Evaluating Websites, Software, & Student Technology Projects

Ed-205 Computers In Education

The Evaluation Cycle• It is important to evaluate technology before, during,

and after instruction has taken place.

Sources of Information• Many sources are available to help identify and evaluate

educational technology.• State Dept. of Ed - lists (www.evalutech.sreb.org)• Professional Educational Organizations

(MACUL - www.macul.org)• Colleagues• Published Evaluations• Technology Conferences

(MACUL)• The Web

Evaluating Web Resources• Not all information on the web is placed there by

reliable sources.• Evaluating web-resources presents a unique

challenge.

Evaluate for:• Authority: Is the author identified? Are credentials listed? A tilda ~ is usually an indicator that

the site a personal site and not a professional site (e.g., many universities use a ~ or % for student accounts). GVSU uses the word student, but another service might use members in the actual domain name (or another similar term)

• Affiliation: Is the site associated with a professional organization, school, governmental agency, etc.– Look at the domain name: .com, .org, .edu, .gov -- .gov and .edu are typically more

trustworthy than .com and .org (and others). Can you truncate the domain name to learn more? http://www.mecca.org/~crights/dream.html can be truncated to http://www.mecca.org/ (plus, the ~ indicates it’s a personal site most likely and the truncated version reveals this as well)

• Content: Is the site provided as a public service, does it relate to your curriculum, is the level appropriate, do links add value in meeting your goals? Is there an obvious bias? Do you see a hidden bias?

• Audience & Currency: is the site suitable for your students, how up to date is the site? Reading level appropriate?

• Design: does the site load fast, use graphics appropriately, easy to navigate, do the links work?

Fig 7-12

Fig 7-13

Evaluating Software• Once you have located a software package you must

evaluate it for use in your curriculum.• Sample versions are fine but most companies allow

you to download trial versions or they will send you free evaluation copies to use for a specified time. – www.tomsnyder.com– www.inspiration.com– www.hyperstudio.com

Evaluate for:• Compatibility with your hardware• Content (does it match your curriculum?)• Documentation (can you learn how to use it?)• Technical Support (can you get help?)• Ability & Academic

levels (is it appropriate for your students?)• Ease of use (will your students be able to navigate through

the software?)• Use a RUBRIC or

Checklist (see next slide)• Get student feedback

(have your students try it)

fig 7-7a

fig 7-7b

Evaluating Technology-Based Student Projects

• “Technology-Based” Student Projects help facilitate integrating technology and multi-media into the curriculum.

• Create a checklist or Evaluation Rubric before assigning the project.

• The evaluation tool will help guide students through the project.

• Include teacher observation.

Evaluate for:• Content: Determine what the content is to include.

Evaluate spelling, punctuation, etc.• Planning: Use of flowchart, storyboard, or concept

map.• Creativity: Consider

originality, imaginative/innovative approach to the subject, and artistic abilities.

Fig 7-16