Melissa Carr

Edu 214
Assignment 6

SOFTWARE #1

Melissa Carr
Zearn
Math 4th grade level
www.zearn.org
Zearn
4th Grade

Provide a brief description of the product/software:

Zearn is a math website where students are given "missions" where they work on
lessons. Each mission aligns with common core standards. Students work at own
pace and go through a series of games, videos, and assignments during each
lesson.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the product/software?

The strength is that it is student-centered and friendly.

Is the product/software easy for you and the students to use? Explain.
Yes. It is easy to navigate as a teacher and the interface is very student-friendly.

Does the software serve its intended purpose, which is classroom use?
Explain.
Yes. This can be used in the classroom. It has multiple resources and can serve
as a review or extra practice.

Are there multiple forms of media (audio, video, and textual communication
channels) that encourage the student to engage with the software? Explain.
Yes. Students have textual communication along with audio if needed. Videos
are shown during each lesson as another way to learn.
 Is the documentation for the product/software, such as technical support,
instructions on how to use the product, and hardware requirements
presented clearly on the website? Explain.
Somewhat. It is fairly easy to navigate the website and find documentation, but
some may need to poke around to find technical support.

Is the software adaptable to support specific accessibility needs of learners

with disabilities? Explain.
It can support some accessibility needs. Audio is available on all portions and
videos also serve as a visual.

Does the software program give appropriate feedback to responses

(assessment)? Can the skill levels be adjusted by the student/instructor?
Explain.
No it doesn't not. It will say what portion a student struggles on, but not the
specific question. Teachers can go back and adjust the grade level at any time,
but students cannot.

SOFTWARE #2:
Melissa Carr
Epic!
Books
www.getepic.com
epic creations inc.
K-12

Provide a brief description of the product/software:

Epic is a website with hundreds or books and videos for students to access.
Some titles are well known books and some are books published by the website
itself. There are informational videos about topics as well.
 What are the strengths and weaknesses of the product/software?
The strengths are there is many different genres and levels. The weakness is
that students cannot access it at home unless they pay, otherwise they can read
one free book a day.

Is the product/software easy for you and the students to use? Explain.
Yes. The interface is student friendly and easy to navigate.

Does the software serve its intended purpose, which is classroom use?
Explain.
Yes. Student have access to all titles when in school, which is great for students
who may need books read to them or cannot checkout books at the library.

Are there multiple forms of media (audio, video, and textual

communication channels) that encourage the student to engage with the
software? Explain.
Yes. There are plenty of audio books or books read to students. Textual
communication is in most books and students have access to educational videos.

Is the documentation for the product/software, such as technical support,

instructions on how to use the product, and hardware requirements
presented clearly on the website? Explain.
No. It takes some time to find. When logging on, you are shown the different
options on how to access the site and see this until you log in. There was a lot of
clicking around to find the information.

Is the software adaptable to support specific accessibility needs of

learners with disabilities? Explain.
Some accessibility is available. Plenty of audio and visual support.
Does the software program give appropriate feedback to responses
(assessment)? Can the skill levels be adjusted by the student/instructor?
Explain.
Yes. Students can take a quiz on books and teachers and students can see what
they got wrong. There is no restrictions. Students can read whatever level they
like.