Computers in the Classroom

Judy Arzt, Ph.D., Saint Joseph College, CT

Evaluation Form

Software or Website Title

Publisher/Author

Contact Info: Telephone and Internet Address

Grade Level(s)

Subject Area(s)

Reviewed by

DESCRIPTION: Describe the content as accurately as possible. What topics are covered? Give specifics about the software’s or website’s multiple sections if applicable. Describe any special or unusual content features that are particularly noteworthy. Your description should enable a reader to envision what the software or website looks like.

ACCURACY OF CONTENT: Comment on the accuracy and completeness of the software's or website’s content. Tell if the content is appropriate for curriculum and for its intended audience. Note if there are any content errors or omissions, or what you would add to the software or website. Indicate if the content easy to read and access and sequenced appropriately. Note if the content is free of bias, such as gender or ethnic stereotypes, as applicable for intended student users.

TECHNICAL QUALITY: Tell of the software or website is to use and run through. For instance, comment upon how much computer experience is needed to install, download or and use it. Comment upon whether the technical aspects of the software or website will be manageable for the users. Note any “bugs” or technical difficulties in operation. Comment upon the navigation systems (i.e. menus, maps, links, help buttons, icons) and their ease of use and/or understandability. Indicate if the software or website is aesthetically pleasing. For instance, tell if graphics, sound, animation, and video are appealing and if they serve a purpose or if they are merely decorative features. Tel if any technical features are distracting.

USE OF TECHNOLOGY: Indicate if the software or website makes good use of the technology for the intended educational goals or if these goals could be better (or equally well) accomplished by other means. Indicate if there is good use of multimedia for the sake of learning. Consider in what ways use of this technology will enrich student learning. Remember that if technology does not enrich learning and does not allow for what otherwise could not be achievable readily through other means, we as educators need to consider if the implementation is valuable. To that extent, comment upon what value this technology will add to students’ educational experiences.

ROLE OF STUDENTS: Explain if and how students will be empowered or constrained by using the software or website. Indicate if they can work accordingly to their learning needs, or if must they follow a prescribed and limiting format (e.g., linear format) Explain to what extent students will have control in running or using this software or website. If applicable, indicate if students will be empowered by constructing a product and if so, describe possible products and if they can be used for assessment. Indicate if the software or website will promote student interaction or group interaction, and if so, tell how. Tell if use of the software or website will help students value their own thinking and learning processes.

ROLE OF TEACHER: Explain the teacher’s role in implementation of the software or website in the classroom; for instance, describe how a teacher might introduce, prepare, and monitor student use of the software or website. If applicable, indicate if the teacher can modify, change, or add to the software or website. Tell if there are internal management tools to help teacher monitor student learning. If applicable, describe any teacher manual or other similar features to help teacher implement the software or website, and if so, critique the value of these.

CLASSROOM USAGE: Not only do we need to describe technology and its fit with student learning, but we also must consider how it can be implemented in the classroom. To that effect, comment upon how the technology will be implemented in the classroom. For instance, indicate if individual student use, pair work, group work, full class, or teacher led instruction is the most suitable mode or if a combination of these is applicable. Because all instructional material must complement the curriculum, describe curricular fit. Consider a reader who will read your review and will want solid recommendations for lessons that can be built around the technology. Offer suggestions to pique your reader’s interest. In that sense, help your reader to begin to see particular ways the technology will be used in the classroom to fit in with lesson plans. (Note the next assignment is a complete lesson plan, so here you are listing a few of the best ideas you can think of for classroom lesson plans.)

CRITICAL SUMMARY: Give a brief critical analysis of the software's or website’s overall quality and usefulness. Highlight its strengths and shortcomings based upon the information covered in the above categories.

OVERALL RATING (ON A SCALE OF 1 TO 10)

EXPLANATION OF RATING: Explain your rating.

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Email: jarzt@sjc.edu

Email tutoring: tutoring@sjc.edu

jarzt@sjc.edu