Computers in the Classroom

Evaluation Project

 

 

Faculty Page

 

Syllabus

 

Assignments

 

Schedule

 

Samples

 

Evaluation form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Email me:

jarzt@sjc.edu

 

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

 

Last revised: 5/2/11

Assignment Directions

This project requires evaluating educational software and/or websites. You need to write two reviews to complete this assignment. Your final reviews will be posted on your course website.

 

Steps to follow:

 

1. Review the evaluation form.

 

2. Preview software or websites that you would like to consider before settling on your final two choices. One of your choices might be a Web 2.0 tool or a computer software tool because this selection will tie in well with the final course project, the Application Project. You can locate tools by using by Diigo bookmarks and my Computers in the Classroom blog. Former students’ work available on the Internet will also help you locate software and websites to review. I have also prepared a quick list with some suggestions.

 

3. Review your choices under consideration several times. As you finalize your decision, consider the following: teacher perspective, student perspective (e.g., above-average learner, below-average learner, tech savvy student, reluctant computer user), as well as classroom implementation strategies and curricular fit. Focusing on these points will help you narrow your decision to the two best selections to review.

 

4. Now critically review each, taking notes using the evaluation form to assist in writing the review.

 

5. Prepare your evaluations following the form. Although prompts are provided to help you understand what is required in each section, your writing should not sound like responses to a short-answer essay question. Rather write one fluidly, and avoid choppy writing and repetition of ideas. Use details to give readers a sense of content, capabilities, and applicability to a specific student population and curriculum.  Be sure you are typing your drafts into the templates created in class for putting the reviews on the Internet (Review1 and Review2).

 

6. Once you have a draft written, revise it to make it as lively, informative, and practical for your readers, an audience of teachers.  Help readers to visualize the content and what student will do with the software or website to engage in learning.

 

7.  Edit your draft for clarity and fluidity.  Check to avoid redundancy. Proofread for usage and mechanics. You will have an opportunity in class to seek peer response before your work is finalized. Remember that your work will be read on the Internet by other educators. You want it as perfect as possible.

 

 

© 2011 Judy Arzt

Last revised 5.18.11

 

 

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/website is thorough and detailed enough to help teachers understand the content and use in the classroom setting.

Extra credit:

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

 

You can put links at the end of your reviews to direct your reader to these additional resources.