Shows how guidelines from Robert Pirsig's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" can be used to evaluate computer-based projects in the schools. Guidelines include caring about the project, viewing it from the perspective of the specialist and the common person, and being systematic in approach. (KRN)

Discusses competencies necessary for educators using computers that were developed using a modified Delphi procedure in a project conducted by the Northwest Council for Computer Education (NCCE) and Oregon State University. Competencies are listed for teachers, computer teachers, and computer coordinators at the elementary, middle school, and high…

Suggests computer assisted instruction software that doesn't provide all necessary components of a lesson can be useful if the teacher identifies instructional functions (Gagne's Events of Instruction) provided by the program and supplies those that are missing. This framework is applied to analysis of a specific computer program. (MBR)

Discusses in-service teacher training for computer-related topics and suggests factors that contribute to effective in-service training, including asking teachers to state their needs; collaboration between teachers and the principal to set goals and plan the program; teacher participation; follow-up support; and an active role by administrators.…

Presents a selection model for choosing appropriate software for special education students. The management process is described as well as the instructional process, professional journals and other sources of software reviews are discussed, and the importance of the consistent application of evaluative criteria is emphasized. (LRW)

Describes integrated teaching systems (ITS), formerly called integrated learning systems, and discusses guidelines to be considered when purchasing an ITS. Topics discussed include instructional theories, appropriate grade levels and curriculum areas, management and reporting systems, and cost considerations. A list of vendors offering ITS and…

Provides a checklist for troubleshooting malfunctions in classroom microcomputers and explains steps involved for each component. Areas that are addressed include tools to have available; checking computer cables; disk drives; the computer itself; the monitor, or receiver; printers; and software. (LRW)

Discussion of new technological resources available for science instruction focuses on the use of the HyperCard software for the Macintosh to design customized materials. Topics addressed include general features of HyperCard, designing HyperCard stacks, graphics, and designing buttons (i.e., links for moving through the stacks). Several sample…

Describes the development of a computer lab for freshman high school students. Questions to consider when planning a computer environment are suggested; software and hardware selection is discussed; room arrangements are considered; issues related to buying and installing software are described, including site licensing; and the computer…

Discusses the use of computer assisted instruction to enhance learning basic skills within the traditional language arts curriculum. The Teaching for Transfer approach to software evaluation that is described is designed to provide teachers with information about how well a given piece of software can be integrated into the existing curriculum.…

Respondents to a survey of educational software producers to determine extent to which computer assisted instruction courseware is fieldtested, and what this process involves, indicate that 52% fieldtested all their software. The relevance of these results to school media specialists and their role in selecting and evaluating software is…

Reviews benefits of using cooperative learning strategies and computer assisted instruction (CAI) in classrooms with mainstreamed students; describes teacher's role in implementing cooperative learning; presents examples demonstrating potential of cooperative learning and CAI in language and social skills development; and outlines steps in…

Discusses how to examine and evaluate claims of improved academic performance in advertisements for computer-assisted instruction. Highlights include the proper use of comparison groups; types of statistical analyses; the Hawthorne effect; the interpretation of scores; interpreting graphic presentations; tests of significance; and cost…

Discusses evaluation criteria for selecting courseware that teaches basic concepts appropriate for preschool and early elementary students. Reviews of the software manual, the courseware itself, and reviews by students are suggested. Other areas of concern that are addressed include instructional quality, production quality, flexibility, and cost.…

Discusses sources for private funding to obtain computers for schools and suggests methods for submitting proposals, approaching various organizations, and maintaining good relationships with funders. Potential donors that are described include parent groups, alumni, local service organizations, businesses, and private foundations and charitable…