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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.
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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?
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)
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.
