Graph Master Software Review Grades: 4-8 Subject: Math Reviewed by Stacey Pence
Software Description: Graph Master is a program that allows students to explore simple data in various graph types. According to the Connecticut State Framework for Mathematics, Graph Master complies with the needs of students in grades four through eight. Students can create, analyze, interpret, and reason their choices for their data. Students are able to compare one graph to another, analyze their raw data, and describe their graph’s content. Nine graph types are available with Graph Master. Graph Master enables users to investigate their data by providing information such as the mean, median, or mode with the click of the mouse. Graph Master contains appropriate graphing jargon for fourth to eighth grade students. The graphs have several options that manipulate how the data is viewed. For example, the information can be sorted to solve a specific problem with many variables. The color, shape, and data distribution can be arranged to fit the user’s needs. The software also provides definitions of the nine graph types. When data is entered and the graph button is chosen, graphs that can represent the data are shown. The graphs that cannot represent the data cannot be chosen and are gray. Overall, Graph Master is a program that can be used to express statistical data through nine different graphs. Accuracy of Content: The software is accurate for upper elementary and middle school students. The software guide will help students and teachers gain access to more detailed information about their graphs’ abilities. The sequence of how to make a graph is appropriate. The steps involved create a graph from raw data and allow the user to see the process. This allows the user to copy the process when making a graph by hand. Technical Quality: No sound is needed or provided with this software. The program is easy to install and easy to use. Once the CD-Rom is placed in the computer, Graph Master is able to run from the Program Menu. When the program is open, the buttons on the left side of the screen use words and graphics to describe the job each one performs. The program is designed to guide users through the process of making a graph by giving them specific options with each graph. While the program creates the graph, students are presented with several decisions before the final product is viewed. The help button answers any questions that may arise. Use of Technology: Graph Master includes tools for the construction of a product. The labels on the graph are chosen from the headings on the columns of data. Students can see how important labeling is to the graphing process by using this program. The notebook, an icon on the left side, provides students with an outlet to express their analysis in paragraph form. The data for the graphs can be represented in numerous colors and types. For example, data can be articulated in percentage or ratio form. However, the software could provide more options for the graphs to be seen in 3-D instead of 2-D all the time. Role of Students: Graph Master provides students with the ability to analyze data in any form that meets their needs. Students are able to graph small or large amounts of data at one time. For the advanced student, Graph Master provides options to compare and analyze the information provided by the student. Students’ graph creations will display an accurate assessment for the teacher. Students are not constrained with this software. They have access to a wide range of options that can easily spark their creativity. Roles of Teachers: This program allows teachers to be observers once the students are introduced to the program. A simple walk around the room will give a teacher insight to their students’ progress. The teacher will be able to go around the room and answer individual questions. An initial “walk through”, as Graph Master calls it, of the software would be a good way to start the introduction to this program. However, this program does not contain information the teacher can retrieve to grade students’ work. But, the notebook section can be useful to explain how the student arrived at the graph presentation. Classroom Usage: This program is simple enough to be used by a whole class, small groups, or individuals. Graph Master is also complicated enough to allow students to expand their minds and create graphs with great detail. Students can work individually or in small groups. This program does not have a specific number of students for any graph creation. When students use this program in groups, the teacher needs to be aware of students who are not involved in deciding the details of the project. Those students may work better individually or need another “walk through” to understand how the program works. Critical Summary: This software is incredibly useful in a middle school mathematics classroom. It can also be used to examine a project in a science classroom. Students are able to explore and create graphs that express the information they want to portray. Teachers are able to read the description of how the student(s) arrived at their graph and the reason(s) why they chose what they did. The program is easy to use for students with any level of computer literacy. Overall Rating (On a scale from 1 to 10): 9.5 Explanation of Rating: The only shortcoming I found with this program was the lack of students’ progress reports. Because the graph is the end product, it would make sense that the teacher should be able to see the student’s effort in creating the graph. Some students may struggle more than others, and that will not be shown in the graph itself. Graph Master is a program that allows students to use trial and error to find their solution. But overall, students have the opportunity to learn valuable problem solving skills by experimenting with this program’s features.
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