Speekaboo Evaluation

SOFTWARE EVALUATION

Submitted by:  Dana Blumenschein   

Date: February 26, 2011

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Title:  Speekaboos

Publisher: Neal Shenoy

Date of copyright: 1996-2011

URL: http://www.speakaboos.com

Cost: 49.99

Hardware Requirement: online

Operating System: windows

Memory:  online

Subject areas: Language Arts

Grade Levels: prek-5

Instructional Strategies:

_x___ lessons/tutorial __x__ drill & practice __x__ review _____ simulation __x___ testing

__x__ game ___x__ discovery  __x___ problem-solving  __x___ application

____ other (specify) ____________________________________________________________

Rating:  0 - 5      (0 = not included or component is far below standard; 5 = exemplary)

Content

The content is educational.	5
The content is valid & reliable.	5
The content is accurate & factual.	5
The content is age appropriate.	5
The content is clear.	5
The content sources are cited and reliable.	5
The content aligns with the curriculum & standards.	2
The content is free from bias.	5

Ease of Use

The directions are clear and easy to follow.	5
The program is interactive.	5
The program is easy to navigate through.	5
The students can exit the program at any time.	5
The program saves students work.	5
The program gives positive feedback.	5
The program allows child to practice old and new skills.	5
The program covers a variety of ability/skill levels.	5

Support Materials

The program has a teacher’s guide.	4
The program has printed and understandable instructions.	4
The instructions and help functions are easy to access through the Internet or by phone.	5
There are supplemental resources and sample lesson plans.	4
The teacher can modify the user levels in the program.	2

Technical quality:

The installation and setup are easy.	5
The program loads quickly & is error-free.	5
The program works well.	5
The audio (sound) is clear.	5
The program is visually stimulating through active animation, color, and graphics.	5

Assessment

The program has a pre-assessment.	2
The program has a post-assessment.	2
The program keeps a on-going record of a students’ progress.	4
Teachers can assess students by evaluating progress reports.	4
Assessment methods are appropriate and suited to the learning objectives.	4

Title: Elementary School Success Deluxe

Publisher: TOPICS entertainment

Date of copyright: July 1, 2008

Version: 2009

URL: www.topicsent.com

Cost: $39.99

Operating System: Windows Vista / XP, Mac OS X Intel

Memory:  DVD-ROM

Subject areas: Reading, Math, Science, Typing, & Foreign Languages

Grade Levels: K-5

Strengths: It works on crucial subjects that are needed in school:  Math, Reading, and Science.  They also teach typing, which is used by some students.  Foreign languages is learned, which is a requirement in middle school and high school. 

Weaknesses:  I could not locate where there would be teacher reports, which would allow the teachers to view the kids progress.

 Comments:  Overall I think that this is a great program to use for kids in school.

Rating:  0 - 5      (0 = not included or component is far below standard; 5 = exemplary)

Content

The content is educational.	5
The content is valid & reliable.	5
The content is accurate & factual.	5
The content is age appropriate.	4
The content is clear.	5
The content sources are cited and reliable.	5
The content aligns with the curriculum & standards.	4
The content is free from bias.	5

Ease of Use

The directions are clear and easy to follow.	5
The program is interactive.	5
The program is easy to navigate through.	5
The students can exit the program at any time.	5
The program saves students work.	5
The program gives positive feedback.	5
The program allows child to practice old and new skills.	5
The program covers a variety of ability/skill levels.	5

Support Materials

The program has a teacher’s guide.	0
The program has printed and understandable instructions.	5
The instructions and help functions are easy to access through the Internet or by phone.	4
There are supplemental resources and sample lesson plans.	0
The teacher can modify the user levels in the program.	0

Technical quality:

The installation and setup are easy.	5
The program loads quickly & is error-free.	5
The program works well.	5
The audio (sound) is clear.	5
The program is visually stimulating through active animation, color, and graphics.	5

 

Assessment

The program has a pre-assessment.	4
The program has a post-assessment.	4
The program keeps a on-going record of a students’ progress.	0
Teachers can assess students by evaluating progress reports.	0
Assessment methods are appropriate and suited to the learning objectives.	5

NETS

By using technology in the classrooms were are giving the kids the use of the latest technology.  We would be able to communicate with each other via our devices.  Doing research will be easier and faster than going into a public library.  We can discuss virtually with each other about topics. 

Mobile Devices

 If I had the option of using any technology and having any devices available I would use ipads.  I would want each student to have one.  We could share applications and other important information with each other.  I would be able to send information that we are currently working on.  I really can't see any disadvantage to doing this. 

Website Evaluation

Website:  http://www.recycling-revolution.com/
A Recycling Revolution

Author:  Dawn (SolarFlair)
Email:  only a contact card

Even though she is just an individual and not a corporation or organization I still feel that the information is correct.  Compared to organizations she is offering the same information and her site is very easy to view and work.  The information is very detailed.  The purpose of the website is to inform people about recycling and how they can be a part of it.  I couldn't find a publishing date or even when the page was last updated.  The links were working and the resources given on the website were very helpful.  I would use this website as a reliable source because it does seem to compare to the other corporations information and it appears to be more easier to read and well organized.

Delicious

I created my account for Delicious.  (www.delicious.com/danatop)  I saved a few bookmarks because it was required.  I think that it is a great tool because there have been many occasions where I have been on another computer and couldn't remember a website that I had saved to my favorites.  Now if I am on another computer I will be able to log into my Delicious account and find my bookmarks.  I think my least favorite thing about this was just the fact that it was outside my comfort zone.  I have never liked change and doing something like this is difficult.  I can admit that this definately is a better way and more convienant way of storing my bookmarks and I am confidient that I will really enjoy it.  I think this tool could be used in a classroom because it could be a common ground for everyone to share bookmarks in one community setting.