Running Head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS 0

Software Evaluations

Caitlin Troy

State University of New York College at Oneonta

Running Head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS 1

Software Evaluations

Microsoft Excel – Word Processing and Desktop Publishing

Microsoft Excel is an electronic spreadsheet is a computer software program that is used

for storing, organizing, and manipulating data. This spreadsheet software can also be adapted

into a math classroom for calculations, graphing, making tables, and charts. This software falls

under the word processing and desktop publishing category. The software is available for any

grade level K-12, as well as all core subjects. This software would however be used the most

beneficially for grades 9-12, as the program could often be difficult to navigate for those who

aren’t that familiar. This software aligns with state and national standards across multiple grade

levels. Some of these standards include creating and interpreting graphs and charts, data

analysis, and working with equations. Activities and lessons can be created and adapted to align

with grade level standards. For example, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.8.SP.A.1, states that students

can construct and interpret scatter plots of data to investigate patterns of association between two

quantities. This is one specific example of many examples of how Microsoft Excel can connect

to the curriculum. Interpreting data is a very important skill students learn about over the course

of their various math classes. Excel gives students the opportunity to both create and interpret

their own data sets, graphs, charts, and tables using technology. This software meets the

following ISTE-S standards: empowered learner (standard 1), knowledge constructor (standard

3), and computational thinker (standard 5). Students can use Microsoft Excel to solve problems

in new ways, specifically using technology. It allows them to creatively engage in meaningful

activities related to mathematics and technology.

Overall, Microsoft Excel is a versatile software that could be a valuable tool in the math

classroom through various lessons and activities. It’s easily accessible, as most schools have the

Microsoft package pre-downloaded onto personal laptops and computers. This software allows

students to have the opportunity to obtain a deeper understanding of the content through the

integration of technology. Some strengths of this software are that it is extremely adaptable.
Running Head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS 2

Students could use the software for a wide variety of graphs, data, and charts. It can be shared

between different students, or between teachers and students. It creates an environment of

collaboration. It also is becoming more and more so a common software application that will

help prepare students for college and real world experience. Some weaknesses of this software

are that, until students first have the opportunity to get used to the program, it can be hard to use.

It will probably take some a good portion of time for students to familiarize themselves with the

software and can use it for challenging class activities and lessons. Microsoft Excel is overall a

beneficial software to use in the classroom, as it provides many different potential opportunities

for activities to assist in learning.

Britannica – Research and Reference Tools

Britannica is a software that allows students to find and search information on a

multitude of topics. This software can be adapted into a math classroom by giving students the

opportunity to search various vocabulary and concepts on mathematics topics as well as famous

mathematicians. This software falls under the research and reference tools category. Students in

grade K-12 can use this software, although teachers might have to assist or show students in

lower grades how to use it. There are various categories on Britannica that students can research

to gain more information on. The categories are: Animals, Arts & Culture, Food, Geography,

Health & Medicine, History, Literature & Language Music, Philosophy & Religion, Pop

Culture, Science, Society, Sports & Recreation, and Technology. This software would be

extremely beneficial in implementing an interdisciplinary lesson. Activities and lessons could

incorporate this helpful research software into lessons and activities.

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.SRT.B.4. states that students will be able to prove theorems

about triangles. Students could use this software to discover further research on these theorems

along with the famous mathematicians who created these theorems, like Euclid or Pythagoras.

This software meets the following ISTE-S standards: empowered learner (standard 1),
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knowledge constructor (standard 3), and global collaborator (standard 7). Students can use

Britannica to further understand the content.

Overall, Britannica is a useful resource that can further push students thinking and

understanding. Some strengths of this software is that it is very engaging to students. The

information is very illuminating and interesting to students. The pictures and content that appear

on the software are very student friendly and engaging. Researching and collecting more

information is a very important skill to teach students as well as the content, and Britannica is a

good tool in teaching students how to properly do that. Some weaknesses are that the software

covers a big range of topic, but the information can be limited. Also, the software can be

accessed for free but is also limited, where the site offers Britannica Premium which gives full

access to information and other properties.

