This annual guide provides information on recommended software programs and multimedia applications for K-12 use. An introductory section describes the evaluation process and lists the highest-rated programs for 1998-99. The program entries are organized by the following subject areas: the arts, early childhood, health, language arts, mathematics,…

Increases in the availability of technology, the range of content software, and curriculum via the Internet have placed countless options in the hands of teachers. Similarly, increasing accountability has placed added pressure on teachers to meet stated objectives and ensure student performance. How can teachers optimize available technologies and…

This collection of reprints from The Computing Teacher contains 11 articles on the selection, evaluation, and organization of software published between August 1983 and March 1986, as well as more than 20 reviews of educational software packages published between December 1982 and June 1986. The articles are: (1) "The New Wave of Educational…

This self-training package is designed to help microcomputer users select appropriate and efficient educational software packages by using a software evaluation system. It is mainly designed for school teachers and parents. The system consists of a Criteria Rating Form (CRF) and a personal evaluation. The CRF--a five-point scale from excellent to…

Microcomputer software can provide excellent drill and practice, simulations, and problem-solving. Yet, software developers often have designed elaborate graphics and unique characters in lieu of sound instructional programming. Many instructional programs for learning-disabled students do not provide appropriate reading levels, the opportunity to…

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 book establishes a framework that can be used to evaluate software for tracking and analyzing student records. First, it examines the characteristics the user should look for in a student-records management software package. Users should be aware of the dangers and costs of replacing a system or integrating new software into an existing…

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…

Discusses steps educators should work through when reviewing educational software, e.g., role playing intended users, analyzing instructional approach, identifying inaccuracies, using software and giving incorrect responses to see how software responds, and assessing the software's human values criteria. An educational software review form is…

Guidelines for selecting good educational software are presented and based on general principles that are relevant to a wide variety of teaching programs, topics, students, and computer systems. (MP)

Presents guidelines for selecting equitable electronic materials such as computer software, CD-ROMs, and websites that a school either has in its possession or makes available to students through the Internet. (ASK)

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…

The L&J Software Analysis Checklist II was designed to assess the therapeutic value of software for educational and clinical utilization. Its three sections focus on program specifics, skill area components (such as sensory motor, cognitive, perceptual, psychosocial and life skills), and other information. Each of the skill area components is…

Presents the following steps for software evaluation: examine course objectives, study software reviews, make arrangements to preview the software packages that appear best to meet the needs of the course, develop or obtain a software evaluation guide, read documentation, complete evaluation guides, and make the selection based on the above…

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)