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An Educator's Guide to Evaluating Claims About Educational Software (2002)
There are many issues to consider when selecting educational software that can make the process complex. Among these issues are finding evidence that the software is effective; determining if the software aligns with school, state, or district standards; determining if the software is suitable for student needs and learning styles; and deciding if the cost of purchasing, maintaining, or upgrading the software is worthwhile. This Web site has been designed to help educators deal with these considerations through checklists of key elements considered by professional researchers when evaluating research, red flags that point out special concerns that should be addressed when evaluating a study's results and conclusions, and a buyer's worksheet that provides aid in collecting key information when evaluating software packages.

Templates, Forms, Interactive Tools, and Guidebooks

enGauge^® Framework and Online Assessment (2001, ongoing)
EnGauge is a Web-based framework that helps schools and districts plan and evaluate their systemwide use of educational technology. Developed by NCREL with the Metiri Group, enGauge provides a comprehensive view of critical factors that strongly influence the effectiveness of educational technology. It provides online assessments to help schools and districts gauge their progress with learning technology and develop an informed plan of action. It also presents information on the effective uses of technology to advance student learning and the educational system conditions required to use technology effectively. (Audience: K-12 administrators, technology coordinators, education policymakers, K-12 teachers, educational researchers)

Planning for D3T (Data-Driven Decisions About Technology) CD-ROM (2000)
Planning for Data-Driven Decisions About Technology, also known as Planning for D3T, will help school improvement teams generate a comprehensive technology evaluation plan. In addition, this CD-ROM can be used by administrators for allocating resources and by technology and curriculum coordinators involved in technology infusion. This thought-provoking resource asks school improvement teams to evaluate technology from three perspectives: the systemic organization, the teaching practice, and student learning.

Supplemental Resources

Policy Issues No. 11: Virtual Schools and E-Learning in K-12 Environments: Emerging Policy and Practice (2002)
Recent growth in national attention directed toward online courses and virtual schools underscores the importance of e-learning policy and online learning practices. In response to these needs, this edition of Policy Issues aims to:

• Summarize the critical e-learning issues related to education policy.
• Provide an overview of what works, based on recent research and program assessment.
• Offer policy recommendations to support decision makers and policy leaders charged with the investigation and deployment of online courses and Internet-based learning environments in K-12 schools and school districts.

Pathways Critical Issue: Technology Leadership: Enhancing Positive Educational Change (2004)
This Critical Issue discusses the impact of research and best practices on technology leadership and educational productivity. It focuses on leadership qualities of superintendents and principals, responses to change, and effective uses of technology as major themes associated with technology leadership.

Pathways Critical Issue: Promoting Technology Use in Schools (2001)
This Critical Issue provides practical advice for using technology effectively in schools. It focuses on placing computers in equitable areas, providing technical support, determining effective goals for technology use, accepting new roles for teachers in the classroom, providing time for professional development, coaching teachers at different skill levels, offering incentives for technology use, choosing software, and obtaining funding.

Can't find the research or resource you're looking for? Locate the content previously listed on these pages by searching the Learning Point Associates and all affilitated sites including NCREL, NCRTEC, NCEMSC, and Porter Center. Search is at the top of this page.