GeoGebra - Simulation

GeoGebra is a dynamic math software for teaching and learning mathematics from middle

school through college level. This software falls in the category of simulation. This software can

be utilized in the classroom for a variety of lessons and activities. Students in grades 7-12 can

utilize this software to discover many different mathematical concepts and topics. For example,

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.SRT.B.4, states that students can prove theorems about

triangles. Students, for example, could use GeoGebra to discover the Isosceles Triangle

Theorem. This theorem states that if two sides of a triangle are congruent, then the angles

opposite those sides are congruent. Students in an interactive discovery activity can explore this

theorem and prove it to be true on this software. This software meets the following ISTE-S

standards: knowledge constructor (standard 3) and computational thinker (standard 5).

Overall, GeoGebra is an extremely useful resource that can be adopted in classroom

activities and lessons to give deeper meaning to content. Some strength of this software is that is
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free for all students to download on to computers or personal tablets. It is easily accessible both

in and outside of the classroom. It goes beyond mathematical computations, and assists students

in higher order thinking to understand concepts and procedures. A weakness of this software is

that there is no opportunity for students to receive feedback. There is no function on this

software which tells the students if their work is correct or not, for this they would need to ask

their teacher.

Accelerated Math – Drill and Practice

Accelerated Math is a daily, progress-monitoring software tool that monitors and manages

mathematical skills practice. This software can be implemented for practice from preschool math

through calculus. This software falls into the category of drill and practice. Students can utilize

this software to develop their procedural fluency and conceptual understanding of specific

learning objectives. CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSN.RN.A.2 states that students will be able to

rewrite expression involving radicals and rational exponents using the properties of exponents.

Students could use Accelerated Math to practice mastering this skill of rewriting radicals and

exponents while receiving immediate feedback on their understanding. This software meets the

following ISTE-S standards: computational thinker (standard 5) and global collaborator

(standard 7).

Overall, Accelerated Math is an extremely beneficial software in allowing students the

opportunity to practice a specific skill while also providing on the spot feedback to their success

on the skill. The software generates an individualized practice assignment for each student based

on the objectives the teacher assigned. It manages and monitors students’ mathematics practice.

the students if their work is correct or not, for this they would need to ask their teacher. Some

strengths of the software are that it provides students immediate feedback on a certain skill. It

also gives the teacher diagnostic information each day through either individual student or whole

class reports. It tells the teacher which mathematics objectives students have mastered and which
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ones are giving them difficulty. Some weaknesses of the software are that when students are

completing drill and practice activities, students might miss the clear link between concept and

action. Students need to be able to relate what they are doing to what they are learning, and that

connection could be missing in this software. The monotony of practice problem after practice

problem is very unengaging for students.

Math Blaster – Instructional Game Software

Math Blaster is an educational video gaming software that has produced for various

computer systems. This software has both a free version and a paid membership option. The paid

membership options allows access to additional lessons, games, and advanced math concepts.

This software incorporates mathematical concepts into computer games for students to

participate in. Students K-8 can utilize this software as to develop key math ideas that are

building blocks for higher-level math concepts. For example, one of the games can be used to

practice math facts including fluently diving multi-digit numbers using the standard algorithm

from standard CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.6.NS.B.2. This software meets the following ISTE-S

standards: empowered learner (standard 1), knowledge constructor (standard 3), and global

collaborator (standard 7).

Overall, Math Blaster seems to be a very interactive and engaging gaming software to use in

the classroom. It has great visuals and exciting effects that make the games engaging for the

students. Some weaknesses are that while this software does have some games that are free, if

users want full access to games, lessons, and activities then memberships costs about $10

monthly to $80 annually. Another weakness is that this software is only beneficial for students in

lower level grades. This software does not have the versatility to be used in high school level

courses. However, some strengths of the software is that each game has a clear description of the

content the game covers, as well as direction on how to play the game. The instructions are
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differentiated so all learners can understand what’s happening. These games motivate children to

participate in the activity at hand.

