Overview of the Software Evaluation Process

This process must be completed prior to the purchase of any instructional software (Board Policy 4221). The goal of this form is to provide schools with an evaluation tool that focuses on the educational use of a technology resource. This form is to be used for software or a fee-based Internet sites. Implementation Process 1. School identifies instructional need 2. School identifies software to meet need 3. CRT/TF installs trial/demo (prior to install CRT/TF will review technical guidelines below and request assistance from the Technology Department if needed) 4. Media-Technology Advisory Committee reviews software and completes the Software Evaluation Form 5. CRT/TF uninstalls trial/demo software 6. Principal signs off on Software Evaluation Form and sends it along with the demo/trial software to Kayla Lackey in the Technology Department 7. Instructional evaluation Instructional Specialist and Instructional Tech Specialists will review software request 8. Technical evaluation of full version Tech department 9. Response to school In 3 weeks

The technical guidelines below are what the Technology Department will consider when evaluating educational software 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. The selected software will be able to run in a Novell 6.5 or greater network operating system environment The selected software will be programmed for Windows XP or greater operating system The selected software will have clear and complete directions for installation The selected software should preferably run in millions of colors. If not, it should be able to automatically transition between 256 and millions of colors without user assistance. The selected software will have software technical support from the manufacturer The selected software will be able to be installed in an universal image or snapshot deployment process The selected software will be able to run in a restricted user rights environment The selected software should preferably be a WAN/network based application for simplified and centralized management The selected software will have a centralized licensing system if available.

NHCS Educational Software Evaluation Form

Fill in as much as possible School: Date: Title: Publisher: Website: Version: Cost: License Info: # of Individual licenses Teacher and student Teacher only

Computer Lab

Site

District

Technical Specifications Platform/version: Mac - version Windows - version Media: CD-ROM DVD Also Needs: Internet Microphone Other Plug-ins (specify) Hard drive space needed: RAM needed: Resolution: 256 Colors Millions of colors Type of install: Stand alone Network If network, is there a client/work station install? Yes No Start using the technology resource. Examine it from the students point of view, making mistakes and hitting wrong keys. Examine it from a teachers perspective, and compare what it offers with what is needed in the classroom. Examine it as a supportive colleague and identify how else the resource might be used (e.g., which other grades, topics, etc.). Also consider if there is alternate software currently available that already addresses the instructional objectives/needs. Teacher Support Documentation: Binder Booklet Instructional Manual has: Objectives Lesson plans Reproducible student pages

Included on Media Sample screens Student booklets

Web based

None

Resource information Other

What is your plan for staff development? Classroom List the NC subject area, grade level, and objectives this program addresses: Readability Level Check One Consistent with grade More difficult Student Grouping Individuals Groups of 3 or 4 Content Yes No Accurate and relevant Free of gender stereotypes and biases Free of other forms of bias and stereotypes Motivational Self evaluating Students may start up where they left off in the program Program automatically branches based on student responses Software contains a useful management tool for the teacher Easier Pairs Whole Group

Instructional Design Check all modes that apply Accessibility Bilingual Creative Activity Demonstration and Presentation Drill and Practice Educational Game Exploration Guided Practice Internet LEP Multimedia Problem Solving Reference Simulation Testing Tutorial Image Editing Classroom Management Promotes Creativity Higher-order thinking Motivational Student controls pacing Assessment Yes No Has pretest Has posttest Has record keeping by student printable reports Has record keeping by group- printable reports Has assessment guidelines 1Were there any technical problems during the evaluation? If yes, please elaborate. Collaboration Problem solving Stimulates curiosity Discovery Memorization Challenging Real-world connections

___________________________________________ Administrators Signature

_______________ Date

For Instructional Department/Technology Use Only _____ Approved _____ Not approved

Comments/Explanation:

______________________________________ J. Allen, Director of Technology

______________________________________ Dr. R. Holliday, Executive Director, Instructional Services