Instructional Software

The instructional software a evaluated is called Grammar for the Real World.

Name of package: Grammar for the Real World
Vendor Name: Kaplan
Vendor Toll Free Phone Number: 1-800-542-4240
Grade Level: 6-12
Subject-Area: English/Language
Simulation: yes
Educational Game: yes
Macintosh: yes
Intel PC/DOS: yes
Intel PC/Windows: yes
Other-Peripherals:
Instructional Purpose:
The purpose of the software is to allow students to learn grammar in a more authentic and purposeful context. Traditional approaches to grammar instruction teach grammar in a isolated fashion,with no practicalapplication. The software, not only shows students the importance of grammar, but, also, it allows student to be engaged in more meaningful learning.
USe: The use of the software is dependant upon whether or not the teacher has an available computer for students to use. A teacher could use it one day out of the week as a means to allow students to apply what they learn through teacher instruction. I don't see this software as a substitution for QUALITY teacher instruction,though.
Objectives Met: yes
Vocabulary Appropriate: yes
Content Accurate: partially
Free of Bias: yes
Learner in Control: yes
Proper Reinforcement: partially
Self-Directed: yes
Appropriate Sequencing: yes
Student Record Keeping: yes
Disk Crash Safeguard: yes
No Distracting Sounds/Visuals: yes
Animation/Sound/Graphics Effective: yes
Uncluttered Screen: yes
Material Clearly Presented: yes
Easy Program to Load: yes
Simple Screen Directions: yes
On-screen Help: yes
Tutorial Manual: partially
Easy Printer Setup: no
Strengths: The strength of the software is that it takes an essential element of English instruction (Often considered to be the most difficult to teach)and allows students to recognize the "real world" application of grammar.

No longer can students complain, asking, "why do we have to learn this." Students slowly fill their job resume as they progress through the simulation.

Students learn editing (puctuation, syntax, possessives). It rewards students'success with a cordial applause, and, the further the student progresses, the student's "agent" offers job promotions. The students have control of the rate of speed in which the simulation advances, thus allowing student adequate time to think before they provide an answer. When the student makes a mistake, the computer helps by providing scaffolding in order for students to construct the correct response. There is a backup copy of the software in case something happens to the other.

Lastly, it's fun to use. Weaknesses:
As far as the weaknesses are concerned, the software gives a audable response to mistakes that students make, which could embarrass the student on task. The grade level is not specific. The software package says grades six through 12, but the students can't select what grade level he or she is at. As a result, 12th graders would be doing 6th grade work until he/she spends about 30 minutes going through the 6th-11th grade work. Furthermore, there was a technical difficulty that I encountered, which the ETC staff nor me could not figure out. My "agent" rewarded me with a job promotion to work in "studio 19," but when I went into the studio, the screen went blank. This happened on more than one occassion.
Recommendation: very good
Comments:
If the teacher uses this software in the classroom, the teacher should be there monitoring their work. I will say again, the software should not be used as a substitute for teacher instruction, but, rather, a instrument students use to apply what they learn.