Software Evaluation

Running head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS
Software Evaluations
Sarah Sennett
State University of New York at Oneonta
2013 WORLD BOOK Encyclopedia

Publisher:
Software MacKiev
Date of Release:
2012
Format:
DVD-Rom
Type of Software:
Reference
Hardware
Requirements:
Windows 7; Vista; XP Professional, Microsoft XP Media Center

Edition; Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard
Grade Level:
3rd & Up
Usage:
Individual, Small Group, and Classroom Setting
Subject:
All Subject Areas
NETS-S Standards Research and Information Fluency
Cost:
$39.95
The 2013 WORLD BOOK Encyclopedia software edition is an excellent reference tool for
upper elementary students. It provides information on all of the articles from the 22
volume 2013 WORLD BOOK print edition. Beyond the articles, it provides a dictionary,
an atlas, links to webcams and videos, photographs, animations, famous speeches, and
a trivia challenge. Students will be able to use this software to research topics from all
curriculum areas and standards. With interesting videos and animations, students will
also love using this software for researching topics of personal interest.
The 2013 edition is very user friendly and allows students to navigate easily between
the different screens. Unfortunately, it is an older version. The 2014 edition changed
the style of navigation and has hidden menu choices that make it more difficult for the
students to locate different areas of the program.
Overall, this is the best reference software program in my opinion. It is significantly
cheaper than the print edition and offers an interactive, audio, and video component
that print cannot provide helping to maintain student interest. I would highly
recommend this product to any school for purchase.
Reading level is age appropriate
Graphics and visual are age appropriate

Engaging activities
Receive feedback
Able to use independently
Easy to follow directions
Audio is provided for written text
Able to stop and pause
Easy to return to previous lesson
Animations enhance lessons

Material is current and accurate
Skills match state and district standards

Skills progress logically
Program branches based on responses

Student progress is tracked
Reports available for teachers/parents
Able to set specific levels for students
Bug free and loads without errors
Technical Support Available

Provides extention activities and plans
The 2013 edition of this encyclopedia is better than the 2014 edition. The 2014 edition is hard to navigate to
other sections because of a hidden menu.
Software Meets Most Criteria
Score of 100%-90%
Software Meets Some Criteria
Score of 89%-80%
Software Meets Few Criteria
Score of 79%-70%
Software Does Not Meet Criteria
Score of 69%-0%
JumpStart 5th Grade

Publisher:
Knowledge Adventure
Date of Release:
2007
Format:
CD-Rom
Type of Software:
Drill and Practice
Hardware
Requirements:
Windows 2000; XP; Vista
Grade Level:
3rd through 5th
Usage:
Individual
Subject:
All Subject Areas
NETS-S Standards Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making
Cost:
$9.95
There are many JumpStart programs that are offered to schools and parents to help
children learn critical classroom skills in a fun and exciting way. This particular program
offers a review of topics for all academic subjects such as: math, reading
comprehension, social studies, and science. JumpStart even offers software to
specifically target an academic area if a teacher teaches in a specific content-area.
JumpStart engages the kids with colorful graphics and interesting characters. Most
students are actively participating in the various games that the program offers and do
not consider themselves to be learning while playing. One of the downfalls to this
game is that there are many versions that the students may have played before such
as: JumpStart Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade, etc. This could also result in the
students believing this is primary game due to the targeted audience (younger grades).
Another issue is the inability to assign specific academic skills. Students will have to
complete skills that the game feel are important rather than focusing on the skills
currently being taught by the teacher.
Before purchasing this game I would make sure that the students have not used the
software in the previous years. I would also hesitate to purchase the software due to
its inability to assign specific content skills for the student. This game should only be
used as basic review of everyday skills.

