Unit 4

ITT 520: MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN
INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Weekend Academy Format
Spring 1998

UNIT 4: Evaluating Educational Software

Objectives

1. Describe each of the five categories in which a computer can be used as a tutor in instruction, i.e., drill-and-practice, tutorial, simulations, problem-solving, and games.
2. Describe the difference between instructional criteria and presentational criteria when evaluating educational software.
3. Briefly describe each of the four steps involved in evaluating software according to instructional criteria.
4. Describe at least four alternatives to purchasing software as a means of evaluating software programs.
5. Describe what the research shows after 30 years with regards to computer-based instruction in the schools (i.e., achievement, attitude, learning retention and speed, problem solving).
6. State an opinion regarding the following question: Are we to the point in the schools that computer-based instruction can carry the full burden of instruction?
7. Define the term "Intelligent Tutoring System" and give an example how an Intelligent Tutoring System might be used in the schools.
8. Evaluate several educational software programs using the checklist provided in the workbook "Using Computers in Education", Part 3: Evaluating Educational Software.
9. Write a two-page reflections paper in which you describe what you have learned about educational software.

Reading

1. Textbook: Chapter 6: "Software Evaluation"
2. Textbook: Chapter 4: "Drill-and-Practice and Tutorial Applications"
4. Textbook: Chapter 5: "Problem Solving, Simulations, and Games"

Assignments

Note: These assignment are fully described in the workbook "Using
Computers in Education", Part 3: Evaluating Educational Software.

1. Lesson 1: Using Software Evaluation Checklists
2. Lesson 3: Software Reflection Paper

Main Page Syllabus Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3 Unit 5 Unit 6 Links
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