INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE

Name: Torre Mortimer

Software Title: BrainPop
URL: http://www.BrainPop.com
Function(s) of Instructional Software (check all that apply):
Drill and Practice Tutorial Simulation Instructional Game e-books/e-references
Features of the Software (check all that apply):
Assessment Monitoring/Reporting (Keeps track of student data and/or generates reports for
the teacher) Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students Multi-user or
collaborative functions with others in class Multi-user or collaborative functions with others
beyond local class Accessible to students beyond the school day Accessible via mobile
devices Multiple languages Safety, security, and/or privacy features
Strengths of the Software: BrainPop contains interactive forms of Drill and Practice for students
to complete following the lesson. There is an assessment feature that allows the instructor to
monitor students performance on Drill and Practice. The Tutorial video provides an exciting
portrayal of exponents which is enjoyable for the students.
Suggestions for Improvement: While the activity on Exponents does contain games associated
with the content, they are only considered Drill and Practice in terms of its function in the
classroom. BrainPop does not facilitate higher levels of Critical Thinking.
Standards Addressed: See https://www.georgiastandards.org/Pages/Default.aspx
MGSE6.EE.1 Write and evaluate numerical expressions involving whole-number exponents.
Grade Level/Content Area(s): 6th Grade Mathematics
Blooms Level of Critical Thinking Required (check all that apply). See
http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Bloom%27s_Taxonomy
Remembering Understanding Applying Analyzing Evaluating Creating
Description of how to implement in the class: Students will be directed to BrainPop using a QR
code for easy accessibility. This lesson will need to be formatted so that each student has their own
device to complete the activity. The teacher will begin by showing the entire class the video
associated with the BrainPop lesson on Exponents. The students will then ask the teacher any
questions they might have. Students will then work individually, based off of self-paced instruction.
As students begin the instructional lesson on exponents, they will also have the option to watch the
tutorial video again.
The teacher will be responsible for observing computer activity and assisting when individual help
is required. If the same issue occurs with multiple students the teacher will halt all instruction to
bring clarity to the entire class. The BrainPop activity will serve as an anticipatory/tutorial
instruction platform. Students will not be expected to have a complete comprehension by the
completion of this lesson. Students will have the freedom to continue to the games associated with
exponents once they believe they have a general understanding. BrainPop allows students to play
with adaptive levels allowing each student to test their understanding at its highest capacity. There
is also an assessment feature that the teacher can utilize as a informal formative assessment for
individual student comprehension