Title

NJ ASK 3-Success in Math

Publisher

Instructivision

Content Area

Mathematics

Hardware Required

Windows 98,ME,200,XP  or

Macintosh

Software functions:

X

Drill and practice

Instructional game

Other:

X

Tutorial/Courseware

X

Problem solving

Simulation

Tools

Many characteristics should be considered when selecting software for use in the classroom or lab, but the following should be considered essential qualities for any instructional product on the computer.  For each item, indicate Y for yes if it meets the criterion or N for no if it does not.

I.          Instructional Design and Pedagogical Soundness

Y

Teaching strategy appropriate for student level and is based on best-known methods

Y

Presentation on screen contains nothing that misleads or confuses students

Y

Readability and difficulty at an appropriate level for students who will use it

Y

Comments to students not abusive or insulting

N

Graphics fulfill important purpose (motivation, information) and not distracting to learners

Criteria specific to drill and practice functions:

N

High degree of control over presentation rate (unless the method is timed review)

Y

Appropriate feedback for correct answers (none, if timed; not elaborate or time-consuming)

Y

Feedback is more reinforcing for correct than incorrect responses

Criteria specific to tutorials/courseware:

N

High degree of interactivity (not just reading information)

Y

High degree of user control (forward and backward movement, branching upon request)

Y

Comprehensive reading sequence so instruction is self-contained and standalone

N

Adequate answer-judging capabilities for student-constructed answers to questions

Criteria specific to simulations:

Appropriate and accurate depiction of system being modeled

Good documentation available on how the program works

Criteria specific to instructional games:

Low amount of violence or combat-type activities

Amount of physical skills required appropriate to students who will use it

II.        Content

Y

No grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors on the screen

Y

All content accurate and up-to-date

Y

No racial or gender stereotypes

Y

Exhibits a sensitive treatment of moral and/or social issues (e.g. perspectives on war)

III.       User Flexibility

Y

User normally has some control of movement within the program (e.g. can go from screen to screen/ read text at desired rate; can exit program when desired)

N/A

Can turn off sound, if desired

IV.       Technical Soundness

Y

Program loads consistently, without error

Y

Program does not break, no matter what the student enters

Y

Program does what the screen says it should do

Decision:

Y

Recommended for purchase or use

Not recommended