ERIC Number: ED334236
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1991-Apr
Pages: 13
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
An Evaluation Model To Select an Integrated Learning System in a Large, Suburban School District.
Curlette, William L.; And Others
The systematic evaluation process used in Georgia's DeKalb County School System to purchase comprehensive instructional software--an integrated learning system (ILS)--is described, and the decision-making model for selection is presented. Selection and implementation of an ILS were part of an instructional technology plan for the DeKalb schools that called for common hardware and computers in the classrooms. The ILS was to be introduced to grades 2 through 6 over a period of 5 years. Initially, a committee of instructional leaders and local school personnel rated 13 software packages from several vendors. Three systems--Computer Curriculum Corporation, Education System Corporation, and World Institute of Computer Assisted Teaching (WICAT)--were tested in three elementary schools using third grade students (N=229). The Multi-Attribute Utility Method from decision theory was used to evaluate these systems without regard to cost. The evaluation took into account: (1) student achievement while using the ILS; (2) teacher experience in using the ILS; and (3) technical and administrative experience with the software. The analysis indicated that all three systems more than met the school system's criteria. At that point, cost was considered, leading to the selection of the system of the WICAT. The decision-making model went beyond preevaluation to test the software in classroom situations, yielding vital information for the school system. One table is included. (SLD)
Publication Type: Reports - Research; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A