TEXTBOOKS EVALUATION

Textbooks Evaluation

REFERENCE: Science Textbook Form 2 (Volume 1 & 2)
PUBLISHER: Media Network Sdn. Bhd.
WRITER: i) Choo Yan Tong
ii) Low Swee Neo
iii) Koay Kheng Chuan.
EDITOR: Wong Hoi Lei

Since 50 years ago, we were depending on textbook as a reference in learning process. Our ministry of education still believe that textbook contribute much in our education system. The question is, “is it still relevance for us to stay depending on textbook even in the era of science and technology nowadays?”
In term of organization, the textbook is well-managed which it is providing a useful table of contents, glossary and index. The table of contents shows a logical arrangement and the development of subject. As an example, the arrangements of the topic in the textbook follow the route of the syllabus. The introduction of the topic is stated at the beginning. Every topic provides introduction at the initial and summaries at the end of each topic. Somehow, it’s still insufficient enough for students to dominate the topics.
Furthermore, content of the textbook can contribute to the effectiveness of a textbook. Our textbook contents is always fulfill local standard. However it is not good enough to be used as national standard. It’s because the textbook apply monolinguals. Somehow, the language used is appropriate with the level of students. Its contents also limited to the edition of the textbook are published. Even though the contents is supported by other textbook that students have. Since that science is a fact that came up from trials and experiments. So the content should be similar and supported by other science textbook that student have or will have.
The language used is appropriate for the form 2 students. It is using a simple English language to clarify those science terms. In every chapter contain experiments, activity to applied, end of lesson question, to assist student to be clearer about the topic lesson. Since the topic is arranged systematically, there are no linked topics to other subject. But somehow in certain topics that include the formulas, there are mathematic applications.
In the physical aspects, textbook should be user friendly and durable. But what we can see is the textbook used is easy to damage after a period of time. Somehow, the size of the textbook is not a big deal. That is because the science textbook are divided into two volumes and it’s convenient for student to bring along to the class. The illustration, table, graph, chart and examples in the textbook are appropriate for student but sometime there are imbalances. All these figures are purposely to support the level of understanding to the topic.
As a conclusion, the relevance of the textbook depends to the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process. But, what should we do is combining this conventional style of learning with the new information technology which is provided to us can make our educational system more effective.

WEB EVALUATION

Web:Wikipedia

There is such a variety of Instructional Technology such as Multimedia, Text, and Visual. The purpose of the Instructional Technology is to assist the teaching and learning process either in the class or outsides. It also is increasing the level of understanding in an interactive ways. Somehow, we have to determine whether the Instructional media is really benefited in learning activity or not. In this section, I would like to evaluate the content of an Educational Website.In term of motivation, this website provokes an attention with the use of color, brightness, graphics, and text throughout the whole webpage. Since the target of this software is among the adult students, the website encourages users to explore the knowledge through the information given. Even it only just likes a blog but the information given from the website is facts through the research.Furthermore, the interaction and feedback are provided. Students are able to ask or seek for the information that makes the student confuse. Users also may give their evaluation or comment for the article that posted in the website.In term of learner control, users can actively control the program. The term used is hyperlinked to its meaning and allowed users to get clear information. Users are able to control the website by themselves to explore the information in more depth. So, it doesn’t matter if the level of the vocabulary is incompatible with the students. From the content provided, almost all of the content is knowledgeable. All levels of users may use it as the reference for any question that users would like to know. Somehow children may have a problem there because the layout is fully in text.In the cosmetic aspects, the programs have to enhance the impact and legibility of the screen with the color to make the website more attractive and avoiding user from bored while they are surfing. From the technical aspect, there is not necessary the specialized training to operate this program. It make the program is easy to use in teaching and learning activity.Since the website is just like a blog, users may give their contribution by sharing the information or any knowledge with the others. Users have to sign in for an account and start sharing. This feature could give the chance for the account holder to get an interaction among the people all over the world.As a conclusion, Instructional media makes the teaching and learning in easier and enjoyable to make the process effective. It makes the lesson activity varies and effective. Somehow, this program should be improved in term of features and layout of the website to make it more attractive.