Critical evaluation of the effectiveness of a similar multimedia package within the context for which it has been designed

Evaluate: Make a judgment based on criteria; determine the value of.

 Betts Computers- A similar multimedia package which is within the context for which it has been developed. This site covers all the topics of the year 12 IPT syllabus. Thus including a comprehensive description on Communication Systems. Below is an evaluation of the website- weighing the positives and negatives of this multimedia package.

                   Betts Computer- Clear links ( a pro) but there is too much happening on one page ( A con).

 The Pro's

•  Covers all areas of the year 12 IPT syllabus ( can be seen from the navigational menu).
• A webpage dedicated to an introduction to communication systems. This is a great way in establishing the content of the topic. Thus allowing the user to gain knowledge on the basics of communication systems. It also has useful images/diagrams.

A useful labelled diagram.

• There is also a page called the 'Communications Glossary'- which can be extremely helpful in allowing the users to looks up certain words they don't understand . Yet this webpage is a broken link, and cannot be accessed!
• Clear links to each page- a good navigational menu. Furthermore it is colourful, which is appealing to the user.
• On most of the webpages that can be accessed, there is a little box with keywords in it. This is a helpful tool for the user to remember the keywords when it comes to learning the content.

• The use of images/diagrams to support information: Allowing the users to understand the information more, and useful for visual learners.

                                                                 Diagrams help support information.

• Examples are provided. This can enable the user to understand the information more, if they have examples to apply the information to.

The Con's

• The main webpage is too cluttered. Meaning that it is not too appealing to the visitor initially, there is too much text and links (image above).
• Broken links. Some of the webpages do not display. Thus can effect the user's impression of the website. Especially if the user relies on the website for their information and part of it is unable to be accessed.

• There are no videos, powerpoint presentations, or downloadable links: These are quiet helpful learning tools, which summarises and provides a new way to display information and allow users to gain knowledge. Thus the website lacks such helpful learning aids.
• There are no activities: Such activities could include a find-a-word, or a crossword, anything that would make the content more fun to learn about and understand.
• Some of the webpages, have too much text and no images/diagrams at all. This can bore certain users, who learn effectively through images/diagram as well. Furthermore the text is not in bullet points, which can help summarise information and allow users to understand more effectively in short, concise sentences.

                                              Too much text.

 Overall Betts Computers - a multimedia package, is quite an informative and good source of information for the year 12 IPT syllabus- more specifically on Communication Systems. Yet if some of the broken links are fixed, this would be increase the usefulness of the website!

Sanea.