1. Working with Commercial Software (Focus on redesign issues rather than on material creation.) Redesign Alliance Annual Conference March 2007

2. Identify Your Needs Tutorial features Videos Homework with algorithmic iterations Quizzes with multiple attempts Proctored Tests with ample security Course Management capabilities Web-based access Browser restrictions PC/Mac usage Locally hosted versus commercially hosted

3. Use Selection Criteria Perform a thorough search and check several references. Look for two things: 1) Does it work well? Is it stable? Is it user friendly? 2) Does it have good content for the redesign course? Does it address course objectives? Does it meet the level of difficulty of the redesign course? Hint: Dont just look at exercises, work them!

4. Have Other Considerations Textbook compatibility Quantity and quality of available exercises Cost to institution and/or to student Technical support from publisher for teachers and students Financial commitment to updating and improvement Longevity in the market

5. Develop a Plan Establish baseline data to be used to assess redesign before software use begins. Plan how software will be used initially and in the final stages of implementation. Run a small pilot program prior to course redesign. Run a large pilot program prior to course redesign. Keep the number of variables to a minimum. Be flexible!

6. Be Reasonable Accept the fact that no software, commercial or otherwise, is perfect. Recognize that all software has some limitations. Identify those limitations and develop work- arounds for them. Work with the commercial software company constantly to improve the product.