Content Evaluation

With educational software, "content is king." No act of multimedia glitz can overcome a lack of core content. Information must be communicated clearly, in age-appropriate language. Ideas must be divided into small, logical modules for easy comprehension and long-term retention.

Consider the following questions when evaluating the content of educational software:

• Does the software support academic expectations?

• Is the tool developmentally appropriate?

• Does the product encourage performance-based learning?

• Does the application use a developmentally appropriate vocabulary?

• Does the software appeal to various learning styles?

• Does the package adapt to various learning abilities?

• Does the product provide accurate and current information?

• Does the application successfully integrate technology and instruction?

• Does the software increase student understanding of the topic?

• Does the package show any bias (social, religious, ethnic, or gender) which might taint its presentation?