Making the Right Choice: Evaluating Computer Software and Hardware for Adult Literacy Instruction. Practice Guide

Abstract

Selecting hardware and software for adult literacy instruction is a complicated task requiring careful attention to the integration of various computer models, software packages, and instructional objectives. Decisions surrounding the acquisition and maintenance of technology are further complicated by limited funding, expertise, information, and equipment. This guide is designed to help educators select appropriate technology for their adult literacy programs. It outlines a process for evaluating and selecting software and hardware, provides information regarding appropriate software titles, presents examples of software evaluation criteria, and highlights purchasing practices that can make scarce technology dollars go further. The nine steps of the technology evaluation process include the following: (1) identify software titles; (2) determine the hardware requirements of each piece of candidate software; (3) create an inventory of existing hardware; (4) obtain software preview copies; (5) determine evaluation criteria and conduct software evaluations; (6) determine how students will use the software and explore ways teachers can integrate the software into instruction; (7) compare existing hardware with the hardware requirements for each piece of candidate software; (8) determine the cost of software and hardware for each of the candidate packages; and (9) select a software package and its associated hardware. Four appendixes include software requirements and hardware inventory worksheets, a selected list of software publishers, a student evaluation of software form, and a software evaluation worksheet. (Contains 18 references.) (KC)