Evaluations

Other Formats

Installation

This software was easy to install and use. A wizard guides you through the installation and the software loads quickly.
Once loaded the CD must be used every time to access the story.

Some problems were encountered when launching the story from the icon on the desktop. I think it is better to access the story from the start –> programs button.

When using this software with laptops in the class it was important to stress to the students the need to allow the laptop to read the disk before trying to open it, this prevented the laptops freezing.

Navigation

The program is easily accessible. There is little need for teacher instructions while reading the chapters. The instructions are clear and straightforward. The entire program is switch accessible.

When using this software for the first time students register their name by selecting his/her name each time the student can continue where they left off at the last session.

Each chapter has a green face icon. When clicked this will highlight and read all the text on the page. Click the green arrow to move on to the next page.

Click the green arrow to move on to the next page. To quit the program the student clicks the stop button. This is a red button on the left hand side of the screen (which is in the shape of the stop sign they see on the road signs which I think is a good idea).

The quiz part is the one section that will need teacher instruction. They must press the “start button” before they can continue. Some get stuck here, but they do it once and they know what to do every other time. The “?” button will give students instructions, but my students prefer my instructions. I think teacher’s instructions are better here.

The teacher can allow the student to choose a title him or herself, but controls the colour options, thus ensuring that the reading level is appropriate. For the really weak student there is the option of reading it before hand using the tape or the book or both. There are also the cloze and comprehension questions that the teacher can go over with the student. In most cases the students can enjoy listening to the story him/herself and the teacher can do the questions with the student. It is unfortunate that the comprehension questions are not spoken. It is a bit of a draw back. The students do find this a bit frustrating. They can be independent readers but get a reminder of their shortfalls when they need help with the comprehension questions.

The students seem to enjoy using the software. It is multi sensory as they have the aural, the visual, the linguistic modes and they are involved in operating the laptop as well.

There are lots of teacher’s options:

• Teachers can add or delete students and set options for individual students in the teacher options section.
• Teachers can also print out the additional quiz questions, the cloze questions or the comprehension questions.
• Teachers can view and print the student’s progress chart on the teacher option screen
• Teacher can switch on /off the sound option
• The Read All toggle can be switched on/off
• The Testing Toggle can be switched on/off.

When off the student does not have to do the quiz at the end of every chapter, but can proceed to the next chapter. I think it is better to leave the quiz on as the teacher can be sure the student is reading the whole chapter and not skipping bits to finish first. Maybe leave it off if student is reading it for the second time.

Documentation

The booklet which accompanies the software gives clear instruction on installing and using the software. It also contains sample lesson plans and ideas for further activities using the additional material available on the CD-ROM.

A folder called Teachers Materials is included on each Start to Finish CD-ROM.
This folder contains:
• Printable multiple-choice tests.
• Cloze quizzes and teachers answer key.
• review words: useful for reviewing spellings and pronunciation.
• Blackline masters: materials which students in developing team and critical thinking.