Here are some issues that that are important in evaluating CALL software. You should think these issues in preparing your software review and address them in your Camtasia presentation.
What skill(s) does this software address/develop?
What student level(s) could this be used for?
How relevant is the actual subject matter (content) of this software to language learning/instruction?
How easy would it be to integrate this software into the curriculum? (Consider vocabulary, grammar, terminology, sequencing, modularization of topics, role as supplement to or replace for classroom instruction.)
Is the language use correct and authentic?
Are the multimedia elements (audio, video, graphics) authentic and culturally appropriate? Do they significantly add to the instructional value of the software?
CALL type. How would you classify the package? (Note: Sometimes more than one classification may apply; occasionally the program won’t fit any of these categories.)
Is it practice? If so...
Are exercise types uniform or varied?
Are items contextualized?
What kind of help can the student get?
Are items presented at random?
How many tries does the student get?
Does the student have to type the right answer before continuing with other items?
Are missed items recycled?Is it a tutorial? If so...
Are explanations clear?
Is the use of native or target language appropriate?
Is the student's grasp of principles checked frequently?
Does the program branch to remedial or more advanced work, depending on student performance?Is it a simulation? Does it simulate a real/cultural experience? If so...
Is the simulated environment culturally authentic?
Does it enable users acquire and practice cultural insights?
Is the use of native or target language appropriate?Is it a utility/tool program that enables an activity or allows exploration of a subject? If so...
How might it be used in a worthwhile way by itself or with other courseware?
Is it easy to navigate around the tools or resources?
Does it offer a complete set of resources? Does it lack any major aspects or components?Interaction. How does the student interact with the program:
With mouse clicks/drags?
Typing natural language input?
Recording for self-comparison?
Voice recognition?
Other?Answer judging. How does it process (judge or react to) student input—what kind of feedback does it provide the student?
Right/wrong?
Pattern markup? (i.e., uses symbols to indicate error locations)
Error anticipation (verbal feedback on exact nature of errors)?
Intelligent feedback (parsing)?
Non-judging?
Is it "user friendly"? (Easy to start and use.) If not, explain.
Is it visual appealing and are visual elements effective and useful? (Notice character fonts, text windows, text placement, margins, highlighting, lines, boxes, color/shading, drawings, screen layout, empty space, animation.)
Are media elements, if any, of high quality? Can music and other types of audio bells and whistles be turned off?
Are instructions available via the program?
Is it easy and convenient to type special characters (e.g., accents, umlauts, alternate alphabets or characters)?
Is the software designed for students to use alone or could it be used in small groups or in the classroom for presentation/stimulation of discussion?
Does it make sense to do this on the computer?
Does it do anything a book (or other non-computer medium) cannot do just as well?
Do the activities and/or content reflect a sound pedagogical approach?
Identify elements that reflect good teaching practice.
How much does the user interact with the program?
Is the interaction relatively passive (page-turning) or does it require the active participation of the user.
Can you modify the content (items, text, instructions) or add new content?
Do you have any control over program features?
Can you activate or deactivate scoring, help features or other aspects?
Can you change any parameters that affect the interaction (e.g., the number of tries a student gets, whether the program ignores case and punctuation, etc.)?
What kind of record-keeping does it do:
Does it store performance data? If so, what kind?
Does it keep records from session to session? (bookmarking)
Is it easy to enroll students and print out record reports?
Is the software performance-sensitive? (Does the program respond to student's strengths and weaknesses offering easier or harder material as appropriate?)
Does the software engage the student's mind? (Are the interactions interesting and challenging?)
Can the student be creative?
Is the pace fast? (Should it be?)
Hardware:
What kind of computer does it run on?
What are the minimum hardware requirements of the system: What version of the operating system and/or program environment? Additional requirements (such as a microphone)?
Will it run on a computer network?Documentation:
Is the documentation for teacher complete and easy to understand? Does it make objectives clear and suggest ways to use the program?
Are there student handouts or guides to accompany the materials? If so, are they complete and easy to understand?Software support:
Is tech support readily available to users?
Cost:
How much does it cost for one user? For a site license?