Evaluating Software
This website is provided by educational publisher Glencoe for educators who are deciding on educational software. The page lists several questions and criteria for selecting software based on many different factors.
As Palloff and Pratt (2007) state, "technology should not drive the course" but instead "the desired outcomes and needs of the participants should be the deciding factors" (Chapter 5, Technology as a Facilitative Tool, paragraph 2). These should be the primary factors in deciding on the particular software that will be used to implement online learning or a virtual classroom. The answers to the questions provided by the Glencoe page could help determine the software that an educator or education facility will use. Considerations include the adjustability (both content and difficulty), adherence to state standards, and the capability of engaging students all come into play in the decision. In addition "the software used for a course should be transparent" (Palloff & Pratt, 2007, Chapter 5, Ease of Use, paragraph 1).
There are many things to consider and take into account when choosing educational software. There are also many resources available to help with that decision. The Internet is a great resource but try to stick to sites dedicated to education and the technology that is associated with it.
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