Software Evaluation

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Author(s): Elaine Studnicki (Duquesne University, USA)
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 4
Source title: Encyclopedia of Information Technology Curriculum Integration
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Lawrence A. Tomei (Robert Morris University, USA)
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-881-9.ch123

Keywords: Education / Educational Technologies / Information Science Reference / Instructional Design

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Abstract

Evaluating software is an important component in the process of choosing technology for learning and instruction. The saying goes that you can not read a book by its cover but that is not necessarily true for software. In fact the first thing to understand about a possible software solution has nothing to do with the software. Whether it is for student learning or district management, the key to finding the right software is to know exactly why it is needed and how it is going to be used. For example, selecting software for kindergarten students to learn their numbers requires an understanding of how 5-year old children process information, physically manipulate computer keyboards and a mouse, and understanding how they will use it in class. A teacher should know if students will work independently or in groups and how long will they have to work during any one session. Will their work be saved? If students will work cooperatively, software should be chosen that is designed to engage all the students sitting around the computer. These are a few considerations that teachers should use when they initially review software. There are several others listed later in this article and guidelines listed in the references.

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