Problems with evaluation of courseware for instruction in psychology

Comments on applications of microcomputers in teaching

“…The experiences reported by Conn et al (1988), Leith et al (1988), and Hornby and Anderson (1988) suggest that Eamon's (1988) rejection of standards has some dangerous pitfalls. The problems people report suggest that the published software has not been polished enough to make it generalizable for use by others.…”

“…Eamon (1988) argued that the ultimate criterion is whethersoftware "works for you." What he is saying is that in order to work, the software mustfit yourcourse; that is, it must be integrated.…”

“…In discussing the use of software in the instructional laboratory, Eamon (1988) asked whether we are too concerned about the quality of the software we use. He suggested that the criteria often suggested for the selection of software concerning technical accuracy, pedagogical soundness, and substantive fidelity (see Castellan, 1986) are irrelevant, and argued that "the best software is the software that works for you."…”

Some observations on applications of microcomputers in teaching

“…There is an equally important theme running through the observations made by Eamon (1988). In recent years increased attention has been paid to understanding the factors that make a piece of software both usable and useful.…”

A review of software for introductory psychology instruction

“…Each package was evaluated according to a standard set of criteria derived in part from Shueckler and Shuell (1989), as well as some of the educational and content considerations suggested by Eamon (1988). The purpose was to provide a comprehensive description of the features of each package and to make suggestions regarding the best way that each package might be used.…”