Sample Evaluation Tasks: Software Request
Use these model evaluator tasks to inspire you as you build out your own tasks.
Note: These tasks are specific to a software request and likely will not be relevant for other workflows like a renewal workflow, procurement workflow, or other.
Using ISTE's Guidance
ISTE, the International Society for Technology in Education, provides a great resource for software evaluation that can serve as a reference for evaluator tasks. You can learn more about their guidelines for EdTech tool evaluation here.
On this page, they offer their "Teacher Ready Evaluation Tool" -- a rubric-type tool that helps staff evaluate EdTech tools. This rubric includes many valuable areas of evaluation that can guide and inspire your selection of your own evaluation tasks.
Upon visiting the tool site linked above, you can click Download Guide to view and print your own copy of this resource for reference.
Our Model Evaluator Tasks
Drawing inspiration from the above ISTE evaluation tool and additional evaluation points that most divisions find important, we created a model set of evaluator tasks. These particular tasks are created using the checklist question type. You can browse these model tasks below for inspiration as you create your own evaluation tasks.
In these tasks, we specifically cover the following areas:
| Terms of Use & Privacy | Interoperability | User Experience |
| Alignment with Mission & Vision | Relevance & Curriculum Alignment | Differentiation & Personalization |
| Student Engagement | Feedback & Assessment | Analytics & Data |
Terms of Use & Privacy
- Select the indicators below that this tool meets.
- Compliance with COPPA, CIPA, FERPA
- Transparency around data practices
- Data encryption standards
- Parental consent language and/or requirements
- Protects student data with responsible data collection, usage, and sharing
- Willing to sign DPA or covered under state master DPA
- After running this tool through SSL Labs (https://www.ssllabs.com/ssltest/), it received a:
- A
- B
- C
- D
- F
- Not Applicable
Interoperability
- What level of course import does the tool allow for?
- No rostering or syncing available; Teachers must create accounts and classes
- Manual sync available
- Manual one-way import available
- Rostering available with one or more: ClassLink, Google, Active Directory
- Which of our provided devices is the software compatible with?
- PC Laptops
- Chromebooks
- iPads
- What login options are available? Select all that apply.
- Teacher-created login with username and password
- SSO Login
- Code, QR, Link, or Image-Based Login
- Class join code
- Student-created login
- No login required
User Experience
- Select the indicators below that this tool meets.
- The design interface is intuitive as to maximize instructional time.
- Minimal teacher training is required to implement.
- The company offers free training or professional learning experiences.
- The interface is appropriate for the audience to which the tool caters.
Alignment with Mission & Vision
- Select the indicators below that this tool meets.
- The tool supports the mission and strategic goals of the division as laid out in the strategic plan.
- The tool works with, not against, current division priorities, initiatives, and programs.
- The product is aligned with best practices for teaching and learning and child development.
Relevance & Curriculum Alignment
- Select the indicators below that this tool meets.
- Relevant to the learning goals described by the state standards
- Provides explicit crosswalk or tables outlining alignment to the state standards
- Provides high quality, age-appropriate content
Differentiation & Personalization
- Select the indicators below that this tool meets.
- Allows teachers to create or adjust customizable learning paths for students
- Uses AI or algorithms to adapt students' content based on needs
- Provides accessibility tools for students with unique needs
- Provides adaptive content (e.g. three reading levels of same content)
- Addressing diverse needs through Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
- Speaks to student interests and/or offers student choice
- Which accessibility tools does this software provide?
- Read-aloud
- Adjustable font size and/or magnification
- Integrated Microsoft Immersive Reader
- Voice typing
- Translations in Spanish
- Translations in language(s) other than Spanish
- Keyboard shortcuts
Student Engagement
- Select the indicators below that this tool meets.
- Use of multimedia (videos, photos, diagrams, & more)
- Promotes active learning and student choice
- Use of gamification or reward system
- Fosters digital skills and digital literacy
- Includes story line(s) with characters
Feedback & Assessment
- Select the indicators below that this tool meets.
- Student-friendly feedback is provided.
- Feedback is customizable and actionable (compared to just a check/X or a yes/no).
- Incorporates regular checks for understanding where appropriate
- Feedback is encouraging and appropriately timed.
- Allows for teacher feedback
Analytics & Data
- Select the indicators below that this tool meets.
- Teacher access to real-time data
- Easy-to-interpret performance results
- Has charts, graphs, or other data dashboards
- Allows for report building and/or exporting
- Has admin dashboard for customized reports by teacher, grade, school, and/or division