Software evaluation

During the course of the coming year, we will be conducting a series of evaluations into how our software is being used.

Software trialling (or "formative evaluation")

As we develop each new resource for this site, we will be trialling it on teachers and students from Merseyside schools to identify any problems at an early stage. Such problems typically fall under one of the following categories:

	content-based problems - e.g. "what does elastic mean?", " that point wasn't explained clearly.", "this isn't relevant to the curriculum, etc.
	user-interface problems - e.g. "how do we get back to the last page?", "that animation was too fast", etc.
	program errors - i.e. error messages, crashes.

In most cases, an evaluator will observe pairs of students using the resource and record what is done and said. The evaluator takes a passive role and will not usually intervene during the trial itself. Afterwards, he/she will compile a list of recommended changes and return it to the MATTER office for implementation.

Summative evaluation

Later on in the year, we will conduct a more formal study into the effectiveness of the MATTER Initiative for Schools. Further details will be posted as they become available.