Software Evaluation Checklist



Software Evaluation Checklist

Directions: Use the checklist to determine the software’s effectiveness in a classroom setting. Type a summary evaluation of each software program.

Product Name: Math Blaster

Manufacturer: Davidson

Grade Level: 2nd grade

Subject Area: Math

|Program Type: (put and x beside the type) |

|  X |Drill and Practice |  |Simulation |  X |Problem Solving |

|  |Tutorial |  X |Educational Game |  |Teacher Management |

|  |Other: |

Hardware: List the operating System, memory, hardware, etc. the program requires to run effectively. This information is usually listed on the package.

Windows, mouse, speakers, and appropriate color capabilities.

|Program Content: Evaluate the software based on the following criteria: |Check |

|1. Are the objectives met? | Yes |

|2. Is the vocabulary appropriate for the grade level and subject? | Yes |

|3. Is the material presented accurate (did you find any errors in facts)? | Yes |

|4. Is the material free of bias or stereotypes? | Yes |

|5. Is the software motivational? | No |

|6. Are the skills used appropriate for the grade level indicated? | Yes |

|Instructional Design: Evaluate the software in relationship to the following design features: |Check |

|1. Is the software learner paced or self paced? | Learner paced |

|2. Is there proper reinforcement or correction for correct or incorrect answers? | No |

|3. Is there a score keeper? | Yes |

|4. Is it easy to follow (sequencing)? | No |

|Program Appearance: Evaluate the software concerning the following features: |Check |

|1. Are there distracting sounds or visuals? | No |

|2. Evaluate the animation, sound and graphics | OK |

|3. Cluttered screen versus well arranged appearance | Well-Arranged |

|4. Is the material clearly presented? | No |

|Ease of Use: Address the following issues as related to the use of the software: |Check |

|1. Are the directions simple? | No |

|2. Are there on-screen helps if you get stuck? | Yes |

|3. Is there a hard copy manual? | No |

|4. Can students use this software independently? | Yes |

Overall Rating: Place an x beside the overall rating. Your written evaluation should support your rating.

  |Excellent |  |Very Good |  X |Good |  |Fair |  |Poor | |

This program allowed the user to work through math problems to earn a certain number of points, which enabled them to free or find a person. The math problems offered were age appropriate and seemed straightforward. However, there was very little reinforcement, positive or negative. If you did well, you were merely informed as to how many points you received and made to move on. If you were incorrect, you simply tried it again until you got it right.

The instructions were very unclear. When the user advances to a new level or stage they just had to figure out what the software wanted them to do there. There were no clear instructions on-screen to direct the user in their task.

The graphics were appropriate and colorful, with little clutter or distraction. There was sound present, but there was very little sound that was meaningful. There were mainly random background noises.

Overall, the program provided very appropriate grade level work and the activities were also fun for that age. Colors and display were good, but the program could have used better sound and definitely better instructions. They should have been displayed on-screen for the user to see immediately before each level began. This would have been very helpful. For its credit, though, it did provide a “help” option at the top that demonstrated what exactly was to be expected in that level, so the user could follow it.

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