Abstract:
Numerous methods have been advanced in educational software evaluation. They range from evaluating the technical aspects of software to examining their pedagogic strengths. This study reviews some of the advances made in educational software evaluation and highlights shortcomings of technical-based and content-based evaluations. It then attempts to provide a practical solution for software evaluation using sound pedagogic principles through teacher-collaboration via a networked-database. The paper illustrates this with a working example of an 'expert-pedagogic' database for storing pertinent details of selected sections of educational software and how it is to be used in teaching/instruction and is currently being researched and tested at the School of Education. Details of setting-up and maintaining such a tool and implications for teachers/educators of IT, specifically with educational software, are given. Teacher collaboration and the Internet-based databases are also discussed.