Mobile Learning App Assessment Rubric

GENERAL INFORMATION
Application name: PhET Simulations
Publisher: University of Colorado Boulder
Web address: https://phet.colorado.edu
Available via: Google Play / iTunes / Publisher website
Cost: Free online or $1.29 as downloaded app
Usable screen size: Smartphone Tablet mini Tablet Laptop plus
Operating system (Hyperlinked): All

App objective: Science math simulator

Description: PhET is a suite of science and math simulators. Access is by app

download or online via the PhET website

Other comments: Can be run using online website at no cost

Sharing of simulation can be completed using screenshot

No in app assessment for simulation tested

No in app adaptation for simulation tested

CURRICULAR FOCUS
Grade(s): Elementary through University

Instructional focus: Simulation lab / investigation

Ex. General learning, knowledge acquisition, comprehension, game, simulation lab, practice, investigation
or research, lecture, supplementary tool for learning (i.e. no direct educational focus), other.

APPLICATION EVALUATION
Usability and Functionality: Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly
disagree agree
0 1 2 3
Utility:
The application if easily launched and
operated by the student.
X
Navigation: The application allows for easy X
navigation and access to help.
Interface design and aesthetics:
Text, images, graphics, video and sound are
well organized, appropriate and support the
X
intended educational use of the application.
Knowledge presentation: Information is X
presented in a logical manner.
Sharing: The application readily allows for the
sharing of data or information between users,
including reporting to the teacher.
X
Customization: The application allows for
customization of levels, settings and
objectives.
X
Continuity: The application allows progress to
be paused or saved, allowing for interruption
and continuation.
X
Integration: The application allows integration X
with other app’s, communities, etc.

Usability and functionality score 16 / 24

Educational correlation, skills and Strongly Disagree Agree Strongly

assessment: disagree agree
0 1 2 3
Educational objective:
The application has a clear and relevant
connection to the instructional purpose.
X
Student appropriate: The content is
appropriate for the grade level while meeting
desired learning outcomes.
X
Engagement:
Students are highly motivated to use the
application.
X
Cognitive skills:
The application encourages the use of multiple
thinking skills and strategies.
X
Differentiation:
The application can be adapted to meet
individual learning needs.
X
Feedback:
The application provides immediate feedback
to students.
X
Collaboration: The application supports X
collaboration between students.
 Communication: The application has
functionally that allows communication
between student as well as the instructor.
X
Assessment: X
The application has built in assessment tools.

Educational correlation, skills and assessment score 17 / 27

This rubric was created with primary considerations of the following;

Hirsh-Pasek, K., Zosh, J. M., Golinkoff, R. M., Gray, J. H., Robb, M. B., & Kaufman, J. (2015). Putting Education in “Educational” Apps.
Psychological Science in the Public Interest,16(1), 3-34. doi:10.1177/1529100615569721

Lee, C-Y. & Cherner, T. S. (2015). A comprehensive evaluation rubric for as sessing instructional apps. Journal of Information
Technology Education: Research, 14, 21-53. Retrieved from http://www.jite.org/documents/Vol14/JITEV14ResearchP021-
053Yuan0700.pdf

Wook Ok, Min & Kim, Min & Young Kang, Eun & Bryant, Brian. (2015). How to Find Good Apps: An Evaluation Rubric for Instructio nal
Apps for Teaching Students With Learning Disabilities. Intervention in School and Clinic. 51. 10.1177/1053451215589179.