Overview of the Software Evaluation Process
This process must be completed prior to the purchase of any instructional software (Board Policy 4221).
The goal of this form is to provide schools with an evaluation tool that focuses on the educational use of a
technology resource. This form is to be used for software or a fee-based Internet sites.
Implementation Process
1. School identifies instructional need
2. School identifies software to meet need
3. CRT/TA installs trial/demo (prior to install CRT/TF will review technical guidelines below and
request assistance from the Technology Department if needed)
4. Media-Technology Advisory Committee reviews software and completes the Software Evaluation
Form
5. CRT/TA uninstalls trial/demo software
6. Principal signs off on Software Evaluation Form and sends it along with the demo/trial software to
Help Desk in the Technology Department
7. Instructional evaluation – Instructional Specialist and Instructional Tech Specialists will review
software request
8. Technical evaluation of full version – Tech department
9. Response to school – In 3 weeks
The technical guidelines below are what the Technology Department will consider when evaluating educational
software
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The selected software will be able to run in a Novell 6.5 or greater network operating system environment
The selected software will be programmed for Windows XP or greater operating system
The selected software will have clear and complete directions for installation
The selected software should preferably run in millions of colors. If not, it should be able to automatically
transition between 256 and millions of colors without user assistance.
The selected software will have software technical support from the manufacturer
The selected software will be able to be installed in an universal image or snapshot deployment process
The selected software will be able to run in a restricted user rights environment
The selected software should preferably be a WAN/network based application for simplified and
centralized management
The selected software will have a centralized licensing system if available.
NHCS Educational Software Evaluation Form
Fill in as much as possible
School:
Date:
Title:
Publisher:
Website:
Version:
Cost:
License Info: # of Individual licenses
Teacher and student
Teacher only
Computer Lab
Site
District
Technical Specifications
Platform/version:
Mac - version
Windows - version
Media:
CD-ROM
DVD
Also Needs:
Internet
Microphone
Other
Plug-ins (specify)
Hard drive space needed:
RAM needed:
Resolution:
256 Colors
Millions of colors
Type of install:
Stand alone
Network
If network, is there a client/work station install?
Yes
No
Start using the technology resource. Examine it from the student’s point of view, making mistakes and hitting
wrong keys. Examine it from a teacher’s perspective, and compare what it offers with what is needed in the
classroom. Examine it as a supportive colleague and identify how else the resource might be used (e.g., which
other grades, topics, etc.). Also consider if there is alternate software currently available that already addresses
the instructional objectives/needs.
Teacher Support
Documentation:
Binder
Booklet
Instructional Manual has:
Objectives
Lesson plans
Reproducible student pages
Included on Media
Sample screens
Student booklets
Web based
None
Resource information
Other
What is your plan for staff development?
Classroom
List the NC subject area, grade level, and objectives this program addresses:
Readability Level – Check One
Consistent with grade
More difficult
Student Grouping
Individuals
Groups of 3 or 4
Easier
Pairs
Whole Group
Content
Yes No
Accurate and relevant
Free of gender stereotypes and biases
Free of other forms of bias and stereotypes
Motivational
Self evaluating
Students may start up where they left off in the program
Program automatically branches based on student responses
Software contains a useful management tool for the teacher
Instructional Design – Check all modes that apply
Accessibility
Bilingual
Creative Activity
Demonstration and Presentation
Drill and Practice
Educational Game
Exploration
Guided Practice
Internet
LEP
Multimedia
Problem Solving
Reference
Simulation
Testing
Tutorial
Image Editing
Classroom Management
Promotes
Creativity
Higher-order thinking
Collaboration
Problem solving
Discovery
Memorization
Motivational
Student controls pacing
Stimulates curiosity
Challenging
Real-world connections
Assessment
Yes No
Has pretest
Has posttest
Has record keeping by student – printable reports
Has record keeping by group- printable reports
Has assessment guidelines
Were there any technical problems during the evaluation? If yes, please elaborate.
___________________________________________
Administrator’s Signature
_______________
Date
For Instructional Department/Technology Use Only
_____ Approved
_____ Not approved
Comments/Explanation:
______________________________________
Dawn Brinson, Interim Director of Technology
______________________________________________
Emma Jackson, Executive Director, Instructional Services