Guidelines are offered to help special education teachers select appropriate software and integrate computer-assisted instruction (CAI) into existing curricula. (JW)

Looks at computer uses appropriate for the elementary reading classroom, considers techniques for evaluating computer materials, and suggests references and resources for additional information. (FL)

This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises six stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not…

The relative worth of any evaluation instrument depends on user needs and the material being evaluated. Potential users of a good computer assisted instruction (CAI) instrument include purchasers, authors, reviewers, and publishers of CAI materials. Although each user has unique needs, a good instrument will serve both to educate and discriminate,…

Research on the use of computers with young handicapped children is summarized. Much of the literature on the topic, it is noted, is speculative; few students are technically sound. Findings are briefly reviewed in terms of the amount of time spent using the computer, social and free play choices, software selection preferences, amount of teacher…

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…

Offers guidelines for designing computer-based testing which demands high-level cognitive functioning of students using computer-assisted instruction as a learning mode. Examples of conceptual, principle, and procedural learning evaluation approaches, strengths and weaknesses within the formats described, and suggestions for improving the…

Points out that although there are thousands of software programs available to support educational applications, there is a paucity of suitable courseware. An in-place system for proper evaluation of courseware that, to date, has "approved" more than 200 computer-assisted instructional programs is described. (JN)

Intended for administrators and policy makers as well as teachers, this digest offers selection strategies for consumers of English/language arts computer software. Following the introduction, the digest discusses initial considerations when evaluating software, including examining both the accompanying documentation and the actual program. It…

The paper is intended to help rehabilitation professionals use computer hardware and software in serving their clients and improving their professional associations and practices. Four types of computer applications are addressed (examples in parentheses): (1) assistive devices (environmental control systems, writing devices); (2) software to help…

Describes a methodology for student involvement in courseware evaluation and for utilizing student reactions in purchasing and implementation decisions. The evaluation forms used in a survey of 2,308 Indiana students are presented, and the results of that survey are discussed. (18 references) (CLB)

Computer Assisted Practical Evaluation (CAPE) is a FORTRAN computer program which students use to verify answers obtained from experimental data. Generally, whenever an incorrect answer is supplied, students are asked to redo calculations and submit a revised value. Advantages and use of the program with chemistry classes are described. (JN)

Provides answers to three questions about the implementation of computer based training: (1) What kinds of training adapt to CBT? (2) What human resources will you need to adapt training to CBT? and (3) What strategic approach meets your training needs in converting to CBT? (JEG)

More than 10,000 instructional software packages have been published for elementary and secondary schools--thousands in each discipline. Unfortunately, not all sources of courseware evaluations are equally reliable; therefore, it is important to determine that evaluations include: (1) critical appraisal of content accuracy; (2) in-depth…

Designed to assist teachers in identifying quality software, this guide provides software evaluation forms and associated evaluation criteria to aid in completing the forms. The two-part instrument is used in the evaluation process conducted by Alberta Education, which involves the Program Development Division and the Computer Technology Project's…