AUTOMATING THE EVALUATION OF EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE

This paper proposes a framework for educational software evaluation based on the Multiple Criteria Decision Aid methodology, supported by ESSE, an Expert System for Software Evaluation. An evaluation example is presented that illustrates the overall evaluation process. Evaluating educational software products is a twofold process: both the technical and the educational aspect of the evaluated products have to be considered. As far as the product’s educational effectiveness is concerned, the flexibility of ESSE in problem modeling allows the development and the use of a set of criteria, which clearly describe the context, and the educational setting in which the software products are to be used. From the technical point of view, a software attribute set based on the ISO/IEC 9126 standard has been chosen together with the accompanying measurement guidelines.