Instructional Software

Evaluation Sheet

1. Citation and General Information:

Title
          A Musical Tutorial                                                                                      
Author
 Ronald Swerdfeger  email: Ron@datacom.ca
Publisher
 Self Published
Date
 N/A
Content
 Music Tutorial- music theory, history, piano etc
Grade/Age
 All ages - focuses to Middle School
Class applications
 Instrumental          Choral           Classroom
Description:
This software uses many types of games and activities that could apply to a general music classroom. I've seen it used in my field and the students enjoyed the games and learned how to sight read better.
Platform:
 PC and MAC
Necessary Peripherals:
 Computer/Keyboard/Mouse


2.  Instructional Content:

Musical Content
 This program includes many aspects of music. Students have the opportunity to learn the notes on the piano as well as on the grand staff. Students also learn key signature, intervals, rhythm, scales, musical symbols, terms, chord identification, and many more games to go along.
Procedures/Operation/Flow
 The software is very easy to follow. There are icons which explain and show games or activities and a tool bar if you cannot figure out the icons.
Instructional Mode
 Drill and Practice        Game    Discovery    Simulation
Program Structur  Computer Directed
Sequence of Materials I think this program is sequenced well. I do not like however that students cannot choose a harder level, they must pass all the easy levels first before advancing.
Pace of Instruction
 See above
Quality of Interaction
 The computer offers a variety of sounds and interaction with the students. The computer also keeps a log of grades and such for each player.
Summary Comments
 I liked this software very much. It's not like those commercial softwares that cost hundreds of dollars. This particular piece costs only twenty-five dollars and can be copied.  Students get the opportunity to refine their theory/aural skills which can help out tremendously in the classroom. Students also have the opportunity to listen to famous pieces of music and try to identify the composer and piece. The look is not as appealing as some more commercial softwares, but it does a very good job at teaching. I really enjoyed playing on this software.


3.  Record Keeping:

Method of Record Keeping:
            There is a log which doccuments how each person scores on each specific game or activity.                                                                                      
Summary Comments:
 N/A


4. Overall Evaluation:

I liked this software very much. It's not like those commercial softwares that cost hundreds of dollars. This particular piece costs only twenty-five dollars and can be copied.  Students get the opportunity to refine their theory/aural skills which can help out tremendously in the classroom. Students also have the opportunity to listen to famous pieces of music and try to identify the composer and piece. The look is not as appealing as some more commercial softwares, but it does a very good job at teaching. I really enjoyed playing on this software.