Engaging activities
Receive feedback


There are many different versions of this game. You can choose a specific grade level or content area.
Score of 100%-90%
Score of 89%-80%
Score of 79%-70%
Score of 69%-0%
Zoo Tycoon 2
Publisher:
Microsoft
Date of Release:
2004
Format:
CD-Rom
Type of Software:
Simulation
Hardware
Requirements:
Windows 98; 2000; ME; XP; Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher
Grade Level:
3rd & Up
Usage:
Individual
Subject:
Science
NETS-S Standards Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making
Cost:
$9.99
Zoo Tycoon 2 is a simulation game that allows the player to experience the daily
activities and struggles of a zoo keeper. Players will have to design and build a shelter
for each animal. This requires the student to know what type of environment the
animal lives in. For example, students will have to choose a winter climate for
penguins, a forest environment for a bear, and a warm tropical environment for a
parrot. After the students have a proper habitat for the animals, their work will then
turn to caring and feeding for the animals. Any student who loves animals will enjoy
this part of the game. Finally, once the zoo is ready to be opened, students will have to
collect money from patrons and use that money towards the zoo and its animals for
expansion and expenses. With all of these activities students will not only focus on
animals and environments, they will also be reviewing basic geography and math skills.
Most students will enjoy this simulation game due to their love and fascination with
animals. Younger students may have trouble navigating the program at first; however
they should have no problems being able to use it independently after a few sessions.
I would love to purchase this program for my students to use in the classroom for an
extra activity. I would not use it as a teaching tool, but would enjoy having my
students apply what they have learned about animals and their habitats to play this
game successfully.

Engaging activities
Receive feedback



There is an original Zoo Tycoon. The second version provides more 3D graphics and bug fizes.

Score of 100%-90%
Score of 89%-80%
Score of 79%-70%
Score of 69%-0%
Typing Instructor for Kids Platinum 5

Publisher:
Format:
Individual Software
CD-Rom &
Download
Date of Release:
2009
Type of Software:
Instructional Game
Hardware
Requirements:
Windows XP; Vista; 7; 8; Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher
Grade Level:
2nd & Up
Usage:
Individual
Subject:
Keyboarding
NETS-S Standards Technology operations and concepts
Cost:
$14.99
Typing Instructor for Kids Platinum 5 is an instructional game software program that
teaches students to type faster and more accurately than they were before. With
several different lessons, games, challenges, and tests, students are able to progress
naturally through the program by successfully completing each level. The arcade-like
games provide fun to the students while they learn the difficult skill of keyboarding.
This program keeps the kids actively engage throughout each lesson and makes them
want to play often. Some students may have a difficult time with this program if they
become frustrated easily. If students need a basic beginner course this program may
not be suitable for them. Some levels can be difficult to pass due to the predetermined
passing level. Practicing on an easier typing program first may help the student to feel
more successful before trying to accomplish the tasks on this software program.
Students who use this program the way it was designed will become very successful
typists. Even those who have difficulty may find the games exciting enough to convince
them to play again and again until they have accomplished the task that was set forth.

Engaging activities
Receive feedback



You can set a level for a student, however once a level is passed a student cannot go back and complete that
lesson again for practice.
Score of 100%-90%
Score of 89%-80%
Score of 79%-70%
Score of 69%-0%
10
Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game

Publisher:
Viva Media
Date of Release:
2005
Format:
CD-Rom
Type of Software:
Problem-Solving
Hardware
Requirements:
Windows XP; Vista; 7; 8
Grade Level:
4th & Up
Usage:
Individual and Small Group
Subject:
Science
NETS-S Standards Creativity and Innovation
Cost:
$39.95
Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions Game is perfect for any kid who loves to solve
problems. When playing this game you get to build contraptions with gears, levers,
cranks, explosives, and more in your lab. Once you have built your machines you may
end up using electricity, air-pressure, and gravity to make your contraption complete
the task at hand. With over 200 puzzles, kids will stay interested in this program for
months.
Kids will love flying their machines, blowing them up, or using them to catapult things
through the air. This game will require students to think outside of the box and learn
all about simple physics concepts. Students who get frustrated easily and have
difficulty with problem-solving will struggle with this game and may not enjoy it.
However, students who love to create, build, and experiment will have hours of fun!
Since the program does not reinforce or teach skills that are required for students to
learn, this would not be beneficial on an instructional level. On the other hand, I would
definitely purchase this software for students to use during a free period. It has many
benefits and teaches students patience and determination.
11
Software Evaluation Form (from Kathy Schrock)

