. It operates on a single computer so there is no need for teachers to upgrade or expand existing computer systems, there is only minimal cost involved in setting up the mice for each student. The simplicity of ‘Mouse Mischief’ allows teachers to utilise standard Microsoft PowerPoint 2010 slides and Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 presentations including existing ‘Mouse Mischief’ templates or to custom design, a presentation tailored specifically to cater for their students different learning needs. These features are ideal in the classroom setting as they “allow for the student to transition from passive learning to active, exploratory, and inquiry based learning” (Shelly, Cashman, Gunter, & Gunter, 2008, p.468). It features promote excitement about learning, and allows students to construct their own knowledge. If used correctly and efficiently this is a resource that has the potential for allowing students to demonstrate their comprehension, and use higher order thinking techniques in analysing concepts, critical thinking and forming new ideas. ‘Mouse Mischief' also promotes student to work collaboratively in their search for knowledge. This "collaborative function promotes group work and one- on-one computing"(Shelly, Cashman, Gunter, & Gunter, 2008, p.463). "Collaboration from the socio-cultural perspective (Dewey, 1933; Piaget, 1954; Vygotsky, 1978) builds learning and skill development" (O'Connor-Petrusso, 2009).This interaction promotes the sharing of ideas, beliefs and experiences using digital technologies. Assessment of student knowledge and understanding is also simplified using 'Mouse Mischief'. It eliminates the need for traditional paper and pencil test and has the ability to provide teachers with instant feedback on the participation, performance, and comprehension of their students, thus allowing for modification and adaption of the lesson accordingly to address areas of concern. "To integrate technology successfully, teachers must continuously evaluate educational technology, before instruction begins, during instructional periods, and after instruction has taken place" (Shelly, Cashman, Gunter, & Gunter, 2008, p.441) Mouse Mischief has a wealth of features to offer in assisting teachers and students in meeting learning outcomes. It supports the notion that students learn by listening and watching others, it challenges their thinking, allows them to instantly see their progress, and reflect on their learning.
Digital Resource Evaluation Rubric
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