This comprehensive "Handbook" focuses on the most used polytomous item response theory (IRT) models. These models help us understand the interaction between examinees and test questions where the questions have various response categories. The book reviews all of the major models and includes discussions about how and where the models…

This 11th edition of the High/Scope Buyer's Guide to Children's Software was designed to help teachers, caregivers, and parents make good choices when purchasing software to enhance children's learning. The book consists of an introduction, a chapter on finding the best software, software reviews for 48 different software products. The…

Reviews two programs: (1) "The Weather Machine" on understanding weather and weather forecasting and (2) "The Mystery of the Hotel Victoria" on problem solving in mathematics. Presents the descriptions, advantages, and weaknesses of the software. (YP)

This article discusses the integration of computers into effective instruction in special education. In search of software appropriate to the student's stage of learning, implementations are addressed in terms of warm-up, introductory activity, guided practice, independent practice, and assessment. Criteria for selection are explained and several…

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 document provides a composite index of the first five sets of software annotations produced by Project SEED. The software has been indexed by title, subject area, and grade level, and it covers sets of annotations distributed in September 1986, April 1987, September 1987, November 1987, and February 1988. The date column in the index…

This discussion of library software packages includes guidelines for library automation with microcomputers; criteria to aid in software selection; comparison of some features of available acquisitions, circulation and overdues software; references for software reviews; additional information on microsoftware; and a directory of producers and…

This article describes five organizational Web sites that are good resources in selecting and using software with children who have special needs. The sites represent the DO-IT project, the Trace Research and Development Center, Special Needs Opportunity Windows, the Family Center on Technology and Disability, and the National Center for…

Suggestions are made for overcoming the problem posed by available mathematics computer software, which is primarily drill and practice and intended for use by one student at a time. Three commercial software programs are reviewed. (JD)

Describes a comprehensive food service computer needs assessment conducted in Minnesota. Includes three phases: (1) defining the needs of the food service; (2) evaluating vendors and their systems; and (3) system selection and contract negotiations. Cites availability of two documents published in the process.(MLF)

Contends that microcomputers were introduced into the social studies classrooms to teach higher order thinking skills. Maintains that computers can aid in teaching both process and content. Reviews new computer software programs and points out each programs' educational objectives and problems. Contends microcomputers are an invaluable tool of…

Research has supported the idea that the use of computers in the education of young children promotes social interaction and academic achievement. This resource booklet provides an introduction to computers in early childhood settings to enrich learning opportunities and provides guidance to teachers to find developmentally appropriate software…

This report describes a project conducted for the following purposes: (1) research the new technologies that will be part of the upcoming information boom, popularly referred to as the "information superhighway"; (2) interview technical professionals in the scientific field to find out their feelings and predictions on the technology;…

For use by teachers with access to writing centers, this guide provides criteria for choosing appropriate computer software for writing centers and lists current choices of good software. The first section explains why teachers, who have direct experience with the needs of students and the objectives of writing instruction, are the most qualified…

Reviews and compares two CD-ROMs designed to teach sign language skills: "The American Sign Language Dictionary on CD-ROM" and "Sign Language for Everyone." The first is seen to be the better reference tool whereas the second is judged the better choice for computer users wanting to learn sign language in a structured way. (DB)