COLLABORATIVE COURSE WARE EVALUATION FORM

Guidelines for Using the Collaborative Courseware Evaluation Form

Step 1: Download this form to your computer; then print it out. 

Step 2: "Walk through" the application you are reviewing from the perspective of the teacher.  Ask yourself how/where it would fit into your class and curriculum. 

Step 3: "Walk through" the application from the learner's perspective; consider learner's background (culture, age and proficiency level).  Respond incorrectly to several items in order to test how the program handles incorrect input. Note any quirky responses you receive and any problems you encounter.

Step 4:

Suggestion: Insert screenshots, textboxes, AutoShapes as necessary to highlight/explain particular features.

Software Reviewed By:  _____________________  

Title of Software/Product Name: _______________________

Version/Date

 _________________________

Platform / Operating system

 Windows   (Version:)

MAC  (Version: )   UNIX 

 Other (Specify: ____________________)

ESL/EFL Level(s):     Basic   Low Intermediate   Intermediate  High Intermediate  Advanced
(Click all that apply.)

Age group:     kindergarten   elementary grades  middle grades  high school  college age  adult interest
(Click all that apply.)

Type of Program:
Check all that apply.		 Problem Solving  Drill and Practice  Simulation Informational   Game Student Tool  Teacher Tool ESL-Specific Non-ESL Specific  Testing  Text Reconstruction  Text Construction  Exploratory activities
Other: ______________________________
User friendliness: not at all somewhat average good excellent
English Language Areas Covered:
Check all that apply.		 Reading   Speaking  Writing  Vocabulary  Grammar  Listening   Cultural Competence  Computer
Conversational  Other: ___________________________
Describe the program and its functions/components briefly.  What is the content?  What does the program try to accomplish?

 

  
Pedagogical considerations--Program Operation:
How easy is the software to use?   Consider 4 of the criteria on the right and explain.

 
  • Is there an instruction manual and/or an on-screen help option? 
  • Can the program and lessons be opened quickly and easily?
  • Are the program functions and instructions easy to follow, or do they cause frustration (what kind?)?
  • Can the learner move from lesson to lesson easily as well as go back to previous material?
  • Can the learner control the program (the options he/she chooses), or is there a set sequence that must be followed? 
  • Can the learner's work be saved?
  • Can the learner quit from any point in the program/save previous work?
  • Does the program make the learner's work and scores available to the instructor?
  • Does the program have an authoring function that allows the instructor to author his/her own text into the program?  Is it possible to modify lessons or add customized lessons to the syllabus
Pedagogical considerations--Feedback:
How does the software program evaluate the learner's response?  Consider 3 of the criteria on the right and explain.
  • Does the program present an authentic task?
  • Does the program interact with the learner by allowing input and modifying output?
  • Does the program foster critical thinking (analysis/synthesis)?
  • Does the program foster interaction/negotiation of meaning?
  • Does the learner receive informative feedback for his/her response?
  • Does the software provide feedback for both correct and incorrect answers?
  • Does the program "flag" errors, such as by highlighting a particular part of a response that is incorrect?
  • How many tries does the learner get?
  • Is the correct response provided, and after how many tries?
  • Does the program allow the learner to repeat exercises (and correct mistakes) indefinitely?
Pedagogical Considerations--Content
 Select the appropriate criteria on the right and explain some of the content features..		 Well organized  Well sequenced  Enjoyable
Interesting   Factually correct  Helps learning
Provides effective practice  Introduces new language understandably  Provides meaningful interaction between computer & learner  Provides communicative interaction between students     Creates challenge without anxiety
Free of excessive violence  Free of stereotypes
Takes advantage of computer's unique capability 
Pedagogical considerations--Program Output
Select the appropriate criteria on the right. Explain if necessary.		 Attractive screens
Color
Video
Attractive Graphics
Attractive Sounds
Personalization
Print option available
Comments
1.  State the program's strengths and weaknesses from a pedagogical point of view.

2.  Mention how/where this software fits/doesn't fit into current learning and teaching theories.

3.  Discuss briefly how you would  incorporate the program into your teaching/curriculum.  Consider necessary preparation, supplementation, and follow-up as appropriate.

  
Comparison
Briefly compare the ESL and non-ESL software in terms of the learning theory/approach the software is based on.		  

© 2006 Christine Bauer-Ramazani
Last updated on January 11, 2014