Using and evaluating publisher-supplied software

A case study of an undergraduate unit

Abstract

The availability of publisher supplied software products from publishers is becoming more common, yet there is little evidence in the literature about how these technologies can be utilised in specific contexts to develop a deeper level of engagement for students. This research project evaluated a publisher supplied software product, WileyPLUS to discover whether it was a tool that could encourage a deeper level of engagement from students and therefore a better learning environment. We also evaluated the resources and the experience of using the tools from the lecturer?s perspective. An evaluation checklist was developed that can be adapted to guide academic staff when selecting publisher supplied software tools in other contexts.