Michigan Reading Journal Michigan Reading Journal

Volume 18 Issue 4 Article 10

July 1985

Guidelines for Evaluating Reading Software Guidelines for Evaluating Reading Software

Michigan Reading Association

Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mrj

Recommended Citation Recommended Citation Association, Michigan Reading (1985) "Guidelines for Evaluating Reading Software," Michigan Reading Journal: Vol. 18 : Iss. 4 , Article 10. Available at: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/mrj/vol18/iss4/10

From The Teachers & Writers Guide to Classic American Literature, edited by Christopher Edgar and Gary Lenhart, 2001, New York, NY: Teachers & Writers Collaborative. Copyright 2001 by Teachers & Writers Collaborative. Reprinted with permission.

This work is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@GVSU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Michigan Reading Journal by an authorized editor of ScholarWorks@GVSU. For more information, please contact scholarworks@gvsu.edu.

GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING

READING SOFTWARE

The Michigan Reading Association has adopted guidelines to assist teachers in selecting software that can be integrated within the classroom reading program. The guidelines are in two parts:

(1) The guidelines (sections A, B and C) contain criteria for evaluating programs which are designated specifically for reading. For the most part, such programs can be categorized as drill and practice or educational games. The criteria focus upon the reading strategies and content, with an attempt to help teachers look for qualities that reflect the philosophy of reading adopted by the Michigan Reading Association. In addition to the reading aspects, the support materials should be carefully evaluated to assess their usefulness to teachers and their suggestions for integrating the computer activities within the curriculum. The overriding consideration for a software program should be its contribution to promoting reading. Technical qualities should be evaluated, but are of secondary importance.

(2) The supplemental guidelines (section D, E and F) are designed for software which have potential for a wide range of language arts activities but which are not specifically reading programs. The Michigan Reading Association recognizes the inter-relationships of the language arts and feels that many software programs can contribute to reading instruction. Such programs include word processing and data base management systems, simulations and problem-solving programs, and authoring systems and other utilities. The reading content and strategies of such materials will be dependent upon wise classroom use; therefore, criteria for those features are inappropriate. However, since reading teachers should be aware of such

23

programs and involved in their selection, guidelines for evaluating these potential reading support programs have been provided.

In evaluating reading software, the following steps are suggested:

1. Take a good look at the documentation. Look for the statement of purpose, the specific reading objectives, and the theory of reading and the learning principles described or implied.

2. Try the software, going through the the program at least twice. First try the program as a competent student would use it. Then try making errors, asking for help, escaping from the sequence, or "crashing" the program.

3. If possible, let students use the software. Observe their reactions. Solicit their evaluative comments.

4. Use the checklist to consider specific features and to summarize your evaluation and recommendations. Keep a file of checklists for programs that do not meet your criteria, as well as for those which will be recommended for purchase.

The "Guidelines for Evaluating Reading Software" were prepared by the 1984-1985 ad hoc Computer Literacy Committee of the Michigan Reading Association. Committee members: Dr. Martha Irwin, Eastern Michigan University, and Dr. Marjorie Lipson, Eastern Michigan University. MRA President 1984-1985: Dr. Karen Urbschat, Wayne County Intermediate School District.

Single copies of the guidelines may be obtained free by sending a self-addressed business envelope, stamped with first class postage for one ounce, to Michigan Reading Association, P.O. Box 7509, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49510. Copies may also be purchased in bulk, at $10.00 per l 00, prepaid. Permission is granted for duplication of copies of the guidelines for local school d istrict use provided credit is given to the Michigan Reading Association.

GUIDELINES FOR EVALUATING READING SOFTWARE

Adopted by the Michigan Reading Association, 1985

Program--------------------------------------­

Source ---------------------------------------

Computer model(s) -----------------------------------

Memory required: 48K 64K 128K 256K Cost ___________ _

Peripherals required: Printer Joysticks Paddles Cassette player

Grade level(s)

Suitability: Small group Large group Individual Pupil pair

MAJOR PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:

A. Reading Strategies and Content Poor Good

1. Consistent with local objectives 2 3 4 5

2. Active reader participation required 2 3 4 5

3. Whenever possible, skills practiced in real content with real purpose 2 3 4 5

4. Purpose(s) clear to reader 2 3 4 5

5. Avoids isolated and/or fragmented skills instruction or practice 2 3 4 5

6. Rereading possible 2 3 4 5

7. Emphasis upon thinking rather than repetitive practice 2 3 4 5

8. Time allowed for reflection and responses 2 3 4 5

9. Information well-organized and logically developed 2 3 4 5

10. Formatting features aid comprehension (e.g. headings and spacings) 2 3 4 5

11. Accurate information 2 3 4 5

12. On-line aids available (e.g., dictionary) 2 3 4 5

13. Accurate spelling, grammar, punctuation 2 3 4 5

14. Free of stereotypes (race, ethos, sex, politics, age, handicaps) 2 3 4 5

15. Likely to be of interest to students 2 3 4 5 16. Content can be modified by student or teacher 2 3 4 5 17. Provisions for transfer from computer to off-screen reading situations 2 3 4 5

