EdTech 554: Managing Technology in Schools

Software Evaluation Rubric

Steven Albrecht & Haley Dixon
October 16, 2011

Software Evaluation Rubric

Use this rubric to evaluate school software. Indicate a score for each measure. (0-deficient, 1-poor, 2-average, 3-outstanding) 3
Outstanding (3+qualities)

2
Average (2+ qualities)

1
Poor (1 quality)

0
Deficient (0 qualities)

The software
Aligns with the school or districts published values and beliefs Will facilitate instruction, learning, and/or assessment Is easy to use and has a common-sense interface Has a simple Installation/registration process Includes appropriate training materials (user guides, tutorials, podcasts) Includes accessibility options for diverse users Includes prompt, accessible support Includes free, download-able updates Is cost effective. The potential gain justifies the expense Includes collaborating, sharing, or progressmonitoring capabilities

Total Points

_______________

Total Points

Software Assessment
This software minimally meets school or district needs. Strongly suggest software is updated or replaced. Consider downloading free updates of the current software or analyzing a free-trial of new software with this rubric. This software meets several school or district needs. Check for software updates as well as proper installation. Basic computer updates may need to be made in order for the software to run smoothly. Contact the software company for tips on how to maximize the functionality of the software, and/or troubleshoot any problems. Congratulations! This software meets many school or district needs. The software is cost effective and aligns with expectations. Be sure to contact the software company for further information on how to enhance your experience.

0-15

16-23

24-33

Sample 1
Software: CBAS (Connecticut Benchmark Writing Assessment) https://www.cbaswrite.com/Home/Welcome

Software Evaluation Rubric

Use this rubric to evaluate school software. Indicate a score for each measure. (0-deficient, 1-poor, 2-average, 3-outstanding) 3
Outstanding (3+qualities)

2
Average (2+ qualities)

1
Poor (1 quality)

0
Deficient (0 qualities)

The software
Aligns with the school or districts published values and beliefs Will facilitate instruction, learning, and/or assessment Is easy to use and has a common-sense interface Has a simple Installation/registration process Includes appropriate training materials (user guides, tutorials, podcasts) Includes accessibility options for diverse users Includes prompt, accessible support Includes free, download-able updates Is cost effective. The potential gain justifies the expense Includes collaborating, sharing, or progressmonitoring capabilities
X X X X X X

X X

Total Points: 23

Total Points

Software Assessment
This software minimally meets school or district needs. Strongly suggest software is updated or replaced. Consider downloading free updates of the current software or analyzing a free-trial of new software with this rubric. This software meets several school or district needs. Check for software updates as well as proper installation. Basic computer updates may need to be made in order for the software to run smoothly. Contact the software company for tips on how to maximize the functionality of the software, and/or troubleshoot any problems. Congratulations! This software meets many school or district needs. The software is cost effective and aligns with expectations. Be sure to contact the software company for further information on how to enhance your experience.

0-15

16-23

24-33

Sample 2
Software: Creativity Express (Madcap Logic) http://www.madcaplogic.com/

Software Evaluation Rubric

Use this rubric to evaluate school software. Indicate a score for each measure. (0-deficient, 1-poor, 2-average, 3-outstanding) 3
Outstanding (3+qualities)

2
Average (2+ qualities)

1
Poor (1 quality)

0
Deficient (0 qualities)

The software
Aligns with the school or districts published values and beliefs Will facilitate instruction, learning, and/or assessment Is easy to use and has a common-sense interface Has a simple Installation/registration process Includes appropriate training materials (user guides, tutorials, podcasts) Includes accessibility options for diverse users Includes prompt, accessible support Includes free, download-able updates Is cost effective. The potential gain justifies the expense Includes collaborating, sharing, or progressmonitoring capabilities
X X X X X X

X X

Total Points: 27

Total Points

Software Assessment
This software minimally meets school or district needs. Strongly suggest software is updated or replaced. Consider downloading free updates of the current software or analyzing a free-trial of new software with this rubric. This software meets several school or district needs. Check for software updates as well as proper installation. Basic computer updates may need to be made in order for the software to run smoothly. Contact the software company for tips on how to maximize the functionality of the software, and/or troubleshoot any problems. Congratulations! This software meets many school or district needs. The software is cost effective and aligns with expectations. Be sure to contact the software company for further information on how to enhance your experience.

0-15

16-23

24-33

Resources
Goyne, J. S., McDonough, S. K., & Padgett, D. D. (2000). Practical guidelines for evaluating educational software. Clearing House, 73(6), 345-348. Herring, D. F., Notar, C. E., & Wilson, J. D. (2005). Multimedia software evaluation form for teachers. Education, 126(1), 100-112. Zahner, J.E., Reiser, R.A., Dick, W., & Gill, B. (1992). Evaluating instructional software: A simplified model. Educational Technology Research Development, 40(3), 55-62.