Decisions is a branching database
program by BlackCat educational software. It is one of many pieces
of software tucked away as a standard part of RM's Window Box and
Connect packages. There are various 'tree' type programs available,
some of which can do much more than this example, but few are simpler
to learn and to use.
Having never used it before, I constructed
a detailed branching database with 14 outcomes within minutes. Load
the program and select New file (there are also good examples available).
Type in a title and your first question. It is that simple!
The nice thing about the software
is that children don't need to think too far ahead. They can run the
database after entering only one question. If the answer is 'No',
they are then prompted to set a new question.
Children can also view the complete
tree or the set of questions as a key. They may also enter detailed
information and images of each object, whatever it may be (animal,
musical instrument etc.) The children can also track back through
their questions and study the answers they gave to get to a particular
result, enabling them to simply edit and review, developing their
questioning skills.
This piece of software fits well
into the ICT QCA units 1D, 2E and 4C. It is also useful for revision
purposes at the start of unit 3C. There are also science links - living
things, rocks and soils, properties of materials and habitats. Decisions
could also be used to explore different types of musical instruments,
monarchs, historical periods, locations, landmarks, environmental
issues, shapes, word types and spelling patterns.
There is obvious potential for Decisions
to be used as a teaching resource. Even the most technophobic teacher
could get to grips with this, to prepare a set of questions to support
pupils' classification. This will get children thinking about progressive
questioning, starting with a broad question and becoming increasingly
specific.
Overall this is a very approachable
piece of software which does not require the user to set limitations
at the start, as they can continually build on their database with
ease. An excellent resource for ICT alone, but also giving the teacher
further opportunities to embed ICT across the curriculum.
