EDUCATIONAL

SOFTWARE EVALUATION


Evaluator: __________________________________________________


I. OVERVIEW

Date: ____________________

Software title:

Publisher/Distributor:

How did you first come across the program?

Background
Does the publisher have experience in educational areas?

Yes

No

NA

Were the ratings favorable?

Was the program selected for any awards?

Has the software been externally reviewed?

II. REQUIREMENTS
Format:

____ CD-ROM

____ Web-based OM

____ PC

____ Mac

Platform:

____ Both

Hard disk space required:

Minimum RAM requirement:

Package contents:

Unit(s):

Cost:

Enrollment
Does the website require any form of registration (email, etc)?

Yes

No

NA

Is a user name and/or password required?

Student privacy is protected.

III. INTENT
Software is suggested for use by what grade level? (Choose all that apply.)
____ PK

____ K

____ 1

____ 2

____ 7

____ 8

____ 9

____ 10

____ 3

____ 4

____ 5

____ 6

____ 11

____ 12

____ Coll

____ Grad

Software is suggested for what content areas? (Choose all that apply.)
____ English

____ Mathematics

____ Science

____ Social Studies

____ Other _____________________________

Software is intended for what uses? (Choose all that apply.)

____ Informational

____ Demonstration

____ Content drills

____ Prob. solving

____ Simulation

____ Gaming

____ Other _____________________________

Ancillaries
Teacher guide and supplemental materials are provided.

Software includes a student record-keeping system.

Users can save their work, starting up where they left off later.

Program allows for printing.

Multiple information formats (text, images, narration) are used.

The software is compatible with a screen reader.

Assistance
On-screen help is provided.

Search function exists.

The publisher provides technical support.

Student work
Program automatically branches based on student responses.
User level can be overridden by the teacher.

Accessibility
The program provides for a choice of languages.
Gives audio cues for operation in addition to visual.
Sound can be turned on or off.
Keyboard shortcuts are implemented or available.

Yes

No

NA

IV. USE Rate the following attributes from 5 (highest) to 1 (lowest).

Performance
Program functions well on the computer.

Design
Included graphics and animations are meaningful.

Graphics and animations are attractive.

Directions are clear and easy to follow.

Menus, and icons allow for independent use.

Content
Contains valuable educational ideas and topics.

Program covers wide range of skill levels.

Information is accurate and error free.

Motivation
Program is enjoyable to use.

Facilitates active learning.

Cooperative learning
Program can be used by pairs or triads of students.

Activities provide opportunity for collaboration.

Runs quickly, no lag

Music and other sounds are minimal.

Guidance
Directions are easily found.

Provides topics in a logical progression.

Information is current.
Grammar, spelling, and sentence structure are correct.
Text is age appropriate.
Information is presented objectively.

Users given immediate feedback.

Develops problem-solving and higher order thinking.

Cultural Diversity
Provides balanced representation of ethnic and racial groups.
Avoids stereotypes, discrimination, bias, and prejudice.

V. OVERALL

Yes

No

NA

Is the program well organized?

Is the program useful for your purpose?

Does the program provide enough information?

Will you use the program?

Would you recommend the program to others?

VI. FINAL COMMENTS

____________________________________________
Signature

____________________________________________
Position