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Microsoft Excel

Rubric for Evaluating Software

Title of Program: Microsoft Excel Cost: Free Subject area(s): Math
Grade(s): K-12 Computer Platform: Windows/Mac
Educational Value Excellent (3) Average (2) Poor (1) N/A (0)
Software contains
X
accurate information
Problem solving
activities X
Active engagement
X
required
Provides feedback for
students X
Monitoring capabilities X
Differentiation
X
capabilities
Design/Usability Excellent (3) Average (2) Poor (1) N/A (0)
Technical support
X
availability
Networking capabilities X
Contains quality
graphics, sound, color, X
and animation
Software is affordable X
Software is user
X
friendly
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Britannica

Rubric for Evaluating Software

Title of Program: Britannica Cost: Subject area(s): All
Grade(s): K-12 Computer Platform: Windows/Mac
Educational Value Excellent (3) Average (2) Poor (1) N/A (0)
Software contains
X
accurate information
Problem solving
activities X
Active engagement
X
required
Provides feedback for
students X
Monitoring capabilities X
Differentiation
X
capabilities
Design/Usability Excellent (3) Average (2) Poor (1) N/A (0)
Technical support
X
availability
Networking capabilities X
Contains quality
graphics, sound, color, X
and animation
Software is affordable X
Software is user
X
friendly
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GeoGebra

Rubric for Evaluating Software

Title of Program: GeoGebra Cost: Subject area(s): All
Grade(s): 7-12 Computer Platform: Windows/Mac
Educational Value Excellent (3) Average (2) Poor (1) N/A (0)
Software contains
X
accurate information
Problem solving
activities X
Active engagement
X
required
Provides feedback for
students X
Monitoring capabilities X
Differentiation
X
capabilities
Design/Usability Excellent (3) Average (2) Poor (1) N/A (0)
Technical support
X
availability
Networking capabilities X
Contains quality
graphics, sound, color, X
and animation
Software is affordable X
Software is user
X
friendly
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Accelerated Math

Rubric for Evaluating Software

Title of Program: Accelerated Math Cost: Subject area(s): Math
Grade(s): 5-12 Computer Platform: Windows/Mac
Educational Value Excellent (3) Average (2) Poor (1) N/A (0)
Software contains
X
accurate information
Problem solving
activities X
Active engagement
X
required
Provides feedback for
students X
Monitoring capabilities X
Differentiation
X
capabilities
Design/Usability Excellent (3) Average (2) Poor (1) N/A (0)
Technical support
X
availability
Networking capabilities X
Contains quality
graphics, sound, color, X
and animation
Software is affordable X
Software is user
X
friendly
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Math Blast

Software Evaluation Form (from Kathy Schrock)

General Information
Title of program: Math Blast Year: 2006 (Windows) 2013 (iOS)
Producer of program: Knowledge Cost: $10 monthly or $80 annually
Adventure
Subject area(s): Math Grade(s): K-8

Technical Information
Computer Platform/Processor: CD/ROM: Yes | No
Windows/Mac
Hard drive space needed: 200 MB Sound: Yes | No
RAM needed: Other?:

Category of Software, check those that apply:

Presentation Simulation Tutorial
Reference Authoring Drill and practice
Image editing Word processing Standard addressed:

Features of the Software Strongly

agree
Agree Disagree N/A

1. The directions are clear and easy to follow for the X

intended age group.
2. Useful directions are available via a written X
manual or on-screen help.
3. It is easy for students to exit the program. X
4. Students may start up where they left off in the X
program.
5. Searching for certain items is simple and complex X
searches may be done.
6. The program functions well on the computer and is X
free from bugs.
7. The program is enjoyable to use. X
8. Included graphics and animations are meaningful. X
9. Sound can be turned on/off. X
10. The program automatically branches based on X
student responses.
11. The user level can be set by the teacher. X
12. The software contains a management tool for the X
teacher.
13. The software covers a large range of skill levels. X

Connection to NETS-S: Standard: Basic operations and concepts

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Educator Feedback:

