Provides guidelines for schools choosing a media retrieval system. Topics include broadband, baseband, coaxial cable, or fiber optic decisions; the control network; selecting scheduling software; presentation software; device control; control from the classroom; and a comparison of systems offered by five companies. (LRW)

Discusses the use of videodiscs in schools and suggests criteria for the selection of videodiscs and videodisc players. Topics include different videodisc formats, including CLV (constant linear velocity) and CAV (constant angular velocity); mapping; repurposing; content and age suitability; documentation; vendors; and Level I and Level II…

This book in intended for use by individuals who are comfortable with exploring new software and who want to learn LinkWay (one of a new generation of hypermedia programs) scripting. The book contains several chapters which are divided into three themes. The first part of the book is a review and starts with Chapter 0 providing a brief overview of…

Computers can create an atmosphere of success for children with attention deficit disorders (ADD). Appropriate software can help to encourage creative and imaginative ideas with judgment temporarily suspended. Software which may be useful in this attempt is reviewed, and three suggestions are made for parents and teachers: (1) assemble existing…

Examines a variety of computer software uses and possible effects they can have on social studies instruction, using programs as mediating devices and tools. Concludes that the computer can assist implementation of essential objectives in the social studies curriculum. (TRS)

Like a table of contents in print material, a computer-presented menu presents information. It informs a user of the topics that are available. Some menus present information by categories and thus communicate the organization as well as the content of the program. In addition to providing information, menus serve as a selection and retrieval…

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…

Evaluates six "open" (empty of content and customized by users) software programs using the literature-based characteristics of documentation, learner control, branching capabilities, portability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Interviewed computer-knowledgeable individuals to confirm the legitimacy of the evaluative characteristics. (LRW)

Presents a methodology for the development of educational software for use in secondary education based on the characteristics of the students and the curricular objectives. Topics discussed include desirable features of educational software and the engineering of educational software, including its interdisciplinary nature. (Contains 10…

This report describes the development of the Instructional Support System (ISS), a large-scale, computer-based training system that supports both computer-assisted instruction and computer-managed instruction. Written in the Ada programming language, the ISS software package is designed to be machine independent. It is also grouped into functional…

Reports on how experts in special education approach the problem of software selection. Offers guidance in examining if the software is modifiable and if it offers record-keeping options. Also contains a listing of sample programs that are suitable for special education students in language arts, mathematics, and problem solving. (ML)

Presents the geometric, software-ergonomic, and educative standards for interactive graphics systems envisioned for planimetric constructions and calculations in secondary mathematics instruction. Describes the geometric-didactic potentials of the MS DOS-Version 1.6 of CABRI-Gomtre which is an Intelligent Tutoring System with the possibilities for…

This book shows how and why the computer is so well suited to producing discovery learning environments. An examination of the literature outlines four basic modes of instruction: didactic, Socratic, inquiry, and discovery. Research from the fields of education, psychology, and physiology is presented to demonstrate the many strengths of…

This guide lists favorably reviewed, commercially available, microcomputer software for instructional use in preschool through grade 12. The guide is organized by the following curriculum areas: art; business education; computers; health; instructional tools, including authoring systems, computer assisted drafting (CAD), classroom management,…

This paper discusses four areas in the psychology literature that have important implications for the instructional design of microcomputer-based simulations. The first one examined is cognitive structures, and the following suggestions for instructional design are offered: simulations should be appropriate for students' level of understanding;…