These criteria, as a whole, are not intended to
be used as a checklist for each software title. The detail has been
included to stimulate thinking and to give ideas to reviewers of
the kind of issues they should consider when evaluating software.
How much detail is required and the final selection of criteria
depends on the context, focus and purpose of the software. It is very important to first establish
- What was this software intended to do?
- What is its focus and purpose?
before selecting from these detailed criteria. General
open-ended questions These are fundamental questions you should ask
before reviewing any educational software in more depth.
- What is the purpose for the educational software?
What is it intended for?
- Does it suit your needs?
Is it appropriate for your phase?
- What assumptions about the learners’ prior
knowledge, experience and attitudes are implicit in the software?
- Is learner ICT confidence or anxiety addressed?
If so, in what ways? Are any ICT skills assumed?
Click here to remind
yourself of the categories of educational software.
Criteria for educational effectiveness Click
here if you are reviewing developmental educational software.
Click here is you are
reviewing instructional educational software.
Criteria for interaction and feedback These
criteria mainly refer to instructional educational software.
Criteria
for presentation, accessibility and navigability Criteria
relating to the "look and feel" of the software.
Criteria for technical components Criteria
relating to installation, support and technical requirements |