Angela Cruz

Assignment 10

Edu: 214- 1008

Name of reviewer: Angela Cruz

Software Title: Prezi

Web Address: https://prezi.com/

Publisher: Peter Arvai, Pter Halcsy, and Adam Somlai-Fischer.

Grade Level: high school and college

Brief Description of the Software: Prezi was designed to make ones slide show presentation
more advanced with effects such as out of the ordinary slides using real world objects like tree
branches or clouds for instance, Prezi offers the designer more room to be creative with simple
way to incorporate music, video, and animation.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the program? Strengths of Prezi are it enhances the
normal power point with easy to use effects as well as a step by step video of how to operate the
website as well as many different layouts that are each different that have the presenters ideas in
mind to get their point across in style. The weaknesses are, you cannot edit your Prezi on your
mobile device, some Prezi plans you must purchase if you want more effects, the home page may
be confusing to first time viewers, youd have to create an account to actually view and create
slide shows, and you need a flash player to use the software.

How long did it take you to become familiar with the program? I was introduced to this program
a few years ago but it took me about 5 minutes to understand what the product was and how to
create a slide.

How long might it take students? Why? Being a high school student at the time when I was
introduced to this product, I would estimate it would take around 5 minutes to become familiar,
creating an account is simple and once youve done that it shows you step by step how to create
your first Prezi.

What is the programs educational value? Explain Prezi has a set of values, their educational
value states that better communication will lead to a brighter future. Meaning, with the proper
tools you can influence your audience that your points are valid and clear.

Is the documentation for the software program, such as technical support and
Instructions on how to use the software presented clearly on the website? When you create your
Prezi account it automatically leads to a pop up of a walk through animation of how to create
your first Prezi, it is clear and to the point plus they also offer tabs for any additional information
they may have not covered.

How does the graphic, sound, & animation contribute to its educational value? It makes the
website feel more welcoming and easy to use.

Will students enjoy using this program? I think students will enjoy this program because it is
something different from a regular Word PowerPoint, I feel the students will be more inspired to
create a slideshow and since it is easy to use, they will be encouraged to add more effects and
video that could strengthen their presentation.

Does the software program give appropriate feedback to responses? Prezi has a line of official
representatives monitoring the Q&A page and by browsing questions I saw one posted 2 days
ago and it already had a well detailed response from a service Rep. Understanding the problem
and giving solutions and or just answering questions about the software.

Is the program user friendly? Yes, everything that is offered for Prezi such as, music, sound,
video, photo, has informational tabs you can click any time if you are confused. The site is very
organized as well.

Can the skill levels be adjusted by the user/instructor? Since the effects seem to be advanced, I
believe that Prezi should only be used by high school and college level students because of what
it offers such as hyperlinks, YouTube videos, and music.
Please use the following outline to complete your review:

Name of reviewer: Angela Cruz

Software Title: Brian Pop

Web Address: https://www.brainpop.com/

Publisher: Dr. Avraham Kadar

Grade Level: Kindergarten Middle School

Brief Description of the Software: Brain Pop is a website that offers many educational videos
covering all subjects from Science to Art. As well as quizzes and educational games after each
video to ensure the students have understood the lesson.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the program? Strengths are it covers all subjects and
topics that a young child may be learning in school; the website is educational for school but still
intriguing to the student with humorous educational videos and games hosted by the websites
main characters, Tim and his robot sidekick Moby. The webpage is well organized and easy to
navigate. Weaknesses are, you must create an account to access anything such as the videos,
games, etc.

How long did it take you to become familiar with the program? Less than a minute, the front
page includes what subjects you can click on and from there it has many topics from that subject
you can access, and from then on you can play the video and play games and quizzes. If there is
something in particular there is a search bar on the home page that lists suggestions once you
begin typing.

How long might it take students? 5 minutes at most, for reasons explained previously, very easy
to navigate, the home page has all subjects listed and from there you click your way to what you
are looking for.

What is the programs educational value? Brain Pops educational value is for both the teachers
and students, it was created for the teachers to introduce these programs to their class to better
explain the subject that is being focused on. It allows both students and teachers to be involved in
the learning process.

Is the documentation for the software program, such as technical support and instructions on how
to use the software presented clearly on the website?

At the bottom of the page the website offers a tab labeled, Help. From there it directs the user to
their support page were they do offer free anytime assistance but do encourage to browse their
FAQ page where there are many different topics for where your question may fall under.
How does the graphic, sound, & animation contribute to its educational value? The animation
and graphics are my favorite part about this website, since it is created for younger grades it is
welcoming with their use of colors and fun with their animated characters.

Will students enjoy using this program? Yes, because it is simple to navigate and it offers games
which children love, plus the videos are a fun new way to learn subjects other than from a book
or class discussion.

Does the software program give appropriate feedback to responses? Absolutely, it offers
examples and step by step solutions that are clear and to the point.

Is the program user friendly? Yes, it shows the user what to click on and where to go for certain
subjects, all subjects are displayed on the home page so there is no searching. It is a well-
organized site.

Can the skill levels be adjusted by the user/instructor? Yes, there are different portals the website
offers that can be used by Kindergarten to 3rd grade and another for 4th through middle school,
these tabs are clearly displayed on the home page so you can learn from the appropriate subjects
and difficultly levels.
Please use the following outline to complete your review:

Name of reviewer: Angela Cruz

Software Title: ABC Mouse

Web Address: https://www.abcmouse.com/

Publisher: Kimberly Oliver Burnim

Grade Level: ages 2-8

Brief Description of the Software: ABC mouse is a program that offers children ages 2-8
educational activities for subjects, math, reading, science, art and colors. They claim the full
curriculum is offered through games designed by teachers and learning experts that can prep
children for school or just aide your child with help with certain subjects they are struggling with
in school.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the program? Strengths are, this site is created for
children younger than school aged children; it offers a full based curriculum and is made for the
children to play games and learn at the same time. Weaknesses are the sites home page is very
long and full of different topics from what ABC mouse offers to subjects and how to purchase a
plan, it gives full descriptions of each subject that is being offered, all of this information is on
one page and it makes the site seem very cluttered, I felt over whelmed with all the information
on one page. And you have to purchase a plan to access any of the sites activities, the other sites I
visited today just needed an account created, it does offer a 30 day free trail which is good.

How long did it take you to become familiar with the program? 10 minutes, there was so much
cluttered information all on one page.

How long might it take students? Why? 10 minutes or more, it may get confusing to young
students because it doesnt necessarily navigate you anywhere, the user is on their own on what
they want to click on and explore.

What is the programs educational value? Created by teachers and experts who want to make a
site for young children so they can learn the full curriculum just by playing fun games.

Is the documentation for the software program, such as technical support and instructions on how
to use the software presented clearly on the website? Yes because it does have a page for tech
support, but no because it only lists three questions for the site.

How does the graphic, sound, & animation contribute to its educational value? The graphics are
fun and give a preview to what is offered such as the games and puzzles. It makes the site
welcoming to the young eye and fun.
Will students enjoy using this program? I think so, there are over 8,500 activities to choose from
that can relate to any child and learning skill.

Does the software program give appropriate feedback to responses? Yes the feedback is clear and
is provided by Reps from ABC only con is there is not many questions and I did not find a tab
where you can ask your own question.

Is the program user friendly? I would say it is overwhelming with how much is offered, you have
to know what you are looking for to navigate this website smoothly otherwise it may get
frustrating.

Can the skill levels be adjusted by the user/instructor? Yes, upon operating the activities you can
adjust the skill level so it is easy to use by the ages they cater to.