Software Evaluations Lab

You need to review two software programs at CML, your local library, or perhaps a local school or REMC (Regional Educational Media Center found at your local Intermediate School District office.)  You may own or know someone who owns an appropriate program - just remember they have to be educational programs.   No encyclopedias or productivity software (spreadsheets, databases) will be accepted.  Our labs give all the work we need with productivity software, so be sure the software you choose directly relates or support a curriculum.

Software Evaluation Form

Evaluate the software using the following categories.   Fill out the following form for each software title.

Title: Kid Pix                                                                                       
Where reviewed: CML
Your name: Hannah Scholten
Date: 3-30-07
Subject/Area: Art
Publisher/ Producer (if you can): The Learning Company
Grade level: Doesn’t say, but probably elementary level (2-3 grade)
Goal or objective of software: To let kids be creative with their art, and learn how to use basic computer functions as well.

_____________________________________________________________________________
Type of program: This is a simulation program because it simulates drawing for students.

(choose from Simulation, Educational Game, Drill and Practice, Tutorial)

10 tips for software selection: choose software with helpful feedback (had very handy “help feature”). Technology is not a solution it is a support (it allows students to experiment with color and practice before letting them create on paper).

(Specify two tips what would describe this software package)

_____________________________________________________________________________
Use the following and rate the software from 1 to 4 in each area.
1= Strongly Disagree
2= Disagree
3= Agree
4=Strongly Agree

Content:                                                                                                For example
The content is accurate and factual : 4                                                                 4
The content is educationally appropriate : 3                                                          3         
The content meets learning goals and objectives : 3                                              1
The content is free of stereotypes and racial bias : 2                                             4


Ease of use: 4
Directions are clear : 4                                                                                       3
Students can end the program at any time : 4                                                      1
Students can restart the program where they stopped: 3                                       1
The software is easy to learn – user friendly : 4                                                     4

Ability levels
The user level can be set by the teacher: 1                                                           4
The software covers a variety of ability/skill levels: 3                                              4

Technical Quality
Animation and graphics are used well :4                                                              3
Audio is used well :4                                                                                          1
Feedback and prompts are appropriate :4                                                             3
Student interest is maintained : 4                                                                        1
Overall technical quality is excellent:4                                                                  3

Recommendation: Purchase when funds become available

Purchase immediately
Purchase as funds become available
Do not purchase
Other (specify)

Comments: This is a very fun program, but it doesn’t offer many of the educational benefits of other software.

Attach this to the assignment link in Blackboard.  Remember, if you do these on two separate documents, then they must be both attached at the same time.

 

 

Software Evaluations Lab

You need to review two software programs at CML, your local library, or perhaps a local school or REMC (Regional Educational Media Center found at your local Intermediate School District office.)  You may own or know someone who owns an appropriate program - just remember they have to be educational programs.   No encyclopedias or productivity software (spreadsheets, databases) will be accepted.  Our labs give all the work we need with productivity software, so be sure the software you choose directly relates or support a curriculum.

Software Evaluation Form

Evaluate the software using the following categories.   Fill out the following form for each software title.

Title: Math Blaster                                                                               
Where reviewed: CML
Your name: Hannah Scholten
Date: 3-30-07
Subject/Area: Math
Publisher/ Producer (if you can): Knowledge Adventure
Grade level: ages 7-9
Goal or objective of software: Help students understand and practice simple and complex math problems.

_____________________________________________________________________________
Type of program: Educational Game
(choose from Simulation, Educational Game, Drill and Practice, Tutorial)

10 tips for software selection: Choose software with good record keeping capabilities, choose software with built-in instructional aides.

(Specify two tips what would describe this software package)

_____________________________________________________________________________
Use the following and rate the software from 1 to 4 in each area.
1= Strongly Disagree
2= Disagree
3= Agree
4=Strongly Agree

Content:                                                                                                For example
The content is accurate and factual : 4                                                                 4
The content is educationally appropriate :3                                                           3         
The content meets learning goals and objectives : 2                                              1
The content is free of stereotypes and racial bias : 4                                             4


Ease of use:
Directions are clear : 1                                                                                       3
Students can end the program at any time : 2                                                      1
Students can restart the program where they stopped:1                                        1
The software is easy to learn – user friendly : 3                                                     4

Ability levels
The user level can be set by the teacher: 1                                                           4
The software covers a variety of ability/skill levels: 3                                              4

Technical Quality
Animation and graphics are used well :4                                                              3
Audio is used well :4                                                                                          1
Feedback and prompts are appropriate :4                                                             3
Student interest is maintained : 4                                                                        1
Overall technical quality is excellent:4                                                                  3

Recommendation: Purchase when funds become available

Purchase immediately
Purchase as funds become available
Do not purchase
Other (specify)

Comments: This was a fun program but a bit hard to follow, the directions should be clearer and slower.

 

Attach this to the assignment link in Blackboard.  Remember, if you do these on two separate documents, then they must be both attached at the same time.