Instructional Software Evaluation

Evaluator: Ima sample
Title: The World of Rocks
Target Audience: 4-6th Grade
Subject: Science

Objectives: Rating-4

The objectives in this program were specifically listed in the opening screen of the program. Also listed was the lesson goals. Each of the lesson goals were aimed at one of the two parts of the program.
The Lesson Goals were:

1) To learn how rocks are formed.

2) To learn how to identify different types of rocks.

The objectives for part one of the program, The Rock Cycle were:

1) To identify the diffrent phases of the rock cycle.

2) To relate the three different types of rocks to the way they were formed.

The objectives for part two of the program, The Geological Detective were to learn how to identify some of the different types and subtypes of rocks.

These objectives were met following the program and I think that they are very worthwhile to have during a science class activity. I did not realize the three types of rocks are igneous, sedementary and metamorphic, yet following the activity I knew these very well.

Target Audience: Rating 3

The target audience was not stated or implied specifically, but based on the content and the way the program was set up I think that it would be best suited to grades 4-6. The language and instuctional approach are consistent with the level of its intended audience. An example of this is it contained the important words in boldface type and it also had a glossary which could be accessed at any time during the program for more information about a word that was not understood.
The instuctions and language were well suited to this age group because the program did not assume that the user knew much about computers, such as the program deliberately stated where the user should click on to go forward and backward. The second portion of the program, the Geological Detective was geared toward older students figuring things out for themselves and this type of activity would be too confusing for students in lower elementary school and would seem childish for students in junior high or high school.

User Control: Rating 4

This program had excellent user control. The user is able to move forward, backward and quit at any time during the program. The program's controls are also easy to find and use. In the beginning of the program the instructions are very clear and deliberate stating where the forward, backward and exit controls are located. The program does recommend that students complete program 1, the Rock Cycle, prior to attempting program two, the Geological Detective because the information from the first part is useful in the second, but the user is allowed to do them in whichever order.
The second program, the Geological Detective allows the user to select which rock to classify and at any moment the user can choose to select another rock without being penalized. In addition during the second portion the user can select which tools he/she would like to use, including a magnifying glass, the chemical composition and a scientist friend for help in classifying. There is also a glossary that is available at all times during the program for help.

Interactivity: Rating 3

The interactivity was very good during this program, especially during the second portion when the user is the Geological Detective classifying rocks. The user must make choices as to what type of rock formation the picture is showing and what subtype based on its appearance and chemical structure. The user has to decide how to find out what it is in order to move along in the program. If a user selects a wrong answer the program will not allow the user to move along until the answer is correct. The program is very nice to the user and gives hints for the users benefit. Throughout the entire program there is a variety of activities involving short answer questions, yes/no, matcing and being a detective. The program made rocks seem like fun.

Motivation: Rating 3

The motivation in this program was very good. The software did a nice job of inspiring confidence, especially when an answer was wrong. The program did not make the user feel bad, it encouraged the user to think about a certain aspect that might make the answer seem easier to discover. The program also utilized animation to show the lava flowing out of a volcano and what actually occurs. I felt challenged during the second portion of the program when I had to classify rocks, because I had not done this type of activity since junior high and I had to utilize the tools given to the detective and the glossary. Imagination and fantasy were not promoted, but the learning of facts about rocks, formations and characteristics was stressed.

Overall Evaluation: Rating 4

I thought that this was an excellent science program. I think that it was free of bugs and errors and the software is very beneficial for individualized or small group learning activities. This same lesson, especially the detective portion could not be taught in another medium. Depending on the cost of the software in my opinion it would be worth purchasing for school or home use. It is effective and I learned a lot from doing the program. As a teacher this would be a program I would use in my classroom, possibly for independent work in conjunction for a larger science activity on rocks. The program was user friendly and was motivational for students, including those like myself who are not generally interested in science. This is also a program that could be done a many times and learn something new each time.

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