Criteria Checklist for Evaluating Educational Software

Title / Publisher
Content Area / Hardware Required
Software functions:
Drill and practice / Instructional game / Other:
Tutorial/Courseware / Problem solving
Simulation / Tools
Many characteristics should be considered when selecting software for use in the classroom or lab, but the following should be considered essential qualities for any instructional product on the computer. For each item, indicate Y for yes if it meets the criterion or N for no if it does not.
I.Instructional Design and Pedagogical Soundness
Teaching strategy appropriate for student level and is based on best-known methods
Presentation on screen contains nothing that misleads or confuses students
Readability and difficulty at an appropriate level for students who will use it
Comments to students not abusive or insulting
Graphics fulfill important purpose (motivation, information) and not distracting to learners
Criteria specific to drill and practice functions:
High degree of control over presentation rate (unless the method is timed review)
Appropriate feedback for correct answers (none, if timed; not elaborate or time-consuming)
Feedback is more reinforcing for correct than incorrect responses
Criteria specific to tutorials/courseware:
High degree of interactivity (not just reading information)
High degree of user control (forward and backward movement, branching upon request)
Comprehensive reading sequence so instruction is self-contained and standalone
Adequate answer-judging capabilities for student-constructed answers to questions
Criteria specific to simulations:
Appropriate and accurate depiction of system being modelled
Good documentation available on how the program works
Criteria specific to instructional games:
Low amount of violence or combat-type activities
Amount of physical skills required appropriate to students who will use it
II.Content
No grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors on the screen
All content accurate and up-to-date
No racial or gender stereotypes
Exhibits a sensitive treatment of moral and/or social issues (e.g. perspectives on war)
III.User Flexibility
User normally has some control of movement within the program (e.g. can go from screen to screen/ read text at desired rate; can exit program when desired)
Can turn off sound, if desired
IV.Technical Soundness
Program loads consistently, without error
Program does not break, no matter what the student enters
Program does what the screen says it should do
Decision:
Recommended for purchase or use
Not recommended