Software Evaluation

1
Software Evaluation

• Amy Fitzgerald

2
Froguts

• Published by Froguts, Inc.

3
Table of Contents

• Software Applications
• Hardware Requirements
• Software Functions
• Design Pedagogy
• Critique
• Conclusions

4
Software Applications

• Virtual dissection biology software
• Demos feature a virtual frog dissection prompting
  students to locate all internal organs, a short
  lesson on the anatomy of a squid, and an owl
  pellet module
• Software subscription includes the dissection of
  a frog, squid, starfish, cow eye, owl pellet, and
  fetal pig

5
Hardware Requirements

• Mac
• Power pc
• 64mb ram
• CD-Rom drive

• PC
• 64mb ram
• Video card
• Windows 95, 98, or XP

6
Software Functions

• Simulations of lab dissection
• Interactive tutorials and instructional games
• No problem solving or drills included in software

7
Design and Pedagogy

• Teaching method is matched to students needs and
  levels
• Software is based on accepted and widely used lab
  methods
• Motivating and informative
• Easy to use and readable, not misleading

8
Critique

• The student has control over the presentation
  rate
• Demo of software gives appropriate feedback to
  students, reinforcing for correct rather than
  incorrect responses
• There is a high degree of interactivity, student
  interaction, and control

9
Critique

• There is an appropriate degree of fidelity and
  good documentation available for how the program
  works
• The website also contains demos where users can
  complete simulations included in the software

10
Critique

• There is no violence or inappropriate behavior in
  the software
• The software does not require a high level of
  physical dexterity for students, they only need
  to be able to move and click a mouse

11
Critique

• There are no grammar, spelling, or punctuation
  errors,
• There are no racial or gender stereotypes
• The content matches required curriculum
  objectives

12
Critique

• The student has control of movement and sound in
  within the program
• The program loads without error.
• The program stays efficient no matter what a
  student may enter
• The program works on desired platforms, and
  links, animations and videos work as indicated

13
Conclusion

• I would recommend this software to middle school
  science teachers for regular use with students.
  The software replaces expensive lab experiments.