Computers in the Classroom

Software Evaluation Project

 

 

Faculty Page

 

Syllabus

 

Assignments

 

Schedule

 

Samples

 

Software form

 

Software evaluation samples

 

List of software in Network Center

 

List of additional software

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email me:

jarzt@sjc.edu

 

email tutoring at Saint Joseph College: tutoring@sjc.edu

 

Last revised: 5/13/09

Assignment Directions

This project requires evaluating 2 software programs relevant to your teaching field using the format provided.  In addition to writing the evaluations, an introduction section must be written. Please note there is an alternative assignment that allows for using online websites that function much like software as another option for evaluation. It is also possible to evaluate one software program and one website.

 

Steps to follow:

 

1. Review the Software form.

 

2. Preview software you would like to consider before settling on your final two programs. You are encouraged to select one program that is a tool; this selection will tie in well with the final course project, the Application Project, as you might well use the software for that project as well.

 

3. Review each program several times. Consider the program from the teacher's perspective and students’ perspectives (e.g., above-average learners, below-average learners, savvy computer users, and novice computer users). Examine available documentation and supplemental materials. Take notes to assist in writing the review.

 

4. Prepare your evaluations following the form. Although prompts are provided to help you understand what is required in each section, do not answer the questions as if responding to a short-answer essay question. Rather write one fluid evaluation, avoiding choppy writing and avoiding repetition of ideas. Use details to give readers a sense of the content of the software, its applicability to a specific student population, and its curriculum fit. Be sure your reviews are lively and informative.  Revise for clarity and fluidity.  Edit for usage and mechanics. Your work will be read on the Internet by other educators.

 

5. Exchange drafts with peers for editorial assistance, and use the College's Center for Academic Excellence for additional assistance with helping you achieve a lively style and error-free text. Work can be submitted to the Center by sending an email to tutoring@sjc.edu, providing link to the assignment instructions, and attaching your paper in doc or rtf format. Expect 24-hour turnaround time during the week. Weekend tutoring online is not available in the summer.

 

6. Write an Overview:  Once you finish your two reviews, you need to write an overview. This overview is submitted but will not be placed on your website. It is an orientation for me as I am evaluating your work. This overview needs to state your grade/curriculum focus, clarifying why you selected the software that you did, and synthesize ideas from the two evaluations. Include:

  • An overview of what programs you selected and why
  • A description of the general content of the programs and their applicability to a curriculum and specific learners
  • Comparisons and contrasts between the programs
  • General suggestions for using the programs in the classroom
  • An analysis regarding what you believe are the most essential elements to look for in software
  • An analysis of the enhancements that computer software offer to the curriculum and the learning process
  • An analysis of some shortcomings of the computer software evaluated

 

2009Rights Reserved. Judy Arzt

 

Evaluation Criteria

  Content (accuracy, thoroughness, detail and analytical skills) 40 %

 Application skills (ability to see how the software fits learners and the curriculum) 30 %

 Writing skills (organization, flow, usage, lively style) 30 %

Warnings: 

(1) Writing skills are a critical component.  Work must be proofread. 

(2)  Be sure your description of the program is thorough and detailed enough to help teachers understand the program’s content and use in the classroom setting.

Extra credit:

To enhance your project, use the Internet to locate (1) reviews of the software, (2) promotional materials from the publishers, and (3) lesson plans based on the software. 

 

Later, when you create your website, the hyperlinks to these online resources will be readily available to your reader.