Software Evaluation Amy Fitzgerald

Froguts Published by Froguts, IncPublished by Froguts, Inc. Published by Froguts, Inc

Table of Contents  Software Applications Software Applications Software Applications  Hardware Requirements Hardware Requirements Hardware Requirements  Software Functions Software Functions Software Functions  Design & Pedagogy Design & Pedagogy Design & Pedagogy  Critique Critique  Conclusions Conclusions

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

Hardware Requirements Mac  Power pc  64mb ram  CD-Rom drive PC  64mb ram  Video card  Windows 95, 98, or XP

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

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

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

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 demos

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

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

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

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