Software Evaluation : Software Evaluation Group C
Compare and Contrast : Compare and Contrast 3 Software Evaluation Tools
A Checklist to Evaluate Education Software
Sun Praire Software Screening Application
Silverlake Educational Software Evaluation
A Checklist to Evaluate Education Software-From Tablet PC Educ. Blog : A Checklist to Evaluate Education Software-From Tablet PC Educ. Blog 7 point checklist
1. Assumptions about the software packaging: does it describe specific learning objective and have prerequisites for use?
2. Software Format: What systems is the software compatible with and does is have updates?
3. Content and Processes to Learn: is the content and process to be learned is specific and stated on the packaging
Checklist Continued… : Checklist Continued… 4. Specific Learning Criteria: is there measurable learning and demonstration that learning occurs?
5. Learning Theory: Explains learning and grounded in empirical behavior studies.
6. Mediation Required: Can learners use the program without support?
7. So what? : Clarifies a difference the learning makes in the life of the student.
: Licensing- is there a cost for software updates? If there is, how will the cost be calculated?
Professional development - will the software company offer additional or ongoing training for use of the product? Will there be an additional cost if additional training is needed? (webinars,etc.)
Accessibility - is software available in a cloud platform so that students who need to, may access it outside of the classroom?
Parent Friendly - is this software that offers parental support with tips for parents or tutors (non-classroom teacher/staff) on how to use software assessment data or feedback to help student at home?
Sun Prairie Software Screening Application : Sun Prairie Software Screening Application Main Considerations:
What evaluation tool did you put the software through?
Ease of use
Covers a gap in instructional materials currently available
No user support needed after 1st time
Meets curricular objectives
Program keeps user history
Challenge range wide enough
Sun Prairie Continued… : Sun Prairie Continued… Costs: per license or per machine, annual subscription, cost per site or district, cost per network
Format and network compatibility
Approval from Principal and technical support
Standards met with new software
Without software, what could be done to meet learning competencies?
Silverlake Educational Software Evaluation : Silverlake Educational Software Evaluation 6 Considerations:
1. Instructional Content: Clearly defined objectives, content
appropriately sequenced, range of difficulty.
2. Instructional Design: User data/progress available, sound can
be turned on/off, is sequenced and teacher controlled.
3. Ease of Use: Is there online help available, can students use
independently, is there a manual.
4. Management: Keeps accurate records, handles wide variety of student response, provides testing.
Silverlake Continued…. : Silverlake Continued…. 5. Motivation: Holds user’s attention, does not
insult user, preserves user privacy
6. Technical Aspects: Screen displays are
effective, program is difficult to crash
Pros & Cons : Pros & Cons Pros: I like the simple checklist format
Easy to read/understand
Thorough reviews provided
Allows for principal/tech support feedback
Provides important information regarding purchase and use
Cons:Lengthy rationale to complete.
Numerous approvals required
Long process for approval (2 months) plus preview before that.
Asks for considerations but not for possible problems using the software.
That’s Just Odd : That’s Just Odd Can we use these tools with online software?
Would that work?
The checklists should ask what free software is out there that is similar?
What software are major companies or possible employers using that would be a benefit to students.
The Best Tool… : The Best Tool… Mary,Mike and Tracey really like the Sun Prairie checklist the best. Hannah does also for its simple, clarity. Proof of research is provided. It also forces the applicant to think about how learning will be met without software, and can adaptions be made to already owned software. Should ask what free software is out there that could be similar? Multiple reviews need to be provided.,