Conducting high-quality overviews of reviews (OoR) is time-consuming. Because the quality of systematic reviews (SRs) varies, it is necessary to critically appraise SRs when conducting an OoR. A well-established appraisal tool is A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2, which takes about 15-32 min per application. To save time,…

The main objective of this Methods Showcase Article is to show how the technique of adaptive comparative judgment, coupled with a crowdsourcing approach, can offer practical solutions to reliability issues as well as to address the time and cost difficulties associated with a text-based approach to proficiency assessment in L2 research. We…

This article discusses best practices for evaluating open source software for use in library projects, based on the authors' experience evaluating electronic publishing solutions. First, it presents a brief review of the literature, emphasizing the need to evaluate open source solutions carefully in order to minimize Total Cost of Ownership. Next,…

This paper focuses on a Web-log based tool for evaluating pedagogical processes occurring in Web-supported academic instruction and students' attitudes. The tool consists of computational measures which demonstrate what instructors and policy makers can learn about Web-supported instruction through Web-usage mining. The tool can provide different…

Proving that technology works is not as simple as proving that a new vendor for art supplies is more cost effective. Technology effectiveness requires both the right software and the right implementation. Just having the software is not enough. Proper planning, training, leadership, support, pedagogy, and software use--along with many other…

This paper describes a model for evaluating and acquiring instructionally effective and cost effective educational computer software in university psychology departments. Four stages in evaluating the software are developed: (1) establishing departmental goals and objectives for educational use of computers; (2) inventorying and evaluating…

Discusses Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), a method through which technology administrators may understand and manage all costs of technology-related purchases. Describes six categories of costs to consider during the planning process: professional development; support; software; replacement costs; retrofitting; and connectivity. (AEF)

Details a series of tests conducted by the Research Libraries Group, Inc., to evaluate IBM clones i.e., computers designed to use hardware and software originally intended for IBM microcomputers. The results of evaluations of several personal computers, using the criteria of performance, aesthetics, ergonomics, and documentation, are reported.…

MICROPIK is a multiple-alternatives, criterion-referenced model for evaluating CAI (computer-assisted instruction) software and microcomputer hardware against selected curricular objectives. The model provides decision-modeling control over diverse interactive patterns that occur when computer hardware, courseware, and instructional objectives are…

Describes the development of a hypertext-based library instruction program at Algonquin College (Ottawa) that used a shareware program called Simply Help! for developing help screens. Topics include a prototype program; pilot testing the library instruction, including faculty response and student surveys; and evaluation after full implementation.…

Intended for planners and providers of welfare-to-work and other employment and training programs, this guide explains the steps entailed in conducting a cost analysis. The following topics are discussed in the book's six chapters: use of cost analysis before programs and during their implementation; basics of conducting a cost analysis (issue of…

This study shows how performance measurement can be developed to take advantage of the most advanced computer software and hardware now available. The "Toolbox" study was commissioned by the European Commission (EC) and undertaken by De Montfort University in partnership with Essex County Libraries and the Library and Information…

This guide summarizes current research and commentary on e-learning, examining the key issues facing organizations exploring e-learning for employee development. The guide contains six sections. The first section provides an introduction to the issue of e-learning and a summary of the issues discussed in the remainder of the guide. Section 2…

The 7th International Conference on Education Data Mining held on July 4th-7th, 2014, at the Institute of Education, London, UK is the leading international forum for high-quality research that mines large data sets in order to answer educational research questions that shed light on the learning process. These data sets may come from the traces…

The IADIS CELDA 2012 Conference intention was to address the main issues concerned with evolving learning processes and supporting pedagogies and applications in the digital age. There had been advances in both cognitive psychology and computing that have affected the educational arena. The convergence of these two disciplines is increasing at a…