The teacher giving feedback on ideas that these technologies were presented to is

currently teaching high school mathematics at various levels including, Algebra, Pre-Calculus,

and AP Statistics. He has been a teacher for seven years. He stated that he is moderately

comfortable and competent with technology usage. He said that he really liked the five pieces of

instruction software that I choose to evaluate. He said that he consistently uses GeoGebra and

Microsoft Excel. He said that he agrees that technology is an adaptable and efficient tool to

create collaboration and engagement amongst all types of diverse learners. He said that there is a

common resistance and anxiety that comes from students when dealing with mathematical

concepts and problems. Technology is a wonderful resource to combat those feelings of

nervousness and stubbornness to math that will still provide a meaningful educational

opportunity that is more comfortable and engaging for students.

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Educational Software Evaluation Form
Title: Mind Power Math: High School

Publisher: _The Learning Company Classroom

Copyright: 2001 Version: Old SUBJECT AREAS—Please circle all that apply
ASSESS IT MC SW
Platform/version: _√_ Mac _√ Windows AT IN MM CC SC
KB PS SS

Media: __ Diskette -ROM __ DVD ECHPER LAMA PRO DEVRL

SNTE
Also Needs: __ Internet ____ WL
__ Microphone __ Other _
Topic: __Mathematics_
Cost: ___$45___
GRADES/ABILITY LEVELS—Circle the range

Teacher Support PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

DOCUMENTATION: __Binder __Booklet _√_Included on media __on Internet __√__Teacher also ______Teacher only
INSTRUCTION MANUAL HAS: READABILITY LEVEL—Circle one

____Objectives ____Lesson plans ____Sample screens Easier Consistent More

____Resource information ____Reproducible student pages with grade difficult

____Student booklets STUDENT GROUPING

_√Other : Practice tests for students to try at the end of each chapter ____√ __Individuals
______Groups of 3 or 4

Content Installation and Setup: __Difficult Sound is:

__Time consum

Material is presented impartially and without bias or distortion: __√_Yes ___No __Essential __High quality Videos: __Run _√_Supplemen
Compared to the standards from: ____New York State_____ jerkily __Run smoothly _√_Are essenti
Meets these standards: (Mark only one)
√_Appropriately ___Exceeds Them
___Inadequately ___Minimally __No Reviewer’s Name: _______Jillian Borden_____________
__Some _√_Mostly
Contact
Content is current. __No __Some __Mostly __Yes
Information:_bordjr62@suny.oneont
__No __Some __Mostly _√_Yes
Content is thorough. a.edu____________________________________
__No __Some __Mostly _√_Yes ______
Content is age appropriate.
__No __Some __√Mostly _√_Yes
Content is reliable. __Mostly ___________________________________________
__No __Some __Yes
Content is clear. ______________________________
_√_Yes
Content is fully referenced.
Dated:_6/4/12
Assessment
Has pretest. __Yes √No
Has posttest. _√_Yes __No
Has record keeping by student. _√_Yes __No
Has record keeping by group. __Yes √No
_√_Yes __No 340 NETS FOR TEACHERS—
Has assessment guidelines.
PREPARING TEACHERS TO USE
Technical Quality TECHNOLOGY

______Pairs ______Whole group

DESCRIBE THE CONTENT: The content on this software provides high school students Other _________________________
and adults with extra practice of the math topics they learn in high school. The content
includes algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and calculus. There are tests at the FINAL REPORT CARD
end of each chapter for assessment. Teacher support A B C D F
Content A B C D F
Assessment A B C D F
Technical quality A B C D F
Instructional design A B C D F

PROVIDES
Student journal __Yes _√_No
E-mail option __Yes _√_No Spreadsheet __Yes _√_No Calculator __Yes _

No
Print options __√Yes __No YOUR OVERALL RATING ___B___
 APPENDIX D • EVALUATION FORMS

Instructional Design
CIRCLE THE MODES THAT APPLY
AC AU BL CA CP DE DP EG EX GP IN LEP MM PS RF SI TE TL TU

PROMOTES
__ Creativity ___ Collaboration __ Discovery
_√__ Higher -order thinking _√__ Problem solving ___ Memorization

MOTIVATIONAL

__√_ Student controls pacing _Stimulates curiosity ___Challenging ___Real -world connections

STRENGTHS: This program provides a lot of practice for the students on the various math topics they learn in class. This program provides

an in-depth review of all of the topics. Teachers could use this program in their classrooms as a review of certain topics. Also, students

could use this program at ho me for extra practice and test preparation. There are assessments available at the end of each chapter on every
disk to check progress.

