Evaluating Educational TechnologyBy Melissa Szwed

Sources: Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom

Fifth Edition

Evaluating Educational Technology

An important aspect of integrating technology into your daily classroom curriculum should be the evaluation of educational technology

Evaluating Educational Technology

Evaluating educational technology involves determining if the technology is appropriate and has the ability to enhance the teaching and learning process.

The evaluation process should occur:

Before instruction beginsDuring the instructional periodAfter instruction has taken

place

What is appropriate?

MotivationalPromotes learningLeveled according to student

abilityAddresses curriculum standardsRelates to learning objectives

Sources of Information

Each year hundreds of new websites and educational software are developed for use in the classroom

                         

                                

                                                                                  

Evaluating Educational Technology

How do you know which sites and software programs are credible and reliable for use in the classroom?

Departments of Education

Some districts and State Departments of Education provide lists of software and websites that have been recommended and evaluated by educators

http://www.rsd13ct.org/district/publications/techplan/techplan0609.pdf

Professional Educational Organizations

Local organizations State organizations Regional organizations National organizations International organizations Provide information on

educational technology http://www.cue.org/

Catalogs Many catalogs provide

lists of hardware and software appropriate for use in the classroom. Many companies will also include standards and objectives associated with their product.

Published Evaluations Many different organizations provide educators

with information on educational technology

Departments of Education Professional organizations Education groups Software developers Educational Publications Educational journals

Conferences

Each year national and state organizations host conferences providing information and resources for educators on a variety of technological products

http://www.theconferencecalendar.com/

Recommendations of Colleagues

Never underestimate the advice given to you by an experienced colleague. Fellow educators can offer advice on a variety of software and sites to incorporate into your instruction.

The WebThe web is the most comprehensive resource to help you evaluate educational technology

Websites Mailing lists Forums Newsgroups Discussion groups Wikis Blogs Bulletin boards http://nces.ed.gov/pubs20

03/2003313.pdf

Sources of Information for Evaluating Educational Technology

School Districts and Education Departments

Professional Educational Organizations

Catalogs Published Evaluations

Conferences Advice from Colleagues

The Web Personal Experience