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…

Briefly describes comprehensive, short, and game-format typing tutorials. Also provides guidelines on selecting a typing tutorial and information on seven software packages. Each entry includes name, publisher, hardware needed, current price, grade level(s), and such information as whether teachers can create lessons or if feedback is provided to…

Eight criteria for evaluating microcomputer software are discussed: ability to perform specified tasks, ease of operation, vendor stability, other users' reports, speed of operation, ease of configuration, support from supplier, and quality of documentation. Secondary criteria (e.g., adaptability, expansion potential, security, environment…

Discussion of factors to be considered in selecting desktop publishing software for the Macintosh microcomputer focuses on the two approaches to such software, i.e., batch and interactive, and three technical considerations, i.e., document, text, and graphics capabilities. Some new developments in graphics software are also briefly described. (MES)

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)

This document consists of 24 microcomputer software package evaluations prepared by the MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers) Clearinghouse at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Each software review lists source, cost, ability level, subject, topic, medium of transfer, required hardware, required software,…

This guide to the development of effective documentation for users of computer software begins by identifying five types of documentation, i.e., training manuals, user guides, tutorials, on-screen help comments, and troubleshooting manuals. Six steps in the development process are then outlined and briefly described: (1) planning and preparation;…

Eleven articles and documents selected from the ERIC indexes, "Resources in Education" and "Current Index to Journals in Education" for 1983 are listed in this bibliography. Emphasis is on criteria for selecting and purchasing educational software for microcomputers. Several articles cover software evaluation issues and…

Discusses the development of an instrument to assist educators in evaluating software and to aid them in developing useful software for nutrition education and nutrient analysis purposes. The complete survey instrument is included. (JN)

Discusses the general characteristics of database management systems and file systems. Also gives a basic framework for evaluating such software and suggests characteristics that should be considered when buying software for specific scientific applications. A list of vendor addresses for popular database management systems is included. (JN)

Argues that most school systems in the United States fit into one of the five evolutionary stages of computer use: initial experimentation, state legislative involvement, search for software, initial computer integration, and full integration. These stages are described and tips on how to choose the best computer software are given. (MBR)

Identifies factors to consider when evaluating educational software and describes additional criteria for evaluating software for physically disabled students. Software design which complements school curriculum and is accessible to nondisabled and moderately disabled students is presented as a solution. Sammy Series programs developed to meet…

Guidelines for understanding computer-assisted instruction (CAI) pedagogical designs and evaluating CAI software for its relevance to specific teaching and learning objectives are presented in this paper. Topics discussed include applications, drawbacks, and examples of the five types of CAI software--drill and practice, tutorial, simulation,…

This report provides 1-page reviews of 113 highly-rated computer software programs, identified from the evaluation reports of the following 16 evaluation services and educational technology magazines: Province of Alberta (Alberta Education), Baltimore County (Maryland) Public Schools, Province of British Columbia Ministry of Education, California…

Designed to complement the manual, "Evaluation of Educational Software: A Guide to Guides," which provides an overview of 10 different models of microcomputer courseware evaluation instruments, this 5-section workshop guide outlines an approach to using the evaluation materials in a hands-on workshop setting. Session notes, reproducible…