IT 5140: Educational Software Evaluation & Critique

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Educational Software Evaluation and Critique:

Room Planner: Chief Architect Software App
Gr. 9-12 CTE
Mallory Buzun-Miller
Product/App Description & Student Use
Room Planner is a free App available for download from the Apple App Store.
This App is compatible with the iPod, IPad, and IPhone. Room Planner is used
to create realistic floor plans and 3D model renderings. The App is able to
create, place, and arrange rooms, while also offering the capability of adding
furniture, cabinets, doors, and windows.
Room Planner is used in an Introduction course in Architecture and Interior
Design with in a Career and Technical Education classroom. These students
have little to no experience using computer aided software for floor plans or
3D rendering. This software allows students to become better acquainted
with how to properly measure and build various room shapes with
appropriate size and layouts.
Students are able to design individual room with multiple materials, colors,
and textures. Students are able to have a real world experience within the
design realm. This software allows student to develop basic understanding
of home features and allows a solid foundation for using more complicated
software for advanced concepts within computer rendering software.
Students are able to use this software on their own to build and design their
own spaces and it is easy and fun. Also, students are also able to use the

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App within the classroom setting both in a regular classroom (table and
chair), as well as, in a computer lab environment.

App Evaluation

Educational App Evaluation Rubric

:
2

Grad
e

The Software is
available on all
operating
systems

The Software is
only available
on Windows OR
Mac- not both

The Software is
not available for
students

Price

Download of the
Software is free

Fee is minimal
for download of
the Software

Download of the
Software is out
of price range
(over $10)

Usage for
Students

Students are
able to
download and
use the
Software at
home

Students are
only able to use
the Software in
the computer
lab

Use of the
Software is only
in the classroom
during class

Use by
Students

Software is easy
to use

Software is
moderately
difficult to use

Software is too
difficult to use

The use of
instructions for
this Software is
imperative

The Software
does not cover
realistic on-thejob content

Compatibili
ty

Instruction
s

Content
Depth of
Content

There is no need
A few of the
for instructions;
applications
the Software is
need instruction
self-explanatory
Most of the
The Software
Software
covers all the
covers the
content of the
content of the
course
course
Software covers Software covers
many or all
about half of
content
the content

Software covers
less than half of
the content

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concepts for
unit area

concepts for
unit area

concepts

Relevance

The apps focus

has a strong
connection to
the purpose for
the app and
appropriate for
the
student

Limited
connection to
the
purpose for the
app and may
not be
appropriate for
the
student

Does not
connect to the
purpose for the
app and not
appropriate for
the student

Sharing

Specific
performance
summary
or student
product is saved
in
app and can be
exported to the
teacher or for
an audience

Performance
data or student
product is
available in app
but
exporting is
limited and may
require a
screenshot

No performance
summary or
student product
is saved

Thinking
Skills

App encourages
the use of
higher order
thinking skills
including
creating,
evaluating,
and analyzing

App facilitates
the use of
higher
order thinking
skills including
evaluating,
analyzing, and
applying

Engageme
nt

Student is
highly
motivated to
use the app

Adaptabilit
y

Software includes
adaptive technology
for students in need

Student uses
the app as
directed by the
teacher
Software is only
compatible with
computer's built-in
visual aides

App facilitates
the use of
mostly
lower order
thinking skills
like
understanding
and
remembering
Student uses the
app as
directed by the
teacher

Software is not
compatible with any
adaptive technology

Total

22/2
4

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Compatibility: It is important to remember that each student brings with

them different background knowledge, technology skills, and resources when
entering a classroom. It is important to find software that can be used by the
students both inside and outside of the classroom. Unfortunately, this
software is only available for download on Apple products. Although this is a
drawback, the App is available for multiple Apple devices which are more
readily available among teenage students. Also, with the drive to introduce
technology within schools, many districts are pushing for the use of tablets,
most commonly selected is the Apple IPad, which is compatible with this
software App.
Price: One of the major benefits of this App is that it is free. There are some
additional add-ons that come at a small amount of $2.99 for the ability for
angled walls and free-form drawing, but for the purpose of beginner level
floor planning the apps function is perfect for the classroom.
Usage for the Students: This software is a great opportunity for student to
practice their design ability both inside the classroom and at home. Because
students are getting to use multiple software programs the growth of
knowledge and experience levels are able to improve quickly. With the fact
that students are able to download this app on to their tablets and cell
phones, students are able to access and use this software while at home, at
school, or on the go. This allow students the freedom to use the App easily

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and when they extra time. Also, this App automatically saves work for the
student to return to later and continue to develop.
Use by Student: Because this software is touch screen compatible,
students are able to be hands-on and move and changes items at their own
will. This App can be used by students to practice their design skill and
develop multiple floor plan layouts for future building concept requirements.
Instructions: In any situation, if something is hard to understand and
difficult to use it is going to be less interesting and less utilize. Room Planner
is extremely easy to use and to manipulate, because it is touch screen and a
visual experience, using Room Planner is exciting and fun for students to
play around with while learning and can allow students to show their own
creativity and design abilities.
Overall Content & Depth in Content: With the use of this App in an
introductory classroom setting, many of the basic content concepts are able
to be covered. Although, many of the building and structure content is
unable to be covered, the 3D ability allows for smooth transition in to
conceptual thinking of building and content growth for the students.
Relevance: Room Planner connects directly to the class, as well as, the
needed of interaction and practice for the students. Many of the basic
concepts can be bundled together and then demonstrated by the student by
their use of this App. This is a great tool for evaluating understanding and
assessment of concepts covered.

