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Instructional Software Selection

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The Iowa City Community School District uses a process for approving software to insure that only the best resources available, and those which match our curriculum and instructional philosophy, are purchased and used in our schools.

 

The district's Technology Resources Policy (Administrative Regulation 400.6) prohibits “loading or attempting to load software which:

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does not comply with district standards

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is not on the district approved software list, or

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has not been approved by a system operator.

 

All instructional software will be approved for purchase through the following process:

  1. Any staff member may initiate the request to preview instructional software. The request should be discussed with the building teacher librarian who will then send the Preview Request Form to the District Media Center to be ordered.

  2. Whenever possible, a team approach to evaluating software is used. The team should consist of at least three people--two from inside the building (teacher, librarian, science advocate, tech mentor) and one from outside (LARS, MARS, subject area coordinator). If it is not possible to preview as a team, the software may be routed to different individuals.

  3. Complete the Software Evaluation Instrument.  Keep in mind the following questions while previewing the software:

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Is the emphasis on thinking, content and process rather than on skill/drill?

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Is the software learner-centered and developmentally appropriate?

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Will this technology improve student learning?

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Will students be able to do something worthwhile that was not possible before?

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Does this software correlate with curriculum area or technology benchmarks?

  1. The Library Coordinator will maintain the Approved Software list. Programs that are previewed and not recommended will also be posted to prevent duplication of reviewing. Paper copies of reviews will be kept on file at the District Media Center.

  2. Buildings may purchase any software from the Approved Software list that meets building curriculum and instructional needs.

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This page was last updated on June 12, 2007.