Overall assessment of reading strategies and content 2 3 4 5

Creative applications:

Comments:

24

8. Documentation and Support Features Poor Good

1. Clearly written user's manual for program operation 2 3 4 5

2. Teacher's supplement with appropriate classroom uses and 2 3 4 5 teaching activities

3. Pre-requisite abilities indicated 2 3 4 5

4. Objectives stated 2 3 4 5

5. Sample screens illustrated 2 3 4 5

6. Textual material printed for reference 2 3 4 5

7. Cue card for commands unique to program 2 3 4 5

8. Useful and efficient record-keeping capabilities, if appropriate 2 3 4 5

9. Records easily printed on screen or on paper 2 3 4 5

10. Teacher can monitor and modify individual assignments or records 2 3 4 5

Overall assessment of documentation and support features 2 3 4 5

Comments:

C. Technical Qualities

1. Approach unique to computer capabilities 2 3 4 5

2. Varied program to maintain interest over subsequent uses 2 3 4 5

3. Positive feedback 2 3 4 5

4. Student can operate independently 2 3 4 5

5. Two or more students can interact cooperatively, if desired 2 3 4 5

6. Clear directions 2 3 4 5

7 . Help screens available, if needed 2 3 4 5

8. Option to quit and to save progress at any time 2 3 4 5

9 . Appropriate type size and attractive screen formatting 2 3 4 5

10. Option to bypass sound and graphics 2 3 4 5

Overall assessment of technical qualities 2 3 4 5

Comments:

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Reviewer

Program's strengths :

Program's weaknesses:

Recommendations:

25

EVALUATION OF RELATED SOFTWARE FOR READING

D. Word Processing and Data Base Management Programs Poor Good

1.. Size and spacing of characters appropriate for audience 2 3 4 5 2. Options to vary print formats, (e.g., page width, page length, 2 3 4 5

spacing, type fonts) 3. Words not split at ends of lines 2 3 4 5 4. Actual format can be shown on screen before printing 2 3 4 5 5. Command keys with logical names and minimal moves 2 3 4 5 6. Easy editing features for erasing, inserting, centering, tabbing 2 3 4 5

and underlining 7. Ability to reorganize large blocks of text by moving, saving on 2 3 4 5

disk, inserting in other places 8. Provisions to restore previous action (e.g., return paragraph to 2 3 4 5

original position) 9. Warnings at critical points (e.g., You ·have not saved this text) 2 3 4 5

10. Printer commands and capabilities available and easy for students to use 2 3 4 5 11 . Sturdy command cards for off-screen reference 2 3 4 5 12. Adequate file functions incuding renaming, protecting, merging, 2 3 4 5

and copying 13. Related capabilities (e.g., idea processors, spelling checkers, 2 3 4 5

grammar checkers, graphics) 14. Ability to integrate text and illustrations 2 3 4 5 15. Back-up disks provided 2 3 4 5 16. Support materials with useful teaching ideas 2 3 4 5

E. Authoring Systems and Other Utilities

1 . Clear directions for using program to create materials 2 3 4 5 2. Easy to enter items 2 3 4 5 3. Editing possible at any point 2 3 4 5 4. Varied formats for developing materials (i.e., not limited to multiple 2 3 4 5

choice, true/false, or simple testing types) 5. Can vary amount of text to be presented 2 3 4 5 6. Clear directions for student use of the completed program 2 3 4 5 7. Options for record-keeping 2 3 4 5 8. Options for incorporating graphics 2 3 4 5 9. Options for incorporating sound 2 3 4 5

10. Support materials with useful teaching ideas 2 3 4 5

F. Simulations and Problem-solving Programs

1. Content consistent with local curriculum 2 3 4 5 2. Realistic situations 2 3 4 5 3. Motivating design 2 3 4 5 4. Helpful feedbach. about user's decisions 2 3 4 5 5. Supplementary bibliography available, indicating sources of content 2 3 4 5

and related research possibilities for students 6. Sample sheets provided for off-computer record-keeping, Jn,1lysis 2 3 4 5

and research 7. Teaching suggestions for integrating content within cu rricu lu 111 2 3 4 5 8. Classroom management suggestions for using program within classroom 2 3 4 5

with limited computer accessibility

26

THE MICHIGAN READING ASSOCIATION Post Office Box 7509 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49510

48019 0001510 02a~ RO~::: EVARTS 10-390 BIG:'.:LJW RO

~CF I

DA VI SB URG MI 4801'

Non-Profit U.S. Postage Paid

Bulk Rate Permit No. 838

Grand Rapids, Ml

\