Suggestions for Evaluating Software and Hardware Tools Used for Instructional Purposes

Many rubrics and manuals are available for evaluation of software and hardware programs and tools. However, many are geared to detail very technical facets of a piece of software. For the program to be deemed appropriate for ones classroom, "The selection process must be grounded on the principles of functional utility of the chosen software and not on the creation of ‘window dressing’" according to Smith and Vokurka. Doing your homework by consulting with other educators, and researching evaluations and reviews of the product would be the first step in selection. Searching in the school systems list of recommended software can lead to choosing an optimal program. It is most important for teachers to test the application by first using it themselves.


Posing a series of questions can determine if the program you are interested in follows the principles of learning. For instance, does the level of instruction match with the student’s age and level? Are there ranges of difficulty levels within the program? Is the program able to engage students, or will they become bored? Does the program provide students with an opportunity to apply the skills they have just learned to another setting? Basically, How does this program help us accomplish our goal?