Sunday, March 25, 2012

Merlot Review



Quality of Content:
This is a great resource for interactive materials to use within a math class. There are a lot of different types of math included in this online resource, ranging anywhere form algebra, to geometry, to trigonometry.  There are specific links in this resource that go with specific topics.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching-Learning Tool:
This material could be used throughout the teaching process and practice process of many different topics.  These materials could be input into an interactive lesson, used during homework, or be an interactive note lesson.
This website would be useful in all aspects of explanation, demonstration, practice, and applying.
1.            What is(are) the learning objective(s)? What should students be able to do after successfully learning with the materials?
This website has many different learning objectives.  It could be used for things such as number lines, angles, parallel lines, parabolas, etc.  It has a wide range of objectives and learning purposes that could be used.
2.            What are the characteristics of the target learner(s)
Ranges from kindergarten to algebra to geometry.
3.            Does the interactive/media-rich presentation of material improve faculty and students' abilities to teach and learn the materials?
I think it would be a very useful to help staff incorporate interactive technology that they do not have to start from scratch.  It would be a very nice resource for teachers that want to “dabble” in technology that may be a little nervous.  There are many different avenues to explore and use as manipulators in your classroom.
4.            Can the use of the software be readily integrated into current curriculum and pedagogy within the discipline?
Absolutely.  This is an online website, so the cost is nothing.  There only needs to be access to the internet.
5.            Can the software be used in a variety of ways to achieve teaching and learning goals?
Yes.
6.            Are the teaching-learning goals easy to identify?
There are many to choose from.  However, each on is clearly defined.
7.            Can good learning assignments for using the software application be written easily?
Yes and I believe it could be something that you could allow your students to explore on their own.
Ease of Use:
1.            Are the labels, buttons, menus, text, and general layout of the computer interface consistent and visually distinct?
Yes, very easy to see and choose your content.  Also, you can go further and choose your grade level.
2.            Does the user get trapped in the material?
No, it is very user friendly.
3.            Can the user get lost easily in the material?
You can get lost in your ‘adventure,’ not in a bad way.  It is easy to want to go to the next topic for interaction.
4.            Does the module provide feedback about the system status and the user's responses?
No
5.            Does the module provide appropriate flexibility in its use?
Yes, you can find what you need to work on.
6.            Does the learning material require a lot of documentation, technical support, and/or instruction for most students to successfully use the software?
No it is a web based program that is very easy to use.
7.            Does the material present information in ways that are familiar for students?
Yes, there are many examples that are used within our lessons and would be easy to see and understand in the use of this program.

Does the material present information in ways that would be attractive to students?
       I definitely think this would be attractive to students because it is engaging and technology based.  This is an easy way to get the students engaged in their lessons and check for understanding.

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