Product Information

Software title:

Publisher:

Address:

Telephone:                                             Fax:

Email Address:                                      Website URL:   http://

Cost(s):    Stand-alone Version (one copy): $________________

                 Lab Pack:   How many copies included? __________Cost/copy? $_________

                 Network Version $_____________________

                 Site License $__________________________

Reviewer Information

Name:                                                                                  Title:

Program:

Address:  (street, city/town and zip)

Phone:                                                                                 Fax:

Email:                                                                                  Date of Review:

Description of Software Program

Instruction Type(s):  basic literacy   ABE   pre-ASE   ASE (including GED, EDP and ADP)

                                       ESOL: Indicate level(s)      Beginner      Intermediate      Advanced

Curriculum Area(s):  reading  writing   grammar  spelling  math   science  social studies

                                       citizenship   career/vocational/work     health     Other (describe):

Software Type(s):        tutorial     simulation     instructional game     drill and practice     utility

                                        demonstration     discovery-based software     management

                                         assessment      tool       other (describe):

Back-up Disks Available? (circle one)               YES      NO

Network/Site License Available? (circle one)      YES     NO

Program editing features included? (Describe):
 
 

Preview Options:  Inspection copy available?     YES      NO

Demo disk available?                                          YES      NO

                    Demo Free?     Not free, it costs:_________

                    Cost of demo deducted from purchase price?

                    Trial period?              Full version available for trial period?

                    Length of trial period:

General Description:
 
 
 
 

Purposes:
 
 
 

Intended audience:
 

 Is the intended audience made clear?                                    YES      NO

 If yes, please describe it:
 

 Was the software designed specifically for this audience?    YES      NO

 Were subject matter experts used to design the instruction?  YES      NO       N/A

Instructional Mode:
 

Intended for:

                 1) individual(s)' independent use, or

                 2) presentation to a group (using large screen monitor. LCD or Projector) or

                 3) student with tutor or one-on-one instructor

                 4) cooperative or project-based learning

Instructional Format
 

	Yes	No	N/A	?
1.  Are directions available on the disk?
2.  Are directions appropriate to reading level of the program?
3.  Is the use of graphics and sounds appropriate for adult learners?      Do sound and graphics enhance the program?
4.  Is the lesson content and are the directions appropriate to the intended reading level?
5.  Are the number of questions and speed of the program appropriate?
6.  Is the content based on sound educational principles?
7.  Is the content accurate, free from errors, up-to-date?
8.  Is the content free of racial/gender/age/ethnic or other stereotypes?
9.  Does the program achieve its defined purposes?
10.  In a multiple choice format, are the correct answers too obvious?
11.  Is there only one type of activity, such as multiple choice?
12.  Is there positive reinforcement? Other motivation?
13.  Is there reward for failure (such as an interesting graphic for a wrong answer)?
14.   Is there positive or reinforcing feedback after correct answers?
15.   Is there appropriate feedback and help after an incorrect answer?
16.   Is there branching, which moves students into harder or easier activities  based on their performance?
17.   Is correct spelling, grammar and punctuation used?
18.  Can the student(s) control presentation rate/sequence?
19.  Are displays easy to read?
20.  Are there levels of use or difficulty?
19.  Is it crash-proof?
20.  Overall, is the program and its content suitable and useful for adult learners?
21.  Overall, does this program do something more or better than what is already available in other less expensive formats? Is it highly interactive? Does it use this medium well?
22.   Overall, is it easy to use, especially for someone with minimal computer skills?

Program Format
 

	Yes	No	N/A	?
1.  Can the user control the program?
2.  Are controls easy to use? Is it easy to operate (user friendly)?
3.   Does the instruction begin with a menu?
4.  Can instructions be reviewed at any time?
5.  Can student bypass a lesson when appropriate?
6.  Can student skip a lesson at any time?
7.  Can instructions be bypassed?
8.  Is there a bookmark feature, to re-enter the place most recently completed?
9.  Is the screen advance user controlled?
10. Can the menu be returned to easily?
11. Can the program be easily modified?

Management Format
 

	Yes	No	N/A	?
1.  Is there a student recordkeeping system?
2.  If so, is it easy to use?
3.  Can records be printed?
4.  Can records be deleted?
5.  Do students receive scores?
6.  Can a teacher prescribe instruction for an individual or a group?
7.  The length of time a student can work on a task can be adjusted.
8.  Is there a password or other security for the management system?

Manuals and Student Support Materials
 

	Yes	No	N/A	Hard Copy format	Online format	?
1.  Is there a teacher's manual?
2.  If so, is it useful and easy to read?
3.  Does it include purpose(s), goals, objectives?
4.  Does the teacher's manual include a good index?
5.  Are learner/user manuals available?
6.  Do student manuals include clear examples?
7. Are student manuals written at the appropriate level?

Technical Support
 

	Yes	No	N/A	?
1.  There is local vendor support for the product.
2.  Support is provided through an 800 number or local phone number.
3.  Support is available on-line
4.  Average wait or response time is reasonable.

Hardware Requirements

Platform(s):   Windows 95     Windows NT     Windows 3.1     DOS     Macintosh     Apple II/IIgs

               Other (describe):

Memory:

               Storage Needed: Floppy drive:     3.5"  1.4 MB     5.25" 1.2 MB     5.25" 360K

               CD-ROM  (Minimum speed?               )     ZIP Drive     JAZ Drive

               Other (describe):

               Hard Disk space required:

               RAM memory requirements: ___________ MB

               Video Memory Requirements: __________ MB

Monitor:      Monochrome     Color (16 colors/standard VGA     256 colors   Millions of colors

               Minimum size and resolution needed:

Peripherals:  Printer     Scanner     Digital Camera     Modem  (Minimum speed?                )

              Sound Output:  soundboard needed?     external speakers needed?

earphones needed?      Mouse or trackball needed?          Joystick needed?

              Other (Describe):

Keyboard Skills Needed:     low     medium     high

Curriculum Integration

Please share your ideas about how this could be integrated into your curriculum:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Evaluative Comments (Describe strengths and weaknesses)

Strengths:
 
 
 
 

Weaknesses:
 
 
 
 

Overall Rating:  (4) Excellent     (3) Good     (2) Fair     (1) Not Recommended