In formulating a practical guide for evaluators of social studies courseware, the fundamental elements of the "Evaluator's Guide to Microcomputer-Based Instructional Packages," (MicroSIFT, 1982) were combined with an abbreviated version of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) adopted curriculum-specific guidelines. The categories…

A systematic assessment procedure designed to increase success at buying supportable software is presented. Examples used are from programs for the IBM PC, but most comments apply to other software and to software for minicomputers and mainframes. (MLW)

Discusses database management systems for special needs student information management. Considers data access policies, implementation, software selection criteria, and special needs related uses. (SK)

Microcomputer systems for school districts are best obtained by selecting the software, and matching it with hardware. Discusses criteria for software and hardware, monitors, input/output devices, backup devices, and printers. Components of two basic microcomputer systems for the business office are proposed. (MLF)

Describes the categories of available information management software, and provides guidelines for needs assessment, software selection, testing, and evaluation. The annotated bibliography cites general discussions and program reviews for the following types of software: file management, general database management, bibliographic management,…

Discusses the George Washington University Library's experiences as a test site for Silver Platter/Psychlit. Advantages of the CD-ROM concept, including visibility, accessibility, costs, and sophistication, are noted; crucial issues in deciding whether to acquire a CD-ROM product are considered; and CD-ROM is described as a means for integrating…

This discussion of library software packages includes guidelines for library automation with microcomputers; criteria to aid in software selection; comparison of some features of available acquisitions, circulation and overdues software; references for software reviews; additional information on microsoftware; and a directory of producers and…

Describes the downloading capabilities of the WESTMATE version of the WESTLAW retrieval system and compares WESTLAW to LEXIS in terms of downloading functions and costs. The steps involved in WESTLAW access with standard communications software are outlined, and sample screen displays are appended. (CLB)

Discusses criteria for evaluating microcomputer database management systems (DBMS) used for storage and retrieval of bibliographic data. Two popular types of microcomputer DBMS--file management systems and relational database management systems--are evaluated with respect to these criteria. (Author/MBR)

A program using interactive software based on repertory grid techniques was used to monitor progress of first-year nursing students at the University of London, to learn student reactions to courses and illuminate individual difficulties and concerns. The approach is found to provide useful information to course providers and evaluators.…

Describes three criteria for evaluating educational software; classification of software types, the presence or absence of process skills, and educational practices. This article provides background for a software evaluation form to appear in a subsequent issue. (CW)

Discusses the use of optical disk technology in online searching and compares three versions of the ERIC database currently available on optical disk in terms of hardware requirements, ease of installation, scope and cost of the system, search procedures, displaying and printing results, and documentation and user support. (CLB)

This report includes a collection of workshop materials which address ways microcomputers can be used in evaluation and assessment and what basic information should be covered in introducing newcomers to the use of microcomputers. It is designed for use by experienced trainers with microcomputer experience but with few workshop support materials.…

This workbook presents outlines of topics to be covered during a two-day workshop on the fundamentals for library automation. Topics for the first day include: (1) Introduction; (2) Computer Technology--A Historical Overview; (3) Evolution of Library Automation; (4) Computer Hardware Technology--An Introduction; (5) Computer Software…

The Administrative Software Clearinghouse on the campus of Memphis State University (Tennessee) receives software designed for use in school administration from publishers and prepares a one-page evaluation to be distributed to principals in Tennessee. This booklet accumulates those evaluations for software rated as "good" or…