Computer Software (must be completed 100%)

      Fill out this form completely.  Go to this link for MAC and this link for IBM or compatible. Locate software to evaluate. Choose one of your intended major - minor and grade level and download either demo, shareware, or freeware. Download the software onto your disk or in a desktop file with your name on it.. Download this form, save it as software.html and when you have completed it publish it to your edcentral account.

      Name: Valerie Mayra        Day of Class: TR 12:30-1:50          Computer Number: 16
      Title of Software: Snakey Math
      Author/Publisher: Curry Software
      WEB Address:  http://www.kidsdomain.com/down/mac/snakeymath.html
      Date produced or last modified:  1999
      Cost of full program: $12
      Amount of intended class time use think you will use it. Be specific.  Since four players can play at a time and each group would play for about 10 minutes, then the whole class could take turns playing within an hour and twenty minutes if there was only one computer in the classroom.  They could play while others are working on math homework.
      Subject Area:  Math
      Your intended audience  The intended audience would probably be 5th or 6th grade because that is when they start to learn multiplication of negative numbers.

      Brief description:  Snakey Math is a great educational game that students can play with up to four players at a time.  The program will provide a problem and four possible solutions.  Each player has control of a snake with a group of letters on the keyboard for up, down, left, and right.  Once they figure out the answer in their head, they move their snake to the correct answer.  The one who gets the right answer get the most points based on how many incorrect answers are left.

      Objectives:  The objective is for students to develop their multiplication tables and their speed.  It also helps them with their multiplication of negative numbers. 

      Prior Knowledge Required:  Students will need to know how to multiply positive and negative integers.  They will also need some typing skills because they have to use the keys to move their snake.

      Rate the following 10 Criteria: (high, medium or low) and give reasons as to why you rated this way.
      1. Matches with intended curriculum  High because students will be learning how to multiply positive and negative integers, so the program will mirror the material they are learning.  They will also be learning how to use the brackets in mathematics which the program also demonstrates.
      2. Ease of download  High because the program was extremely easy to download.  You just click on the link to the download and it pops up on your desktop.
      3. Clear and concise language  High because the directions were very easy to follow.  A student could easily follow the directions provided by the author.  The use of language throughout the program is appropriate for that age level.
      4. Maintain student's interest  High because it is a competitive game that students will love to play.  The kids will get involved and continue wanting the challenge it provides.
      5. Learner participation  High because the students are always continually active when using this program.  They are constantly using their brain to come up with the answer and then racing their snake to get to that answer.
      6. Evidence of effectiveness  High because the program rewards students with points ranging in value.  The sooner the student reaches the correct answer, the more points they get which is effective because it motivates the child to learn his or her multiplication tables so he or she will know the answers.
      7. Objectionable bias  Low because the author is simply motivating students to get involved in mathematics and show them that it can be fun.  There is no bias because  the program is created to get the students enthusiastic about math.
      8. Documentation  High because the program provided links to their web page and a link to register for the full program.
      9. Clarity of directions  High because the directions would be very easy for 5th or 6th graders to follow.  The author provides step by step procedures to play the game and also what the point system is based on.
      10. Stimulates creativity  High because the students could come up with similar games to play on their own like basketball math where they could shoot hoops for points if they get a problem right.  They will think of ways to incorporate math into their everyday games.

      Strong Points:  It is a very colorful program and it allows students to learn multiplication of positive and negative integers while having fun at the same time.  The kids won't see it as a math lesson, but as a fun game.
      Weak Points:  It is difficult to remember how many points are rewarded for each correct answer because it is based on how many incorrect answers are left.
      Recommended action: I would suggest using a smaller number of points for everything instead of hundreds.
      Minimum System requirements:  68020 or better or PowerPC, System 7