Checklist for evaluating a Web 2.0 tool
The following list of evaluation criteria was taken from the Sloan Consortium "Web 2.0 Selection Criteria: Save Time Choosing an Appropriate Tool" website.
Criteria 1: Access
Is the tool accessible by Windows and Mac users?
Is the tool / product of tool viewable in a variety of web browsers?
Does the tool work well for those with dial-up connections?
Does the tool provide options that support ADA compliance?
Is the tool free?
Will the tool be around for a while?
Criteria 2: Usability
Do you have to create an account to use the tool?
Is the tool easy to use?
Does the tool have a robust and easy to use Help section?
Does anything have to be downloaded and installed on the computer to use the tool?
Criteria 3: Privacy & Intellectual Property
Does the tool allow you to restrict access of your work/your students' work?
Does the tool protect your personal data (e.g. email address given when account created)?
Does the tool allow you / your students to retain sole IP rights to the content you create?
Does the tool allow you to determine the copyright status of the content you've created?
Can you save a copy of the product to your desktop for archival purposes?
Criteria 4: Workload & Time Management
Does the tool make it easy to track student work (for grading purposes)?
Does the tool support private and public commenting (for individual and group feedback)?
Does the tool provide for an RSS feed to track work via email or an RSS reader?
Is it possible to embed the tool into the LCMS you're using?
Criteria 5: Fun Factor
Does the tool allow you to be creative during the learning process?
Does the tool allow you to demonstrate creativity in the learning product?
Does the tool provide opportunities for different types of interaction (visual, verbal, written)?
Does the tool increase the perception of connectedness?
Does the tool encourage collaboration?
