Evaluating Websites, Software,

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Evaluating Websites, Software, Student
Technology Projects

• Ed-205 Computers In Education

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The Evaluation Cycle

• It is important to evaluate technology before,
  during, and after instruction has taken place.

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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

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Evaluating Web Resources

• Not all information on the web is placed there by
  reliable sources.
• Evaluating web-resources presents a unique
  challenge.

5
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.or
  g/crights/dream.html can be truncated to
  http//www.mecca.org/ (plus, the indicates its
  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?

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Fig 7-12
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Fig 7-13
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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

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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)

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fig 7-7a
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fig 7-7b
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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.

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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.

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Fig 7-16