This software evaluation report assesses the commercial product Google SketchUp. The report finds that while the basic version is free, the professional version requires payment. The software allows students to design and create 3D models while developing creativity. An essential criteria checklist evaluates the instructional design, content, user flexibility, and technical soundness. The report recommends Google SketchUp for purchase due to its educational benefits, though some criteria like testing functionality and backup options are not fully met.

1. Software Evaluation Report Adviser: Prof. Chiung-hui ChiuPresenter: Wen-Yi LiuTzu-yuan Hsu2009.11.18

2. Assessment of Commercial / Published ProductsTitle : Google SketchUPPublisher: Google Inc.Content Area: Technology & LifeGrade Level(s): 10-12Cost Information and Pricing Options Available:Free for Basic version Charge for Professional version

3. Assessment of Commercial / Published ProductsCourseware Functions: Tutorial & SimulationObjectives: Students not only learn to design construct 3D model but also cultivate the creativity from doing the project.

4. Essential Criteria Checklist for Evaluating Instructional Courseware

5. Set 1. Instructional Design and Pedagogical SoundnessTeaching strategy is matched to student needs/levels and is based on accepted methods.Courseware methods are likely to accomplish the stated objectivesReadability and learning difficulty are at an appropriate level for target studentsGraphics fulfill important purpose (motivation, information) and are not distracting to learners

6. Criteria specific to tutorial functionsHigh degree of interactivity (not just reading information)High degree of user control (forward and backward movement, branching upon request) Comprehensive teaching sequence so instruction is self-contained and standaloneAdequate answer-judging capablities for student-constructed answers to questions NO!

7. Criteria specific to simulation functions:Appropriate degree of fidelity (accurate depiction of system being modeled)Good documentation available on how program works (if not intuitive)

8. Set 2. ContentAll content accurate and up-to-dateNo racial or gender stereotypes; not geared toward only one sex or to certain racesContent matches required curriculum objectives

9. Set 3. User FlexibilityUser normally has some control of movement within the program (e. g., can go from screen to screen at desired rate; can read text at desired rate; can exit program when desired)Interface is easy to use (e.g., similar format from screen-to-screen for forward and back movement in program)

10. Set 4. Technical SoundnessProgram loads consistently, without errorProgram does not break (i.e., stop working), no matter what the student entersProgram works on desired platformIf included, online links work as indicatedIf included, animations and videos work as indicatedProgram does what the screen says it should do NO!

11. Optional Criteria Checklist for Evaluating Instructional Courseware

12. Optional Instructional Design CriteriaStated objectives: Does the software state its objectives clearly? Yes!Prerequisite skills: Are skills specified that students will need in order to use the software activities, and are students likely to have the required skills? Yes!Tests: Do tests match stated skills and are they good measures of the skills? No!

13. Optional Interface/Navigation CriteriaStudent ease-of-use:Is the program easy to use for the intended students? Yes!Is a lot of typing required?No!Required procedures: Are the procedures required to input the answers easy to remember (e.g., pressing "B" for going "back")? No!

14. Optional Interface/Navigation CriteriaInput devices: Are alternative input devices allowed to make software more usable for special populations? No!Summary feedback: Are students given an on-screen summary of performance when they finish working? No!

15. Optional Teacher Use CriteriaTeacher ease of use: Can teachers figure out, with minimum effort, how to work the program? Yes!Ease of integration: Are software materials designed to integrate easily into other activities the teacher is doing? Yes!Adaptability: Can teachers modify and adapt the software for their needs by changing content (e.g., spelling words) or format (e.g., animated versus written feedback)? No!

16. Optional Presentation CriteriaGraphics features: Are graphics, animation, and color used for instructional purposes rather than decoration? No!Screen layout: Are screens so "busy" or cluttered that they may interfere with reading? No!Required peripherals: Does the program require peripherals the schools are likely to have? (e.g., speech synthesizers)? No!

17. Optional Technical CriteriaResponse judging: Does the response judging allow for ALL possible correct answers and disallow ALL possible incorrect ones? No!Timing: Does the program present itself quickly so displays and responses are accomplished without noticeable delays? No!Web resources: If online, is websites working most of the time and are they updated frequently, as needed? Yes!

18. Optional Technical CriteriaTechnical manuals: Do teacher or user manuals contain technical documentation on program operation and any technical features or options? Does the manual tell how to install and "uninstall“ the program? Yes!

19. Optional Publisher SupportAvailable versions: Is the program available in desired versions (e.g., network or site license)? Yes!Does the company provide for free or discounted upgrades later? Yes!Backup: Is a backup disk provided or can user make one? No!Ongoing support: Does the company answer questions and provide help for problems via local representatives, a toll-free line, and/or a website? Yes!

20. DecisionGoogle SketchUp is recommended for purchase.