Discusses three options for elementary or secondary schools buying microcomputers, including getting either a single comprehensive unit, several fully expandable units, or units with limited expandability. Notes advantages, disadvantages, and brand-name models available under each option. Presents a chart showing the features needed for six…

Offers a checklist to help adult educators make intelligent software selections. Stresses the need to try products before buying them, to have a grace period to test them with students, to look for reviews, and to get a detailed list of hardware requirements. (JOW)

The two interconnected problems of educational quality and piracy are described and analyzed in this book, which begins with an investigation of the accusations regarding the alleged dismal quality of educational software. The reality behind accusations of rampant piracy and the effect of piracy on the quality of educational software is examined…

Developed to provide Washington State educators with information on the evaluation of computer software or courseware, this booklet includes brief sections on general criteria for evaluating instructional materials, general criteria for evaluating courseware, and special considerations in evaluating courseware. Such considerations include deciding…

Eight electronic learning aid products are reviewed. Prices and features are summarized. (MP)

Suggestions are made for choosing microcomputers for instructional design. Elements discussed include hardware (system components, selection procedures, operations and hardware); equipment suppliers; software development (database management, simulation); and implementation (acquisition of hardware, probable difficulties). (CT)

Summarizes information gained from experienced teachers about what kinds of computer equipment schools should purchase, how the computer can be used in the classroom, and for what subject areas and grade levels they work best. (FL)

Discusses the selection and purchase of computer software for use in educational settings. Evaluative criteria such as software reviews, publisher reputation, evidence of field-testing, and publishing company attitude toward previewing and software backup are examined. A chart of the purchasing policies of 29 publishing companies is included. (JJD)

These guidelines for setting up instructional computing and computer literacy programs using microcomputers include consideration of program planning, hardware selection and purchase, and faculty development. (Author/JJD)

This paper documents the need for new instructional methods to use with students who have disabilities, by citing results from a survey of 46 Oklahoma schools, which gathered data on the modifications used for mainstreamed students with disabilities. Next, the critical research on learning and on computer assisted instruction is summarized. A…

Recommends that potential educational software purchasers examine publications containing software reviews, become involved in workshops that develop evaluation criteria for technical issues and instructional considerations of educational software, and obtain samples of actual software free of charge for review. Suggested periodicals for software…

School districts of all sizes can begin to use computers in their schools by outlining objectives, securing community support, planning for one microcomputer for every 20 students, and evaluating computers and software. (MLF)

Considers the criteria for purchasing microcomputers, videodisc players, and videotape equipment for use in a school system. Suggests applications of such equipment in English classrooms. (RL)

In four chapters, this research report on computers in education examines computer hardware (the machinery) and software (or courseware, programmed instructions that tell the hardware what to do), classroom uses of computers, ways of bringing computers into the schools, and four districts that have successfully introduced computers into their…

This annotated bibliography and resource list is the fourth guide in a series that constitutes a handbook on educational computing for teachers and administrators. Citations include the title, author, publisher, copyright date, current price, and publisher's address. Research and journal articles are listed under the following topic areas:…