Choosing whether to test via computer is the most difficult and consequential decision the designers of a testing program can make. The decision is difficult because of the wide range of choices available. Designers can choose where and how often the test is made available, how the test items look and function, how those items are combined into…

Provides advice on buying alumni-development software, focusing on getting the necessary buy-in from staff and superiors, assessing existing policies and procedures, developing a realistic budget, writing a thorough request for proposals (RFP), assessing RFPs objectively, watching the demo with skepticism, evaluating what is shown, checking…

Discusses in detail the intricate and fascinating series of problems surrounding the production, distribution, and extended use of lessons in marine sciences that utilize remotely sensed images as the underlying medium of instruction. Focuses on computer-based learning activities because remotely sensed images are derived from the interpretation…

This article utilizes several examples to describe the use of MathCAD, a computer scratchpad for calculations, within a lecture-demonstration method of teaching general calculus. Both hardware requirements and software features are discussed specifically related to the proper design of student worksheets with emphasis on parameter variation. (JJK)

Describes a variety of computer software programs and student activities utilizing the computer to help teach secondary social studies. Suggests using word processors, painting programs, and computer simulations for history and government courses. Concludes that successful use of computers in social studies instruction depends on the design of…

This report on machine translation contains a brief history of the field; a description of the processes involved; a discussion of systems currently in use, including three software packages on the market (Teaching Assistant, Translate, and Globalink); reflections on implications for teaching; observations of results obtained when elements of…

This paper is based on the premise that as computer assisted learning becomes more prevalent, teachers will be required to make decisions as to the quality of the software available for instruction. Assessment guidelines from the ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading, English, and Communication Digest No. 79 and the North Carolina Department of Public…

This paper focuses on the applications of computer technology to enhancing personal and organizational productivity in schools. One school's experience selecting, implementing and adapting organizational computer systems is described, from schoolwide networks to manage electronic mail and grading data to teacher-centered applications and access to…

Four English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) dictionaries available in electronic form are compared and evaluated, focusing on content and organization, utility for students unused to the computer, inclusion of supplementary language corpora and other reference materials, multimedia capacities, and search options. (MSE)

This article discusses different types of literacy software and provides an annotated list of recommended software packages. Guidelines for previewing and selecting software are given, and short reviews of 17 programs are included along with contact information for their publishers, suggested age and ability levels, and details of hardware…

Describes the use of Mathcad, an interactive software package that responds to mathematical input, in an undergraduate economics class. Mathcad uses a rules-based programming language that "reads" the relationships among variables and constraints defined by the user, solves for unknowns, and graphs for one or more equations. (MJP)

Presents an overview of educational computing for the nonspecialist classroom teacher. Describes computer-assisted instruction and reviews recent technological developments in the field. Predicts increasingly creative and efficient use of computers and software by teachers and students in all humanities disciplines. (CFR)

The "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics (1989)" calls for the revision of existing secondary mathematics curricula which include an emphasis on contextual problems, multiple representations, and the use of computers. The focus of this revision significantly involves the acknowledgment of the key role of the…

Compares academic performance between two groups of students in a statistics course. One group was given homework generated by computer software that provided feedback concerning incorrect answers. The other relied on the textbook without benefit of the feedback. The group using the software performed better on homework and tests. (MJP)

Described is a weekly computer algebra laboratory course for Calculus I students during the 10-week spring semester, 1990, at Trinity University. Advice on the establishment and management of this type of laboratory including descriptions of student participation trends and student reactions is presented. (JJK)