SpellQuizzer Software Review –

TheTeachingBox is dedicated to exploring technology in teaching, so I was very excited when Dan Hite from from TedCo Software (http://www.TedCoSoftware.com) kindly asked me to review his educational application called SpellQuizzer (http://www.SpellQuizzer.com).

SpellQuizzer is an educational software program that helps students learn and practice their spelling.  I have spent quite a bit of time evaluating SpellQuizzer and I am very impressed.  I will first proceed with a review of the application and then conclude with some thoughts on the website and support functions.

This review will be broken down into a few categories, so let us proceed.
I reviewed SpellQuizzer version 1.2.0 on Windows XP.  A version is available that even runs on Windows 98 (how about that for backwards compatibility!).

Installation -

The download was a very reasonable 8MB.  This would be considered acceptable even for those not on broadband Internet.  The installer was a standard windows install program and ran flawlessly.  Following installation the program fired up quickly, and the Help automatically opened (nice feature).

User Interface -

I actually have performed software testing at a previous company, so I am pretty hard on user interface design and usability.  The interface is very simple with large buttons and good graphics.  The buttons do become larger if the window is re-sized which would be good for young students.  Overall this simple interface is very easy to navigate for young computer users as well as adults.  The pull-down menus are simple and only provide what is needed.  Before digging into the application features I took a quick look at the Options Menu.  The password protection could prove to be a useful feature.  All of the other options tabs were self explanatory.  As with the main user interface, there are no unnecessary complicated features.

Program Features -

Help/Documentation - I am not a person to read all the documentation for software (who is?).  I spent only about 3 minutes skimming through SpellQuizzer Help.  The documentation is a standard windows based help system.  I found it to be logically organized, and if you need access, it is only a button click away from within the main interface.

Quiz me on a list – I jumped right in and selected one of the pre-installed spelling lists to get a feel for the program.  I found the interface to be simple and very effective.  The word is spoken, and then used in a sentence.  The student then types the word into a box.  The font is nice and large making for good visibility.

Create a spelling list - The next step was to create my own custom spelling list.  In my opinion this is the best part of the whole application. After naming my new custom list I was taken to an interface where I could either choose a word from an existing database of words, or add a new word.  The microphone was already set up on my computer, but there was a button handy that let me verify that everything was working properly.  I typed in my new word, and pressed the start button to record.  I used the same format of saying the word and then using it in a sentence.  After I was finished I pressed the stop button.  I could immediately Play Back my recording to insure it was of good quality.  The interface for creating your own spelling list is easy to operate.  I would say easy enough even to allow the student to create his or her own custom spelling lists.  The recording ability of SpellQuizzer makes the custom spelling lists personal and engaging.

Edit spelling lists – This feature allowed me to edit any of the spelling lists that exist in the application (including the preloaded ones).  The same interface as the Create a spelling list is provided.

Import/Export spelling lists – The ability to import and export the spelling lists is a versatile and simple to use feature.  SpellQuizzer has pre-made lists available on the website.  Also these features would allow someone to share their SpellQuizzer spelling lists with others.  I would be willing to bet that if you had some good quality lists you could get them put up on the SpellQuizzer website to share with others.

Website/Support -

The SpellQuizzer website (http://www.SpellQuizzer.com) is a well designed site.  Just like the SpellQuizzer software the website is simple yet elegant.  This is a great looking site that is easy to navigate.  It also contains professionally made video demonstrations that show how to perform some of the basic functions of the program, such as creating a spelling list and importing a spelling list.  SpellQuizzer is an easy to use application, but the addition of thes videos makes it even better.

Overall Evaluation -
SpellQuizzer is an outstanding program.  It sports minimalist design with great functionality.  A perfect example of keeping software simple.  The website provides first rate support.  If you have a student that has weekly spelling tests SpellQuizzer is a must have program to add to your family computer.  The price is reasonable (100% Satisfaction Guarantee), and you can try it free for 30 days.

In these days of bloated software SpellQuizzer is beauty in simplicity.  This application flawlessly executes it’s mission and is a joy to use.  Please vist the SpellQuizzer website or contact them if you would like more information.

Why I like Teaching and Education

The words teach and educate are sometimes used interchangeably.  They are synonyms, but the etymology shows that they do have subtle differences.  Teach is defined as “to cause to know something” as while educate is defined as “to provide education, or to train by formal instruction“.  Regardless of the word you choose or how you define either term, I have to say that I enjoy both.

I won’t even get into the term Training.  I see training as corporate buzzword that businesses use to define an educational class that it provides to employees. (see Education)

Teaching for me is the process of sitting down and showing someone how to perform a task or a skill.  For example, I spend a lot of time TEACHING people how to operate their computer.  This task is teaching exactly as webster defines it.  Usually it is informal and the “student” and I are sitting by the computer as we go through the sequence of events to to perform a task such as installing antivirus software.  I enjoy this aspect of teaching because of the relationship building with the individual person and the thrill I get when the person “gets it” and understands the task we just performed.  I am further encouraged when he or she is able to repeat the task without my help.  Now they have a skill that can be repeated.

Education is a more formal process.  Again it is to cause to know something, but generally takes place in a classroom.  My personal definition of educate is teaching a group of people in a classroom.  There is still the relationship and the interaction.  It is different, but I still enjoy the learning environment.

Teaching for me comes naturally in the one on one basis.  The classroom is a different animal, and I have had to work hard at improving my skills.

• Classroom control
• Presentation skills
• Eye contact

These three skills are the ones I have been working on for the last couple of years and I have improved.

What are your favorite aspects of teaching and education?  Are your definitions different from mine?
Let me know in the comments section or send me an e-mail with your thoughts.

-Loren
http://www.theteachingbox.com