The purchase of new software has a major impact on a district’s budget, effectiveness of new technology, and the ease of administration. This article describes the importance of evaluating and selecting effective software. To do this, the district needs an appropriate evaluation and selection process. Because the total investment for a software package will far exceed the cost of the software alone, the implementation of a consultant can be a significant purchase for a district. Selecting new software should be a comprehensive process. It should include evaluating how the software fits into the district’s strategy and goals by enhancing student performance, improving administrative efficiency and productivity, and uniting data that will support decision making. Districts should visit with other districts that already use the software to observe its effectiveness, as well as consult with those who will use it in the future. Then the district should design a request-for-proposal (RFP) to document their needs in detail, request detailed financial and operating information about the vendor, and estimate the total cost of implementing the software. Software capabilities and any changes or skills needed to implement and manage the software should be thoroughly discussed. An implementation team should then be formed to assist with setting up the program after the purchase is made. Following these steps could save a district from a detrimental loss of money due to the failure of purchasing software that has not been adequately researched.
I believe
that the article gave a very detailed plan for districts to follow in order to
evaluate and select software that is right for them. Because of the constant changes and updates
in technology today, I would probably go ahead and suggest hiring a consultant
to help with this type of major purchase.
There would be nothing worse than to be talked into purchasing software
from a vendor that does not meet the requirements of your district’s technology
and has limited or no warranty to help with the implementation. Keeping on top of the latest technology to
help enhance student learning is probably very frustrating for many
districts. Also, many districts that
have not been able to afford technology in the past and can now because of
decreasing costs, really need to research their purchases so that they do not
buy conflicting software that does not work with their equipment. This article really helped me to understand
what to look out for when purchasing new software, not only for the classroom,
but for my own personal use as well.
Pereus, Steven C. (2002).
Selecting Software. Retrieved