WEAKNESSES: This particular program is the older edition, so it may be better to purchase the newest edition. This program does not

provide much student interaction. This program would work better as a study device, rather than an in -class activity. Also, this program
seems to run a little slow at times.

DESCRIBE THE LEARNING STRATEGY INCORPORATED IN THE DESIGN: This program uses v arious CD’s to review
math topics for the students. The students will be working on their problem -solving skills as they work through this
program. Also, the tests at the end of each chapter provide the students with a progress check. Teachers can use thi s
program in their classrooms to assess their students ’ progress as well.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

NETS FOR TEACHERS —PREPARING TEACHERS TO USE TECHNOLOGY 341

 Educational Software Evaluation Form
Title: Microsoft Encarta Premium 2007
Classroom
Publisher: _Microsoft
SUBJECT AREAS—Please circle all that apply
Copyright: 2006 Version: Old ASSESS IT MC SW
AT IN MM SC
Platform/version: __ Mac _√ Windows CC KB PS SS

Media: __ Diskette CD-ROM √ DVD EC LA PRO DEV SN

HPER MA RL TE

Also Needs: _√_ Internet __ Microphone __ Other _

____ WL
Cost: ___$47.99___ Topic: __Encyclopedia_
GRADES/ABILITY LEVELS—Circle the range
Teacher Support PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

DOCUMENTATION: __Binder __Booklet _√_Included on media __on Internet __√__Teacher also ______Teacher only
INSTRUCTION MANUAL HAS: READABILITY LEVEL—Circle one

____Objectives ____Lesson plans ____Sample screens Easier Consistent More

__√__Resource information ____Reproducible student pages with grade difficult

____Student booklets STUDENT GROUPING

_ Other : ______Individuals√
______Groups of 3 or 4

Content Installation and Setup: __Difficult

_ Time consuming __Simple

Material is presented impartially and without bias or distortion: __√_Yes ___No
Sound is: __Essential _High
Compared to the standards from: ____New York State_____
quality _Supplemental
Meets these standards: (Mark only one)

___Inadequately ___Minimally √_Appropriately ___Exceeds Them Videos: __Run jerkily _√_Run smoothly _Are essential

Content is current. __No __Some _√_Mostly __Some

Content is thorough. __No __Mostly __Yes
Content is age appropriate. __No __Some __Mostly _√_Yes Reviewer’s Name: _______Jillian Borden_____________
__No __Some __Mostly _√_Yes Contact
Content is reliable.
Information:_bordjr62@suny.oneont
_√_Yes
a.edu____________________________________
Content is clear. __No __Some __Mostly _Yes ______
__No __Some __Mostly _√_Yes ___________________________________________
Content is fully referenced.
______________________________

Assessment
Dated:_6/4/12
Has pretest. __Yes √No
Has posttest. __Yes √_No
Has record keeping by student. __Yes _√_No
Has record keeping by group. __Yes √No
Has assessment guidelines. __Yes _√_No

Technical Quality
 340 Print options __√Yes __No
NETS FOR TEACHERS—PREPARING TEACHERS TO USE TECHNOLOGY
Other _________________________

FINAL REPORT CARD

___√___Pairs ______Whole group Teacher support A B C D F
Content A B C D F
Assessment A B C D F
Technical quality A B C D F
Instructional design A B C D F
DESCRIBE THE CONTENT: The content on this software provides students of all ages various
resources. There are many articles on this software that students can use for research projects.
There are also many videos available for teachers to use with their students. There are various
geographical maps and equation solvers available on this software.

