Artifact 11

Artifact
Software Evaluation The analysis of the software Math Blaster Mystery Pre-Algebra, the Great Brain Robbery designed for pre-algebra students who are starting to learn Algebra in the fifth grade. This software gives students a different way to do pre-algebra material other than paper and pencil. It includes reasons why I would or would not want to use this software in my classroom, the strengths and weaknesses of the software, and how it could be incorporated in to classroom activities. Also included are reviews on the software done by professionals and parents.

Context
This software evaluation was completed as part of my pre-service training at Appalachian State University.

Impact
This information can help me and others decide what kind of software would be valuable in a classroom or in a school. Another factor in the evaluation is a part where the different levels of the software were evaluated. Some areas were designed for higher-level students, while some start off easier. This would be a deciding factor in whether or not to purchase the software As a result of using this software, students will be able to use the strategies they learned in the game to solve pre-algebra problems. When this software is used in the classroom, it meets many objectives with the Math NC Standard Course of Study. Teachers could also use this software to address different levels of learners in their classes by having the children select the different level of questions; easy, medium, hardest.

Alignment
This evaluation of software allows for use of resources to planning instruction (Tech. Comp. 10.3) by providing detailed information on how this software would be used in a classroom. This software evaluation would be used to determine if computer software was a valuable tool to help complete the North Carolina Standard Course of Study (Tech. Comp. 11.3). The area that concerns the different learning levels of students would help teachers to reach all of the students in their classrooms (Tech. Comp. 13.1). This would allow teachers to have all of their students, no matter what their level was, to utilize this software.