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Evaluations
Installation The MusiCan CD has installation instructions on the inside of front cover but may not be needed. The user guide also outlines these instructions. The programme will auto-load and follows the normal installations steps. It is quick and simple to install and a shortcut is added to the desktop. Once installed the CD is not required to run the software. Once you double click the shortcut, the programme will load in a second and just a couple of clicks will bring the user to main menu. The programme progresses at the user’s rate and encourages them to continue. The teacher’s section is password protected and the password is printed inside the front cover with the installation instructions.
Navigation MusiCan 1 is simple and easy to use. A user guide came with the CD but I did not need it. It is also possible to print the guide from the CD. The software is self explanatory and the character, Mel O’Dea, guides the user through the introduction. Junior Infants were able to use the programme without any instruction from the teacher. “Mel” will ask the user to input their name and therefore allowing the record keeping facility to track the progress of the user. This progress summary can be accessed and printed by the teacher in the teacher’s section. The Menu button is visible on the screen at all times and can allow for easy exiting. The design is highly visual and the animations progress at a rate which holds the pupil’s interest. The sound and graphic design is fantastic and entertains each pupil but the pupil may need direction when choosing a module. The user is encouraged and praised as they progress and has the option to print a certificate at the end of each module. The programme will fill the screen which is an advantage when teaching Infants as it decreases the chance of them clicking in the wrong area. the programme also responds quickly to clicks. The teacher’s section is vast but invaluable. Even though the layout is clear, it is very worthwhile to spend some time looking through this section. This area will be easy to navigate once the teacher is familiar with the shortcuts and headings. Teachers could use the resources section not only for use with MusiCan but also with other subjects they are covering in class. For example, once a teacher finds the activity sheet about farmyard animals, it can be printed and used in connection with other textbooks and curricular areas. Each lesson plan has shortcuts to each resource, but again I would suggest that the teacher practices the navigation before using it in class, as with any software. There is also a “Resources” tab on the Teacher’s section which will bring the teacher directly to the resources page. The software can also be used on interactive whiteboards and therefore involves the whole class.
Documentation At present, the CD comes with a user guide. The company may also supply a workbook of activity sheets. All the supporting documentation is also printable from the teacher’s section on the CD. As mentioned previously, the teacher notes are excellent, as are the other resources/documentation and a major advantage in using this programme.
