It is important to understand the terminology and categories of information used to describe, review and rate each product in the Annotated Bibliography of Software Resources and Web Sites. On the following pages a sample of Side 1 and Side 2 of the Annotated Bibliography record form are provided, along with a detailed explanation of the terms and categories listed there. There is also a complete explanation of the ratings used for Canadian content, general content, and the technical rating for student user level and teacher user level.

Side 1 View -

Below is a view of Side 1 of the print version of an Annotated Bibliography record. On the next page is an explanation of the terms and categories of information used on this record.

Below are descriptors of the terms and categories of information used on Side 1 of each Annotated Bibliography record. See the previous page for a printed view.

(1) Item No.: There is a number assigned to each record which does not change in the database version regardless of how the records are sorted or searched. The item number is also used in the index listings to enable you to locate specific titles.

Product: Indicates the name of the resource or a World Wide Web address in the case of an Internet site.

Product Type: Indicates whether the item is print material, a software resource (diskette or CD-ROM), or Internet site on the World Wide Web.

(2) Description: Describes the product, how it works, the content and special features.

(3) Review: Summarizes the reviews of all those involved in rating the product including: technical reviewer, ESL/LINC teacher and student, and Canadian Language Benchmark assessor.

(4) Canadian Language Benchmark: The Canadian Language Benchmarks cover 12 benchmarks or reference points, as well as literacy levels at Stages 1-4. The focus of this Annotated Bibliography is on Benchmarks 1-8, although Benchmarks 9-12 have been included to indicate products which go beyond Benchmark 8. There is one rating for products suitable for Literacy Benchmarks Stages 1-4 in each subject area.

(5) Features: Indicates whether this product has capabilities for student reporting, tracking or assessment. It also indicates authoring capabilities, which is a feature which allows users to add their own materials or customize material for the program.

(6) Content: A scale was used to rate both the content and technical user levels.

Below is a view of the Product Information and Ordering Information listed on Side 2 of the print version of each Annotated Bibliography record. On the next two pages is a description of the categories of information provided on this page.

Below is a description of information used on Side 2 of each Annotated Bibliography record. See the previous page for a printed view.

Product Information

(1) Name: The name of the product is repeated from Side 1 of the record.

Item No.: This number repeats the Item No. on Side 1 of the record.

(2) Computer Equipment Specifications: Here you will find specific information that will help you determine whether you have the equipment necessary to run this product such as: computer platform, system type and version, microprocessor speed, memory requirements, multimedia capabilities, and special features ( e.g. sound card, CD-ROM)

(3) Format: This section tells you whether the product is available on diskette and/or CD-ROM; print based product; Web site on the World Wide Web; software file available to download from a Web site onto your computer.

(4) Software Category:The software categories are defined in the Glossary of Computer Terms under "Categories of Software".

(5) Product Type: This specifies whether the item is print material, an Internet site on the World Wide Web or a software resource (on diskette or CD-ROM).

Cost: This specifies whether the item is freeware (no charge to use), shareware (a developer's fee is requested if the product is going to be used), commercial (specific cost available at time of publication is listed with the ordering information below).

Side 2 View (Bottom) - Annotated Bibliography Record

Below is a view of the Product Information and Ordering Information listed on Side 2 of the print version of each Annotated Bibliography record. On the next two pages is a description of the categories of information provided on this page.

Below is a description of information used on Side 2 of each Annotated Bibliography record. See the previous page for a printed view.

Ordering Information

(1) Name: Name of product repeats again as on Side 1 and also in Product Information.

(2) URL: This is the address on the World Wide Web if the product is an Internet site.

(3) Company/Developer:Provides the name of the company or developer who owns the rights to the product.

(4) Address, Phone, Fax, Toll Free No., E-mail, Internet Address: Provides available contact information for the company/developer selling this product.

(5) Suggested Retail Price: Gives the price available at time of publication.

Currency : Indicates whether the price is given in Canadian, US or other currency.

(6) Ordering Reference:Gives specific catalogue or reference number if any.

Ordering Procedures: Provides any special details or information regarding how best to contact and place an order with this particular company or developer.

Attention: A special note is made for each record detailing important standard information that should be requested in regard to any product ordered.

Definitions of Descriptors used to Rate Software Resources and Web Sites

The review form includes a series of product ratings which cover Canadian content, general content, technical rating of student user level and teacher user level. An explanation of the terms used for each rating category are explained below.