Group D Software Evaluation Review : Group D Software Evaluation Review
Review Tools We Investigated : Review Tools We Investigated Kathy Schrock's Software Form
Sun Prairie Area School Districts Software Evaluation Tool
CTR's Software Evaluation Instrument
Kathy Schrock's Software Evaluation Form : Kathy Schrock's Software Evaluation Form Form
What is evaluated on the form (see link above for actual form)
General Information (title, cost, etc.)
Standards addressed
Technical Information (Platform, RAM needed, etc)
Category of Software (tutorial, simulation, etc)
Features (appropriate for age group, user levels, wide range of skills, etc.)
Other thoughts
Kathy Schrock's Software Evaluation Form : Kathy Schrock's Software Evaluation Form Group D felt the simplicity of the form was great. If a form is too complicated or confusing teachers will not use it!!
The form covered the basic features and has room to rate the features as strongly agree, agree, disagree, or N/A. This was a nice feature instead of just yes or no. For many aspects of software yes or no isn't enough .
The section for other thoughts is important so that features not listed can be added and comments can be made to clarify items within the checklist.
Kathy Schrock's Software Evaluation Form : Kathy Schrock's Software Evaluation Form Missing from the Evaluation
Reviews
Tech Support information
Licensing/network compatible information
How would it be used in the classroom
Overall Group D liked this form for personal use, but felt it was not appropriate for use as a tool for district wide evaluation and purchase recommendation.
CTR's Software Evaluation Instrument : CTR's Software Evaluation Instrument What is evaluated on the form (see link above for actual form)
I. Ease of Use (Can a child can use it with minimal help?)
II. Childproof (Is it designed with "child-reality" in mind?)
III. Educational (What can a child learn from this program?)
IV. Entertaining (Is this program fun to use?)
V. Design Features (How "smart" is this program?)
VI. Value (How much does it cost vs. what it does? Is it worth it?)
CTR's Software Evaluation Instrument : CTR's Software Evaluation Instrument Group D liked this form because it covered every possible situation when it comes to software. The form, while long, would not take a long time to fill out.
A part that is sometimes overlooked by teachers is the entertainment value. This form addresses to make sure that students are going to enjoy using it.
There is also a section for value. It is important to use every dollar of the budget wisely and the form reminds you to keep that in mind.
CTR's Software Evaluation Instrument : CTR's Software Evaluation Instrument Missing from the Evaluation
Reviews
Tech Support information
Licensing/network compatible information
A section determining how long the software will be relevant
Overall, Group D liked the form but felt it could be better with some slight improvements.
Sun Prairie Area School Districts Software Evaluation Tool : Sun Prairie Area School Districts Software Evaluation Tool Group D selected the Sun Prairie SW Evaluation Tool.
Evaluation form is clear and concise
Identifies Cost/Licensing
Evaluation Ratings required from either:
California Instructional Technology Clearinghouse
Children's Software Review
Sun Prairie Software Evaluation Tool : Sun Prairie Software Evaluation Tool Group D found the Sun Prairie tool to be comprehensive, taking into account all of the stakeholders.
Technological considerations and information identified immediately, along with infrastructure support.
Buy-in from all levels of administration and support Required.
Building Principal, Technical Support, Software Evaluation Committee and ADA for Instructional Programs must sign-off!
Sun Prairie Software Evaluation Tool : Sun Prairie Software Evaluation Tool Group D noted that the form, upfront, captures critical information related to:
Standards and Benchmarks addressed by Software
Rationale for purchase and the intended Grade and Content
Other Considerations - many of the questions posed are really criteria for what one should look for in the application software
Sun Prairie Software Evaluation Tool : Sun Prairie Software Evaluation Tool Overall, the Sun Prairie Area School District Evaluation form is the one that Group D will use.
Evaluation Form provides structure and inherent guidelines for requesting new software.
Requires 'Buy-'in from all stakeholders which is crucial to successfully implement and have ongoing support from IT and Administration.
Clear, concise and we feel it's the right tool.