Saturday, June 13, 2009

EduTools - a suite of free web-based tools

About EduTools: "EduTools is a suite of free, easy-to-use Web-based tools that allow users to collect, analyze, and weigh information about a variety of e-learning products, services, and policies. EduTools’ approach is to help the higher education community make well-informed decisions in three primary areas: course management systems; student services; and e-learning policies. The course management systems and student services pages offer three primary components:

* An information component that provides data on specific products, services, their features, and vendor information. Our researchers review each product and service using the producer's Web site resources, a product demo, and a set of standard guiding questions that enable them to evaluate products fairly and consistently.

* A comparative component that lets users analyze product and service offerings in relation to each other.

* A decision-making component that allows users to specify their needs and find the product or service that best meets them.

In addition, the e-learning policies pages informs users on best practices in five areas: funding; intellectual property; quality assurance; transfer and articulation; and tuition and fees."