YOUR OVERALL RATING ___B___

PROVIDES
Student journal __Yes _√_No

E-mail option __Yes _√_No Spreadsheet __Yes _√_No Calculator __Yes _ No

 APPENDIX D • EVALUATION FORMS

Instructional Design
CIRCLE THE MODES THAT APPLY
AC AU BL CA CP DE DP EG EX GP IN LEP MM PS RF SI TE TL TU

PROMOTES
__ Creativity ___ Collaboration _√_ Discovery
_√__ Higher -order thinking _√__ Problem solving ___ Memorization

MOTIVATIONAL

__√_ Student controls pacing _√Stimulates curiosity ___Challenging _√__Real -world connections

STRENGTHS: This program provides more than 64,000 articles on almost any topic you would want to research. This program offers many

different videos, sound clips, and pictures of different topics. There is a web companion as part of this software. The geopo litical, climatic,
and topogr aphical maps can provide the teachers and students with great geographical resources. There is a math equation solver
application available on this software as well. There is even a special area on this program dedicated to kids from ages 7 to 12.

WEAKNESSES: Some of the content on this program may be outdated since this program was created in 2007. The installation of this

software may be time consuming. This software also takes up a lot of space on the hard -drive.

DESCRIBE THE LEARNING STRATEGY INCORPORATED IN THE DESIGN: There are so many ways that a teacher
could incorpor ate this software into their classroom. The teacher can encourage their students to research various

topics with the help of this software. Also, students can work together to explore the vario us maps available on this
program. The area for the kids ages 7 to 12 provides many interactive activities for the students to explore together.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Overall, I believe that this software would be great to use in any type of classroom. There are various resources

available on this program that teachers and students can explore together.

NETS FOR TEACHERS —PREPARING TEACHERS TO USE TECHNOLOGY 341

 Educational Software Evaluation Form
Title: Carmen Sandiego Math Detective Classroom
Publisher: _The Learning Company SUBJECT AREAS—Please circle all that apply
ASSESS IT MC
Copyright: 2000 Version: Old AT IN MM CC KB
PS SW
Platform/version: _√_ Mac _√ Windows
EC LA PRO DEV SC
Media: __ Diskette √ CD-ROM DVD SS
SN
HPER MA RL TE

Also Needs: _ Internet __ Microphone __ Other _

____ WL
Cost: ___$39.95__ Topic: __Mathematics_
GRADES/ABILITY LEVELS—Circle the range
Teacher Support PK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

DOCUMENTATION: __Binder __Booklet _√_Included on media __on Internet __√__Teacher also ______Teacher only
INSTRUCTION MANUAL HAS: READABILITY LEVEL—Circle one
____Objectives ____Lesson plans __√__Sample screens Easier Consistent More

___Resource information ____Reproducible student pages with grade difficult

____Student booklets STUDENT GROUPING

_ Other : ______Individuals√
______Groups of 3 or 4
___√___Pairs ______Whole group

Content is clear. __No

__No __Some __Mostly _√_Yes __Some
Content is fully referenced.
Mostly __Yes

Assessment
Has pretest. __Yes √No
Has posttest. _√_Yes No

Has record keeping by student. _√_Yes __No

Content
Material is presented impartially and without bias or distortion: __√_Yes ___No
Compared to the standards from: ____New York State_____ DESCRIBE THE CONTENT: The
Meets these standards: (Mark only one) content on this software provides
students of ages from 8 to 14 with a
___Inadequately ___Minimally √_Appropriately ___Exceeds Them fun and exciting way to solve various
math problems. The topics covered
Content is current. __No __Some _√_Mostly with this software include
Content is thorough. __No __Some __Mostly
__Yes multiplication, division, fractions,
Content is age appropriate. __No __Some __Mostly Content is reliable. _√_Yes percents, pre-algebra, and geometry.
__No __Some __Mostly Also, there are three different levels
_√_Yes to this game that make it appropriate
_√_Yes for students in various grades.
Technical Has record keeping by group. __Yes √No Quality
Has assessment guidelines. _√_Yes __No
PROVIDES
Student journal __Yes _√_No
 E-mail option __Yes _√_No
Spreadsheet __Yes _√_No
Calculator __Yes _No
Print options __√Yes __No
Other _________________________

