For my software evaluation I have chosen Math Keys-Unlocking Measurement Volume I.  This software is located on the computer in the first grade classroom of Ms. Miller at Mabel Elementary School.  I explored the software and many students showed interest in the program.  I had Adam, my portrait student, navigate the program while I observed him.  I have observed several strengths and weaknesses of this program.
Strengths:
-The software has a notepad for recording notes and observations while using the
program.

-The program is colorful and appealing to a student.

-The program contains a many palettes with various objects for students to measure using the program.

-The program allows students to print out their work.

-The student can use standard or non-standard units for measuring.

-The computer can generate problems for the student or the student can create his or her own problems.

-The computer will give hints when students are experiencing difficulty.

-The program contains a button for erasing objects, sweep away objects, and a button to undo a previous command the student made for the computer.

-The program can be administered in Spanish or English.

-The program contains sound, and can read commands to the students.

-The students require the student to use the mouse to manipulate objects, which enhances one’s coordination while using a computer.

Weaknesses:

-The directions can be confusing.
-Students do not have to record their work or name, so they may do the same problems repeatedly.

Goals:

-The student will be able to order objects based on length.

-The student will measure objects using standard and non-standard units.

-The student will compare the length of various objects.

-The student will print his or her work out on paper from the printer.

-The student will be able to manipulate objects from the classroom environment and compare their length.

-The student will put objects in order based on length using only his or her sight without measuring.  (The length of the objects should be distinguishable).

Plan:

 I will use this program with Adam Wallace to work on skills involving measuring the length of objects.  The student will use the computer and the program “Math Keys-Unlocking Measurement Volume I.”  The main menu will give the options for comparing and measuring objects.  The first step is to compare the length of various objects.  This option can be chosen by double clicking on the box that says, “compare.”  The student should choose objects from the palette (locating at the bottom of the screen) for comparison.  The student chooses three objects and orders them in length from longest to shortest.  The objects can be moved by placing the arrow from the mouse on them, and the arrow turns into a hand.  The hand will allow the student to move the object to the top or the bottom of the screen.  The student should practice comparing the length of a variety of objects.  The palettes with the objects can be changed at any time by clicking on the arrow to the left of the palette box.  The student should print out several of the problems he or she has worked on using the program.  The print command is located under the “File” drop down list.  The command “print” should be chosen and the student’s work should be printed out for later evaluation.  Once the student shows proficiency comparing the length of various objects, return to the main menu of the program and choose “measure.”  This part of the program allows the student to measure a variety of objects using a ruler and non-standard units.  The non-standard units and ruler are located on the left-hand side of the screen.  The palette at the bottom contains the palette of objects.  The student should choose the objects from the palette (by double clicking on the objects) and measure them to see which is the longest to the shortest.  The mouse is used to move the objects around and select objects on the palette.  The student should measure objects using the ruler and non-standard units.  After the student becomes proficient, a few problems should be printed out for later evaluation.  The “print” command is located under the “File” drop down list.  The teacher should choose some objects in the room for the student to measure to see if he or she can apply the knowledge in a different environment.  A crayon, pencil, and a marker can be used to compare the length.  (Any objects can be used for measuring, just make sure they are all different lengths).  Ask the student the following questions?  Why did you put them in that order?  How do you know that object is the longest?  The student should use a ruler to measure each object and record the length of the object on a piece of paper.  The answers should be checked to see if it is correct.