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Sharing: Sharing within the classroom is an important part of growth for not
only individual students, but for the entire class. Room Planner allows
students to send their completed project image through email to anyone
they choose. This allows for group evaluations and problem solving
opportunities.
Thinking Skills: Room Planner allows students to use critical thinking skills
in order to develop, create, evaluate and analyze many contextual elements
within the architectural and design realm. By allow students to develop
critical thinking and problem solving skills, the real world/ working world idea
behind CTE courses are able to grow and better prepare students for the
world outside of the classroom.
Engagement: With many students today being technologically adapt and
the use of hands on, easy access, and ease of use helps when gaining
student engagement. The ability to create and develop ones own rooms and
designs and transfer them in to a 3D rendering inspires students to complete
and continue to develop their floor plan gaining their engagement from first
use.
Adaptability: Room Planner allows for a diverse student group ease of use.
Whatever the employability and educational background level, students of all
levels are able to use this App to continue to build and practice floor
planning skills. Room Planner allows for success from both advanced
students, as well as, special need students. Practice and requirements of the

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use of the App can be structured to meet a variety of individual and

educational objectives for all. By adding and/or removing requirements, all
students have the opportunity to complete assignments in regards to their
learning level.
One downfall of Room Planner is that it only has the language option for
English. Although most of the functions are easily understood, this could
cause some issues for those who are not English as first language speakers.
Learner Centered
The Room Planner App allows students to design and build a variety of floor
plans by using trial and error. Students can add and remove necessary
elements to make a fully functioning floor plan. By allowing 3D renderings
students are able to see what the floor plan created translates to in real life
form. This allows students to analyze and manipulate functions that may be
unnecessary or hindering to their floor plan layout.
Evidence & Review
The Room Planner App is developed by Chief Architect. Chief Architect is a
leading developer and publisher of 3D home design software for many, such
as, architects, designs, and builders. Chief Architect, Inc is a member of
multiple organizations, such as, the National Association of Home Builders
(NAHB), National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), and the American
Institute of Building Design (AIBD).

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The Room Planner App received 4 out of 5 stars by those who downloaded
the App off of the Apple App Store. Many of the reviews suggested that the
App was easy to use and was able to make relatively complex designs. Also
noted, were comments left by parent about their childs interest and
enjoyment for the App. One suggestion for the app was to add additional
furniture and accessory availability, as well as, the ability to create multiple
level (story) homes. Overall, the App shows positive remarks and minimal
need for improvements.
Scholarly research has shown that students who participate in CTE courses
are better prepare for entering in to the workforce. Room Planner allows
teachers to educate students on real world elements within the world of
architecture and interior design. By using Room Planner, students are able to
have a real life experience with basic computer generated designs that will
provide the building block for more advanced computer aided elements. With
all of the function and ease I highly recommend Room Planner for any
Introduction to Architecture or Interior Design classroom.
Standards
15.1301 Drafting and Design Technology General (Architectural) 2011
I.A.1 Select and employ appropriate reading and communication strategies to
learn and use technical concepts and vocabulary in practice
I. A.2 Demonstrate use of the concepts, strategies, and systems for obtaining and
conveying ideas and
information to enhance communication in the workplace
I.B.4

Apply data and measurements to solve a problem

I.B.11 Calculate weights, measurements, area, and volume

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I.B.12 Convert scales
II.B.1 Interpret a given verbal message/information
II.B.3 Model behaviors that demonstrate active
II.F.1

Deliver a presentation that explains a concept of design or preconstruction

III.A.1 Employ critical thinking skills independently and in teams to solve problems
and make decisions
(e.g., analyze, synthesize and evaluate)
III.A.5 Create and implement project plans considering available resources and
requirements of a project/problem to accomplish realistic planning in design and
construction situations
IV.B.2 Use email to share files and documents
IV.B.26

Use installation and operation manuals

IV.F.2 Develop design criteria for building systems in a given scenario

IX.A.1 Identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors and personal qualities
needed to be
employable
X.C.1 Interpret drawings used in project planning
X.C.4 Use architects plan, manufacturers illustrations and other materials to
communicate specific
data and visualize proposed work
X.D.1 Select tools, machinery, equipment, and resources that match requirements
of the job
X.E.4 Learn to read and produce technical drawings, understanding the significance
of each line in a
drawing
X.F.1 Convey graphic information using multi-dimensional drawings
X.F.2 Build models using referenced drawings and sketches
X.F.3 Utilize computer technology when communicating concepts and designs
X.M.3 Identify and develop floor plans
X.M.5 Identify kitchen and bath arrangements
X.M.7 Develop a building section
X.M.8 Develop a building section
X.M.9 Draw architectural details

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