FINAL REPORT CARD

Installation and Setup: __Difficult _ Time consuming _√_Simple Teacher supportContent

AA BB CC DD FF

Sound is: __Essential _High quality _Supplemental Assessment A B C D F

Videos: __Run jerkily _ Run smoothly √Are essential __Not essential Technical quality A B C D F
Instructional design A B C D F

Reviewer’s Name: _______Jillian Borden_____________

Contact Information:_bordjr62@suny.oneonta.edu__________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________
YOUR OVERALL RATING ___B___
Dated:_6/4/12
340 NETS FOR TEACHERS—PREPARING TEACHERS TO USE TECHNOLOGY
 APPENDIX D • EVALUATION FORMS

Instructional Design
CIRCLE THE MODES THAT APPLY
AC AU BL CA CP DE DP EG EX GP IN LEP MM PS RF SI TE TL TU

PROMOTES
__ Creativity ___ Collaboration _√_ Discovery
_√__ Higher -order thinking _√__ Problem solving ___ Memorization

MOTIVATIONAL

__√_ Student controls pacing _√Stimulates curiosity ___Challenging _√__Real -world connections

STRENGTHS: This software can be used as a great way to show students that math can be fun and interactive. The content covered in this

program can be used for multiple grade levels. The students will be excited to play this game and solve mysteries with Carmen Sandiego.

WEAKNESSES: This program can only run properly on Windows 95/98 and MAC OS 9 or anything lower; therefore this software will

not work on the newer computers today. There is a time limit on t he problems that the students need to solve, which may cause
difficulty for some of the students.

DESCRIBE THE LEARNING STRATEGY INCORPORATED IN THE DESIGN: This program could work great in a
classroom setting or at home. The teacher can bring her students to the computer lab and have them explore with
Carmen Sandiego and solve mysteries, while solving math problems. The students could work individually or in
pairs. The students would be working on improving their problem -solving skills and discovering their own learning.

RECOMMENDATIONS: I think that this software would be very be neficial for student learning. This game is very fun, interactive, and
educational. However, this software only runs on the outdated versions of Windows.

NETS FOR TEACHERS —PREPARING TEACHERS TO USE TECHNOLOGY 341

 software selection form
Name _____________________________________________
School _____________________________________________
Grade or Department _____________________________________________
Software Title _____________________________________________ Publisher
_____________________________________________ Content Area
_____________________________________________ Topic
_____________________________________________
Targeted Grade Level _____________________________________________

TYPE OF LICENSE TO BE PURCHASED (CHECK ONE)

! Single Computer ! Site License

! Lab Pack ! Network License

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Computer / Processor Hard-Drive Space Required
Required

RAM Required
Additional Hardware Required

Other Requirements
Compatibility With Existing
Software

SOFTWARE CATEGORY

! Presentation ! Multimedia
! Simulation ! Data Processing
! Tutorial ! Educational Game
! Reference ! Graphics

 software selection form
Page 3
What specific curricular and technology standards will be addressed by this
software?

What are your instructional goals for using this software?

Have you found reviews of this software? If so, summarize comments from
the reviews:

Have you tested the software in the classroom? If so, summarize what you
did with the software, and rate its usefulness to the learning process:

If you haven’t used the software before, do you know colleagues who have?
If so, indicate how they used the software and their general evaluation:

Other comments or information:



software selection form

Page 4

PURCHASING INFORMATION

Cost ___________________________
Product ID Number ___________________________ Recommended
Vendor ___________________________ Vendor Address
___________________________ Vendor Phone Number
___________________________
Software Selection
Committee Comments ___________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

Committee Purchase
Recommendation ! Yes ! No

Technology Coordinator Notes

Date of purchase ___________________________
Software license number ___________________________
Installation information,
notes,and location(s) ___________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________