This article examines software development techniques used by special educators through the perspective of the software life cycle. The paper argues that traditional programming techniques are becoming less and less feasible for software development within the typical funding levels and timelines of federal initiatives. More use of commercial…

Four English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) dictionaries available in electronic form are compared and evaluated, focusing on content and organization, utility for students unused to the computer, inclusion of supplementary language corpora and other reference materials, multimedia capacities, and search options. (MSE)

The guide updates one section of a previously written manual on speech software for blind and visually impaired persons. The guide presents reviews of 14 specific commercially available software programs. Software is critiqued for IBM (Enhanced PC Talking Program, Soft Vert, Screen-Talk Pro, Artic Vision, Freedom 1, and Prompt-Writer), Apple…

This description of procedures for dumping high and low resolution graphics using the Apple IIe microcomputer system focuses on two special hardware configurations that are commonly used in schools--the Apple Dot Matrix Printer with the Apple Parallel Interface Card, and the Imagewriter Printer with the Apple Super Serial Interface Card. Special…

As computers become an increasingly common appliance, groups and individuals whose interests extend beyond computers have found computer bulletin board systems (BBS) to be efficient communication devices. A BBS is a modem-equipped computer that can communicate with other modem-equipped computers over ordinary telephone lines. A modem translates…

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…

Identifies, considers, and interrelates the functionality of hardware, firmware, and software types; discusses the relationship of input and output devices in the PC-based desktop publishing environment; and reports some of what has been experienced in three years of working intensively in/with desktop publishing devices and solutions. (MES)

Variations among different versions of Logo are discussed in terms of special hardware needed, size and speed, bugs and misfeatures, and syntax. LogoWriter and Object Logo are also described. A comparison chart is included. (MNS)

Computer software to build skills and encourage family computer time over the summer are recommended for teachers to send home to parents. Programs include games based on classic adventure stories, a shopping mall game to encourage math skills, and keyboarding programs. (MT)

The second article in a four-part continuing education course on legal issues affecting libraries and librarians addresses the issues of liability insurance, malpractice, and copyright laws pertaining to print materials and computer software. (12 references) (CLB)

Reviews and compares three word processing packages (WordStar, XYWriter II, and Volkswriter Deluxe) on documentation, ease of use, performance, and error handling. Indicates that Volkswriter Deluxe was the easiest to use, very flexible, and capable of doing most but not all things. (JN)

Presents an annotated list of 17 references dealing with various topics related to telecommunications and online systems. (JN)

Software available to physical educators both for general or administrative purposes and for educational purposes is discussed. Appended is a list of software with availability information and a list of vendors. (MT)

A computer program (written in Applesoft BASIC) to score the Scientific Attitude Inventory (SAI) has been developed. The program takes approximately seven minutes to process a file containing 150 subjects. A complete listing of the program (which is available from the author on diskette) is included. (JN)

Discusses the features of animation software packages, reviewing eight commercially available programs. Information provided for each program includes name, publisher, current computer(s) required, cost, documentation, input device, import/export capabilities, printing possibilities, what users can originate, types of image manipulation possible,…