Guidelines for the planning and purchase of microcomputer systems are presented in outline form. These guidelines are directed to educators in developmental education, special education, and learning center environments; however, they are applicable to all educators intending to use microcomputers. First, a discussion of hardware considerations is…

The paper describes the decision process in the determination of software purchase for the professional's use of the microcomputer. Consideration to ensure that the software purchased will be a success, which software will be needed, and options that will facilitate the location and evaluation of software are discussed. (Author/CL)

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…

Suggestions are offered regarding the use and selection of software with LD (learning disabled) students. The scarcity of appropriate software for the population is pointed out and a hybrid selection scale based upon several existing scales is described. It is noted that the major reason for rejecting software is the high readability skill…

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…

Reprinted from "The Computing Teacher," this document contains software reviews for 23 computer programs that educators could use in the classroom or for administrative purposes. Each review describes the program by listing the program title, subject, producer, grade level (if applicable), hardware required, cost, and reviewer's name and…

This annotated bibliography lists 25 educational software programs that were recently judged winners by "Learning" magazine. Offered to provide guidance to practitioners in program selection, the listing includes programs in reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, problem solving, and creative arts. (DG)

Ten teacher guidelines for selecting computer software programs for learning disabled students are outlined. (JW)

Presents some rules of thumb for parents and teachers who are developing software libraries. Includes comments on drill and practice software, programs (simulations and adventure games) that teach thinking/problem-solving skills, and programs that foster creativity. Also includes list of resources for selecting software. (JN)

Suggests sources for reviews of available software, and provides seven guidelines for selecting appropriate software: know your objectives; check on software compatibility and available support; consider brand names first; check evaluations, copying restrictions, and documentation. Suggestions for taking care of software and a discussion of word…

Citing several reasons why computers offer the potential to enhance instruction, this paper suggests that the teaching of thinking skills should be integrated into various subject areas by using software programs that involve the use of the skills required in the particular subject area. To illustrate this matching strategy, three software…

Educators interested in applying technology to individualized educational program (IEP) development for handicapped children need to first, understand and explicitly state the local context in which IEP development occurs and then weigh the options in relation to criteria specifying ease of use, data features, program capabilities, and costs.…

This Digest points out characteristics of quality computer software for children, describes different kinds of software, and suggests ways to get software for preview. The need to consider the purpose for which the software is to be used and the degree to which the software meets its stated goals is noted. Desirable software characteristics and…

Some of the typical characteristics of computer software are discussed first, noting the textbook-software connection. Criteria for software selection are then noted, with consideration of educational aspects and administrative aspects. A case study of applying the criteria is provided by Cypress College. (MNS)

Faced with beginning the school year without the necessary chemicals for experiments in a newly adopted chemistry textbook, a department chairperson conceived the idea of supplementing the textbook with simulated experiments on microcomputers. The methodology used to select the appropriate software is described, with suggestions for some new…