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…

Three software programs which encourage children to learn geography and have fun are reviewed. Complementary activities are suggested. (MT)

The computer is an exciting medium for art, especially for projects involving color and line, motivating even the most reluctant young artist. Input devices are described. The first four lessons are suggested and ways to display the art projects are covered. (MT)

Five software packages that can create party decorations, certificates, toys, comic strips, and other graphics are reviewed. Sources of the software are given. (MT)

A class newsletter can help students learn about each other while they gain important social, writing, and interviewing techniques. Computer programs to produce a newsletter, to do word processing, and to manage data are described. (MT)

Three programs for teaching kindergarten and first-grade students mathematics are described. They are Number Farm, Math Rabbit, and Math and Me. (MT)

Strategies developed by teachers for using word processing software in writing programs for grades K-6 are presented. These strategies will work with just one computer in a classroom. Two software programs are described. (MT)

Six software products are reviewed including multimedia packages for history/geography and science. Other products include a coloring program, riddle-maker, word puzzle generator, a lesson on counting money, and a math game equipped with animation and sound effects. (IAH)

Provides a practical guide for evaluators of social studies courseware derived from a general evaluation instrument and the National Council for Social Studies' curriculum specific guidelines. The criteria address content, instructional, and technical quality, as well as social studies knowledge, skill development, and values. Includes a sample…

New instructional materials for social studies are briefly described, including six textbooks, a software game, two filmstrips, and two books about teaching methods. (CB)

Reviews instructional design research and theory and relates it to the design of computer-based instructional materials. Instructional design guidelines are offered to aid software developers in making design decisions on three macrolevel and four microlevel of instruction. (Author/LRW)

Describes how HyperCard software can be used to direct students to databases, applications, and explanations in an online environment. The use of HyperCard with other software is discussed; using HyperCard to set up tutorials is explained; and limitations are addressed, including the amount of memory needed and the speed of the hardware. (LRW)

Identifies human factor issues involved in the student-computer interface in computer assisted instruction and makes specific recommendations for screen design. Factors considered include simplicity, spaciousness, relevance, standardization, changing display screen contents, color coding, shape and size coding, and brightness coding. (Author/LRW)

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…