Using Technology In Science Education

TEDUC 513

Software Review

Overview:

One of the most important and underutilized roles among teachers is that of media reviewer. As you already know, the education market is flooded with new software every year. Although software companies employ teachers and curriculum specialists as consultants, they are always looking for more input on their products. Writing reviews for teacher journals is one way to provide these companies, as well as the teaching community, with valuable feedback about certain products.

Reviewing is both an art and a service. Most editors try to select media worthy of their readers' attention and to present the reviews in a well-edited form. They trust that you will deliver a review that is insightful and well written. For this, editors are very appreciative and believe that the best reward is the appreciation and respect of their readers‹your colleagues. .

Instructions:

Begin your review with information about the source of the product. Include:

Title, Production year, Distributing company (mailing address of distributing company, phone number, e-mail address), Media Type (computer software, videotape, videodisc, CD-ROM, other), Rental or Purchase price, Other relevant information, System requirements

Note: If you are reviewing a CD-ROM, include the recommended system features.

Example:

The Heart in Space. 1998. STELLAR Multimedia Curriculum project at NASA Ames Research Center (The Space Life Sciences Outreach Center, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, California 94035, http://stellar.arc.nasa.gov). CD-ROM. Free upon request. Send request on school letterhead.

System Requirements

Most reviews can be held to three typewritten pages or less (between 1000 and 2000 words, and a review of several media components may require more. In any case, the length of a review may reflect your idea of the program's importance (and a program may be importantly bad); but this is subject to the editor's judgement, and cuts may be made.

An adequate review tells what the program is about; who the intended audience is, and what its uses may be; whether it is agreeably, knowledgeably designed, and attractively presented; what is notably good or bad about it; and, often, how it compares with other media of its kind. A review excels in accordance with the reviewer's familiarity with the subject, probity and fair-mindedness, and mastery of terse, accurate expression.

For this assignment, please be sure to answer the following questions:

1. What was the program about and what did it ask me to do (i.e., content description)?

2. Who is the intended audience?

3. What did I like the most about this program?

4. What did I like least?

5. Would I use this program again? If so, how (e.g., planning, stations, lecture supplement)? If not, why not?

6. Would I recommend this product to other teachers? Why or why not?

7. What are the special issues associated with this product?

Be succinct: see how many words you can whittle away. Avoid repeating the title. Be specific in your criticisms and praises. Keep the tone of your review civil. Quotations, if any, should be brief and exact.

A teacher or user guide usually accompanies audiovisual programs. Be sure to comment on the thoroughness, accuracy, and usefulness of such materials.

Desired Outcome

Detailed review of educational software

Evaluation Criteria

Clarity of product information, addressing required questions, conciseness of review, adhering to to page and word limits, grammar and spelling.

Grading

A, B, C, ...

%

10%