Computer
|
Computer |
Program
Title
|
Publisher
|
Rating
|
Instructional
Area |
Computer
Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Web-based |
Computers for Youth |
3.0 |
Life
Skills, Computer |
Internet Browser |
|
Technology & Internet Assessment Web-based |
H
& H Publishing
|
3.0 |
Computer Skills
Assessment |
Multimedia PC, 200 MHz or
higher, printer, Internet |
|
The
Writer by Keyboard Instructor Software |
AKT Advanced
Keyboard Tech. Inc. |
3.3 |
Computer, Writing, ESL |
Contact Dealer |
Program Title
|
Community
Corner
|
|---|---|
|
Publisher |
http://www.communitycorner.org
[English version] Sponsored
by Computers for Youth (CFY), a New York City organization that provides
inner-city students and teachers with fully equipped home computers and
training in how to use the computers effectively. |
|
Subject |
Computer, Life Skills
|
|
Level |
Computer
literate and internet savvy, must have reading skills at least at 6 to 8
level |
|
Program
features |
Site is one place which connects user to a variety of other sites Original
site in both English and Spanish |
|
Computer
Requirements |
Internet
Browser (no specific browser is recommended) |
|
Price |
No
cost other than access to internet |
|
Overall
Rating |
3.0 |
Evaluation
Scale (scale 0 = not
applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent)
|
User
Friendly |
2 |
|---|---|
|
Interesting
Interface |
3 |
|
Ease
of loading software |
3 |
|
Affordability |
4 |
|
Content |
3 |
|
Age
appropriate |
3 |
|
Sound |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Average |
3 |
Community Corner is a bilingual site that highlights online
content relevant to low-income, ethnically diverse populations of youth and
families. The site has
carefully-chosen links and information that connect people to community,
education and employment-related resources that can benefit the whole family.
In addition to links, each section of the site has a related featured
interview. The site is fully
accessible in both English and Spanish.
Navigation and Structure
The
Community Corner site consists of eight categories:
Money Center, Tech Support Center, Community, Health Center, Job Center,
Safety, Playground, And School. Each
category provides several links to other Internet sites that are related.
Instructional Applications
This site may be a good one for students to access as a family. The layout at first may be somewhat confusing because the user does not know what the site is really about until he/she has begun surfing. Too much time may be wasted in trying to get the big picture of the site. An overview would help plus a search selection that is specific just to this site.
Program Title
|
|
|---|---|
|
Publisher |
H
& H Publishing Company |
|
Subject |
Computer
Skills
Assessment |
|
Level |
Beginner
to Intermediate level |
|
Program
features |
A
Web-based test to assess computer literacy level |
|
Computer
Requirements |
A
multimedia PC (MPC) with a Pentium processor: 200 MHz or higher, A
printer, Internet Access |
|
Price |
1-99
Quantity = $3.00/each |
|
Overall
Rating |
3.0 |
Evaluation
Scale (scale 0 = not
applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent)
|
User
Friendly |
3 |
|---|---|
|
Interesting
Interface |
2 |
|
Ease
of loading software |
0 |
|
Affordability |
4 |
|
Content |
3 |
|
Age
appropriate |
3 |
|
Sound |
0 |
|
|
|
|
Average |
3.0 |
The Technology and Internet Assessment (TIA) is a Web
administered self-assessment of computer literacy skills.
The TIA is designed to determine strengths and weaknesses related to a
basic understanding of computer, Internet, and information technology skills.
The TIA focuses on eight areas that may present barriers for individuals:
|
Use
of Technology |
Specific
Computer Skills |
|
Acquisition
of Technical Knowledge |
Basic
Internet Knowledge |
|
Internet
Information Skills |
Adapting
to Technological change |
|
Impact
of Technology |
Ethics
in Technology |
Navigation
and Structure
The test is accessed through the Web.
It is given in survey-type format and the answer to each question is
chosen from a drop-down menu. Printable
results are given right after the test is submitted and includes a line chart.
The pre/post test feature allows instructors and administrators to
compare results and raw data. Data
may be requested from H & H Publishing for statistical purposes.
To evaluate computer literacy levels.
Program Title
|
The Writer (portable word
processor) by Keyboard Instructor |
|---|---|
|
Publisher |
AKT
- Advanced Keyboard Technologies, Inc. http://www.keyboardinstructor.com |
|
Subject |
Computer, ESL,
Writing |
|
Level |
Basic
Keyboarding, GED Grammar |
|
Program
features |
Keyboarding:
116 preprogrammed lessons, pre-set or customized WPM and Accuracy
benchmarks, Technique Builder™ Home row and Shift Key reinforcement,
Individualized Progress Report on Lesson Scores, Assessment Scores, and
Technique Scores, and Power-skin overlay to prevent “peeking” at keys. |
|
Price |
Individual
unit $189.00 each. Call AKT
for more pricing. |
|
Overall
Rating |
3.3 |
Evaluation
Scale (scale 0 = not
applicable, 1= not recommended, 2 = fair, 3 = good and 4 = excellent)
|
User
Friendly |
4 |
|---|---|
|
Interesting
Interface |
3 |
|
Ease
of loading software |
4 |
|
Affordability |
3 |
|
Content |
3 |
|
Age
appropriate |
3 |
|
Sound |
0 |
|
Average |
3.3 |
The Writer has been developed for those programs that may have limited
computer lab space or for those who want to provide a take-home device on which
students may practice their keyboarding. The
basic philosophy of this company is that keyboarding is a 21st
century literacy skill, one according to studies that should be mastered by 3rd
or 4th grade. By using
portables such as The Writer, then computer labs are freed up “for
higher level application.”
AKT recommends that with a minimum of 4 days per week in
15-30 minute sessions, students may complete the keyboarding program within six
to eight weeks, depending, of course, on the age and ability of the students.
Although the program minimizes teacher preparation and record keeping,
the classroom instructor does need to “be engaged instructionally.”
Before students begin the program, they need to be instructed in the
foundation of posture and technique. The
publisher states the following: “The
classroom teacher needn’t be an accomplished keyboardist.
Basic posture, positioning and technique are easy to understand, to teach
and to monitor. We recommend for
those teachers who are not touch typists that they learn along with their
students.”
The
reviewer of this tool was not a keyboarding instructor, but if the instructor is
comfortable with computers, then the design and set-up of The Writer is
easy and user friendly. Access to
the device was easily done by using the basic Preview Guide – a definite plus.
Instructional Applications
Although The Writer is marketed for elementary and middle school, it can be a great tool in small, rural ABE programs that may have limited resources. Students can use The Writer to learn keyboarding while being able to use the computers for reading, math, social studies, and science instruction via other software or the Internet. ESL students would enjoy building vocabulary by using the thesaurus.