General Information
Title of program: Crazy Machines
Year: 2005
Producer of program: Viva Media
Cost: $39.95
Subject area(s): Science
Grade(s): 4th and Up
Technical Information
Computer Platform/Processor: Windows
CD/ROM: Yes | No
Hard drive space needed: 1.4 GB
Sound: Yes | No
RAM needed: 128 MB
Other?:
Category of Software, check those that apply:

Problem-Solving
Simulation
Tutorial
Reference
Authoring
Drill and practice
Image editing
Word processing
Features of the Software

1. The directions are clear and easy to follow for
the intended age group.
2. Useful directions are available via a written
manual or on-screen help.
3. It is easy for students to exit the program.
4. Students may start up where they left off in the
program.
5. Searching for certain items is simple and complex
searches may be done.
6. The program functions well on the computer and
is free from bugs.
7. The program is enjoyable to use.
Standard addressed:
Strongly
agree
Agree
Disagree
N/A
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
8. Included graphics and animations are meaningful.
9. Sound can be turned on/off.
10. The program automatically branches based on

student responses.
11. The user level can be set by the teacher.
12. The software contains a management tool for the
teacher.
13. The software covers a large range of skill levels.
Connection to NETS-S:
This software makes the students use creativity and innovation.
X
X
X
X
12
Engaging activities
Receive feedback



This program is for the creative-thinker. Some students will become frustrated very easily.

Score of 100%-90%
Score of 89%-80%
Score of 79%-70%
Score of 69%-0%
13
References
2013 WORLD BOOK Encyclopedia (2012). [Computer software]. Boston, MA:
Software MacKiev.
Crazy Machines: The Wacky Contraptions (2005). [Computer software]. New York, NY:
Viva Media.
JumpStart 5th Grade (2007). [Computer software]. Los Angeles, CA: Knowledge
Adventure.
Typing Instructor For Kids Platinum 5 (2009). [Computer software]. Livermore, CA:
Individual Software.
Zoo Tycoon (Version 2). (2004). [Computer software]. Redmond, WA: Microsoft
Studios.

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Running head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS

Running head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS

2013 WORLD BOOK Encyclopedia

Windows 7; Vista; XP Professional, Microsoft XP Media Center

Individual, Small Group, and Classroom Setting

All Subject Areas

NETS-S Standards Research and Information Fluency

Running head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS

Reading level is age appropriate

Graphics and visual are age appropriate

Able to use independently

Easy to follow directions

Audio is provided for written text

Able to stop and pause

Easy to return to previous lesson

Animations enhance lessons

Skills match state and district standards

Program branches based on responses

Technical Support Available

Software Meets Most Criteria

Software Meets Some Criteria

Software Meets Few Criteria

Software Does Not Meet Criteria

Running head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS

JumpStart 5th Grade

Drill and Practice

Windows 2000; XP; Vista

3rd through 5th

All Subject Areas

NETS-S Standards Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making

Running head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS

Reading level is age appropriate

Graphics and visual are age appropriate

Able to stop and pause

Easy to return to previous lesson

Animations enhance lessons

Material is current and accurate

Skills match state and district standards

Skills progress logically

Student progress is tracked

Reports available for teachers/parents

Bug free and loads without errors

Technical Support Available

Provides extention activities and plans

Software Meets Most Criteria

Software Meets Some Criteria

Software Meets Few Criteria

Software Does Not Meet Criteria

Running head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS

Windows 98; 2000; ME; XP; Mac OS X 10.2.8 or higher

NETS-S Standards Critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making

Running head: SOFTWARE EVALUATIONS

Reading level is age appropriate

Graphics and visual are age appropriate

Easy to follow directions

Able to stop and pause

Easy to return to previous lesson

Material is current and accurate

Skills match state and district standards

Skills progress logically

Program branches based on responses

Student progress is tracked

Reports available for teachers/parents