SCS
Computer Software Evaluation Project
The Computer Software Evaluation Project has been designed as an
Independent Study Course by Greg Thweatt during the Fall Semester,1997, through St.
Michael's College. The official title of the coursework is: "Study in evaluation
of educational software for K-8 schools". The St. Michael's Faculty Supervisor is
Anne Judson.
- Description of Learning:
During this course of study, the focus revolved around how computer
software is utilized in the classroom. By creating a software evaluation form, new titles
may be evaluated critically and existing software can be documented with the results
shared among other educators and parents. This reporting system will provide attributes
and possible usages of computer software. Resources will be identified and shared to
assist in the process.
- Learning Goals:
1) identification of criteria in evaluating software used in the
classroom.
2) develop a form using acquired criteria, or obtain a form from
another source, to assist teachers with the evaluation of software for the purposes of
managing learning.
3) work with at least three teachers (of different grade levels) in the
creation and usage of the software evaluation form. This work would also include students
as evaluators.
4) evaluations will include documentation of classroom usages and
linkage to local and state standards (Framework).
5) publish information for both faculty and community regarding the
results of evaluations. Results will be in printed and electronic (via school's Internet
homepage) form.
- Readings:
- "Great Teaching in the One Computer Classroom", 4th Edition,
David A. Dockertman, Ed.D., Tom Snyder Productions, 1997
- "The 1997 Educational Software Preview Guide", Judi Mathis.
International Society for Technology in Education, 1997
Articles and Excerpt of Reports include:
- "Tools for Change: Restructuring Technology in Our Schools - A
Guide for the Educational Decision Maker", 2nd Edition, Len Scrogan, Institute for
Effective Educational Practice, 1997
- "Electronic Advantage", Veronica Lorson Fowler, Better Homes
and Gardens, July 1997
- "Learning Tools, A Quick Lesson on What to Consider When Buying
Software For Children", Kathleen Furore, Chicago Tribune, April 1997
- "What's Hot in Educational Software", Anonymous, Fortune,
Winter 1997
- "Seven Steps to Responsible Software Selection", Komoski, P.
Kenneth, Plotnick, ERIC Clearinghouse on Information and Technology, May 1995
- "Making It Happen: Report of the Secretary's Conference on
Educational Technology", Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of
Education, March, 1995
- Additional articles from Electronic Learning, T.H.E. Journal, and via
Internet searches.
- Written Products:
- September 3 through September 30: Software evaluation form completed.
Utilize readings and existing evaluation forms to help in the design of the form. The form
will be posted on school's Internet homepage and shared with faculty and staff. The
process will include review of the form by local librarians and key faculty. A journal will be kept.
- October 1 through October 31: Evaluation form used in at least three
classrooms of different grade levels. Both students and faculty use evaluation form to
review educational software. Information collected will be reported on and published in a
written report and on the school's Internet homepage. A journal
will be kept.
- November 1 through November 15: Review process with faculty and students
participating with the study. Determine strengths and weaknesses of the process and adjust
accordingly. Process will be shared with district information technology committee, school
administration, and faculty. Changes will also be reflected on the school's Internet
homepage. A journal will be kept.
- December 15: Written summary of process, findings, resources used, and
products created will be submitted to academic advisor for evaluation.
Back
to SCS Main Software Evaluation Web Page
Home Page maintained by SCS Web Master
Last updated:
June 20, 2007