Software Review Assignment

M3066 - Utilizing Technology in the Schools

You are to review 3 computer programs of your choice. You are to use the following guidelines to help you in the review process.

Guidelines from International Reading Association

  1. Are the instructional objectives clearly stated and implemented?
  2. Are the activities consistent with the established reading theory and practice?
  3. Could the lesson activities be better done with traditional means?
  4. Are the prompts and screen instructions to the student simple, direct,and easier than the learning activity to be done?
  5. Are the prompts and screen instructions and reading texts at a readable level appropriate to the needs of the learner?
  6. Are the documentation and instructions clear and unambiguous, assuming a minimum of prior knowledge about computers and their use?
  7. Are the documentation and screen displays grammatically correct, factually correct, and free of spelling errors
  8. Does the program contain a record keeping or information management element for the benefit of both the teacher and the learner, where appropriate?
  9. Are there provisions for the effective involvement and participation by the learner?
  10. Is the pace of the lesson modified but the action of the learner of can it be adjusted but the teacher based on diagnosed needs?
  11. Does the program contain a fair, reasonable, and clearly stated publisher's policy governing the replacement of defective or damaged programs?
  12. Is the program free of sex and culture bias?
  13. Does the program teach a concept and/or provide drill/practice?
  14. Your honest appraisal of the program...would you use it?

My first review is of Logo.

The objective of Logo is to help students gain a sense of geometry, although it is versitile and can be used to meet many objectives. Logo offers a great environment for students to experiement and gain experience while having fun. The prompts are not obvious, but with good instructions Logo quickly becomes very usable. A minimum of previous computer experience is needed. The program is free of sex and cultural bias. Logo can be used to teach concepts and to drill concepts. This is a program that I hope to find at least some time for in any math classroom, more so for middle school through Jr. High.

Secondly I'm reviewing Geometer's Sketchpad

This software allows discovery through construction in a way that pencil and paper could never do. Geometric constructions can be created in a perfect environment, measured and adjusted in a very short time. The ability to create perfect geometric constructions and to adjust them on screen allows the discovery of geometric properties with almost no previous experience. With a little direction from the teacher complex geometric ideas can be introduced and proven quickly and conclusively. This program is without bias. I might not use it as often as Logo, but in many math classrooms I would like to find some time for students to explore geometric ideas with Geometer's Sketchpad.

Finally I'm reviewing Lego Mindstorms Robolab

At first glance something like this might not seem to belong in a math classroom. However, with a variety of robotic problems to solve students are developing problem solving skills and analytical thinking skills. Many problems problems involving robotic motion require a good feel for for distance and proportion, so in addition to having fun and engaging their brains this software, with a little nudging, should also have students doing a little pencil and paper figuring. (try to discourage trial and error problem solving in those instances.)
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updated 7-14-05 by Simon Goble