Artifact 2

This software evaluation looks at Madeline: European Adventure and if it is appropriate for first graders. During the evaluation I looked at the game’s content description, installation, strengths and weaknesses, and user’s comments. Also included in the software evaluation are three other software reviews for further insight into appropriate software materials for first graders (two from superkids.com and one from learningwarereviews.com). This evaluation will help educators and parents of first graders to know what are some games that are appropriate for first graders. Educators and parents will learn that it is important to read reviews and play software games before handing over materials to students.

Alignment

This evaluation includes a complete review of the software Madeline: European Adventure. This software is a wonderful material for students who have trouble with story sequence and social studies ideas. The software uses technology to address differences in children’s learning and performance by working at the learning levels of a variety of students: audio, visual, and by touching on some of Gardner’s multiple intelligences by integrating music and art into learning (Tech Comp 13.1and INTASC # 2). The character of Madeline helps first graders find someone they can relate to and learn from. The software would also be a great resource for students whose language is not primarily English; the languages of French, German, and Italian are spoken throughout the game along with English in hopes of helping English speaking students learn some of their non-speaking English friends language (Tech Comp 13.3). The evaluation includes links that teachers and parents may access to plan instruction via telecommunications (Tech Comp 10.3). These links and the actual computer-based Madeline software have been evaluated and located so that teachers may choose the appropriate materials for a first grade classroom (Tech Comp 10.6).