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Evaluating Software for Students with Special Needs. Criteria for selecting software. Educational Value Content Design and Navigation Ease of Use / Suitability. Educational Value. What goals and objectives will this software help the student attain?
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Criteria for selecting software • Educational Value • Content • Design and Navigation • Ease of Use / Suitability
Educational Value • What goals and objectives will this software help the student attain? • How does the programme tie into the curriculum or an individual education plan? • Is it motivational?
Content • Is the level of languageappropriate to ability and age of student? • Are there a range of teacher/student options that allow the software to be individualised for different learners ? • Is the presentation of information appropriate for students with special needs?
Content :Presentation of Information • Is the text large enough and easy to read? • Is the screen too cluttered or busy? • Is there too much text or information?
Design and Navigation • Is it easy for students with special needs to navigate around the software? Is the navigation consistent? • Does the software include teacher options for configuring design for individual needs? • Is there a management system that allows the teacher to track student progress?
Ease of Use / Suitability • How difficult is it for students to work independently with the software following initial teacher guidance? • Are there features that allow individuals using alternative input devices to access the software? • For programs where content can be created by the user, how easy is it to input information?
Supporting Documents • Is there documentation that deals with running the software? Are the loading and operating instructions clear? • Do the supporting documents include ideas and suggestions for classroom use with students with special needs? • Is there an explanation of how to use the teacher/student options? • When supplementary materials are provided, do they provide for different ability levels?