Discusses issues to consider in selecting a CD-ROM network solution, including throughput (speed of data delivery), security, access, servers, key features, training, jukebox support, documentation, and licenses. Reviews software products offered by Novell, Around Technology, Micro Design, Smart Storage, Microtest, Meridian, CD-Connection,…

This edition of "Only the Best" identifies 183 of the most recent education software programs that have met the high standards of 37 software evaluator services since the 1990 edition was published. The purpose of this document is to provide a quick, easy way for computer coordinators, librarians, curriculum directors, teachers, school…

Discusses questions to consider and features to look for in selecting a CD-ROM encyclopedia. Reviews Encyclopaedia Britannica CD 98 Multimedia Edition, Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia 1998, Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia, and Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia 1998. Contact information, price, and system requirements are listed. (JAK)

These three articles discuss communications software that is designed for use in online searching on a personal computer. Highlights include criteria for choosing software; a review of general purpose communications software packages and their suitability for online searching; software for end users; future possibilities; and five experts' top…

Lists and compares specifications, properties, and test results of eight microcomputer software programs for information storage and retrieval by endusers. This is one of a series of articles that have reported the results of a software evaluation project conducted by The Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN). (22…

Provides an introduction to the use of communications software for remote access between microcomputers. Areas discussed include hardware requirements for these applications, software features that should be considered, security issues, and some disadvantages of remote control software. A directory of remote control software packages is provided.…

The second part of a report on CD-ROM networking in libraries describes LAN (local area network) technology; networking software and towers; gateway software for connecting to campuswide networks; Macintosh LANs; and network licenses. Several product and software reviews are included, and a sidebar lists vendor addresses. (NRP)

Examines features of currently available electronic spelling checkers to assist in purchasing decisions. Hardware considerations are discussed, and several standalone checkers for the IBM and Macintosh are described, as well as checkers included with word processing programs. Ordering information for the programs is included. (MES)

Points out that computer software which is to be used with young children in early childhood classes must be designed and selected to reflect a sound developmental approach to learning. Also presents 10 criteria for developmentally appropriate software and reviews several developmentally appropriate computer programs for young children. (BB)

Designed to aid teachers, school administrators, librarians, students, and parents in selecting educational software for preschool through grade 12, this guide lists 231 programs chosen from 6,000 evaluations conducted by 35 education software evaluation efforts in the United States and Canada. The introduction provides a detailed explanation of…

This cumulative guide lists the 550 highest rated programs identified by "Only the Best" from the evaluation reports of 37 evaluation services over a 5-year period. The introduction describes the selection criteria used as well as the individual evaluation services whose evaluations were used, and lists sources where the evaluations…

Designed to aid teachers, school administrators, and parents in selecting educational software for grades K-12, this guide lists 193 programs chosen from over 6,500 evaluations conducted by 30 evaluation services in the United States and Canada. Following the introduction, which provides a detailed explanation of how the programs were selected,…

Designed to aid teachers, school administrators, and parents in selecting educational software for grades K-12, this guide lists 226 programs chosen form 8,000 evaluations conducted by 32 evaluation services in the United States and Canada. Following the introduction, which provides a detailed explanation of how the programs were selected, the…

Identifies four microcomputer-based software packages for scheduling and evaluates their usefulness for scheduling employees in a library setting. Evaluation criteria are applied to (1) Schedule Master, from Schedule Master Corporation; (2) Schedule Plus, from Cyclesoft, Inc.; (3) Who Works When, from Newport Systems; and (4) Working Hours, from…

This paper presents a model for designing computer-based simulation environments within a constructivist framework for the K-12 school setting. The following primary criteria for the development of simulations are proposed: (1) the problem needs to be authentic; (2) the cognitive demand in learning should be authentic; (3) scaffolding supports a…