What's missing matters.* Microsoft Office Microsoft's primary desktop applications for Windows and Mac. Depending on the package, it includes some combination of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook along with various Internet and other utilities. XP, online, 2002, Element K (800-434-3466, www.elementk.com), $229 for Office Productivity library (150 desktop courses). Volume discounts apply. The Word 2002 component of Element K's Office XP suite consists of Level 1 (Beginner), Level 2 (Intermediate), and Advanced. Element K offers Windows Home XP and Windows Professional XP versions of the courses. Each level has an assessment test that allows the user to pass out of topics. The results are strictly advisory, however. You can study a topic you passed, and you can skip a topic the assess says you need to study. A problem with the assessment is that the same test is given each time. Reluctant students can therefore easily beat the test. Each lesson in the course gives an explanation of an operation. The explanations are clearly written and explained. As each step is explained, cues on the screen guide the user to take the appropriate action. The student types data, uses the mouse, and presses keys (shift, control, etc.). An audio track reads the text displayed in a panel on the screen. Quizzes within topics or groups of topics reinforce re·in·force v. 1. To give more force or effectiveness to something; strengthen. 2. To reward an individual, especially an experimental subject, with a reinforcer subsequent to a desired response or performance. 3. the learning. The course content and interface are quite good. But the user is not given an opportunity to practice an operation without prompts. Furthermore, the course does not record quiz A quiz is a form of game or mind sport in which the players (as individuals or in teams) attempt to answer questions correctly. Quizzes are also brief assessments used in education and similar fields to measure growth in knowledge, abilities, and/or skills. grades that demonstrate mastery of topics. Navigation navigation, science and technology of finding the position and directing the course of vessels and aircraft. Early Navigational Techniques In ancient times, mariners navigated by the guidance of the sun and stars and landmarks along the coast. is very easy. The student clicks the forward or backward navigation arrows. It is also simple to skip to different parts of the lesson. Recommendation Many organizations may not feel comfortable with this course because it lacks unguided practice and quiz or assessment grades that prove student mastery of topics. The course is probably best suited for smaller organizations or for individuals who want to learn Office on their own. The price is an excellent value because it includes access to large library of courses. Element K product rating Holds user interest *** Production quality *** Ease of navigation *** Interactivity *** Value of content *** Instructional value ** 1/2 Value for the money *** Overall rating ** 1/2 Outstanding **** Very good *** 1/2 Good *** Above average ** 1/2 Average ** Below Average * 1/2 Poor * NA Not applicable NR Not rated (usually not enough information) |
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