Describes three criteria for evaluating educational software; classification of software types, the presence or absence of process skills, and educational practices. This article provides background for a software evaluation form to appear in a subsequent issue. (CW)

One of nine brief guides on using computer technology, this guide is directed to parents of children with disabilities and provides an overview of computer use with handicapped children and suggestions for ways parents can learn more about the potential of technology to aid their children. Instructional software for classroom or home use generally…

Discusses electronic spreadsheets and how they can be useful as a classroom tool for mathematical calculations and creating text matrices. Provides examples of electronic spreadsheets for plotting genealogy, comparing types of crocodilians, compiling data for "mystery liquids," and charting the differences and similarities among three…

Reports an interview with Peter Kelman of Scholastic Software. Describes several developments in writing software for elementary and secondary level students. (MM)

This is a manual for those considering the role of Tutor in an educational programme following Open and Distance Learning (ODL) methodologies. To introduce the concept of self-learning, the manual is designed to be self-instructional: (1) Self paced; (2) Easy to read; (3) Easy to follow the instructions; (4) Illustrated with examples to enhance…

This guide is written for the K-12 teacher or librarian who cannot afford the time or expenses to attend workshops or does not have the patience to read through densely worded treatises about the Internet. Organized into three modules, "Learning the Internet,""Teaching the Internet," and "Acquiring the Internet," this book makes a complex subject…

Presents simple steps for projecting images from a computer screen, for use in the classroom. Discusses how to connect the computer to the television, equipment needed, and placing the monitor for maximum visibility. (AEF)

This how-to manual is intended to ease the transition to the information technology age even for those teachers who have no previous knowledge or experience with computers. Written in a concise, numbered paragraph format, the text uses simple nontechnical language. The first chapter titled, "Getting Started with Computers," covers choosing and…

The paper demonstrates how school districts can have a low cost software library for instruction by utilizing public domain software. Such software can be used to augment the curriculum and to meet the individual needs of special education students. Specific examples of how one school district has used public domain software in computer-assisted…

One of nine brief guides for special educators on using computer technology, this guide focuses on computer use with learning disabled students for such purposes as direct instruction and development of communication skills. It is noted that the learning disabled student may possess certain characteristics which require the kind of modification of…

This book reviews over 250 computer programs oriented toward the three- to six-year age range. Each program has been screened with checklists designed to rate such factors as ease of use, content strength, instructional design, and developmental appropriateness. The opening section contains an alphabetical list of all the software titles covered,…

Any educational technology is only as good as the way it is used for learning. There are many different instructional models using many different types of software, and not all models are equally effective in meeting users' needs. This Technical Paper begins with an overview of ways computer technologies can be used in instruction, and groups them…

An overview of integrated learning systems (ILS) is provided. Twelve companies marketing products under the term ILS are identified. Philosophical approaches, curriculum areas, management systems, costs, and company stability are discussed as important considerations for schools considering these companies. (CW)

Features Internet connections related to feature stories in this issue. Gives search tips to use on Internet, lists selected Net addresses relevant to each article, and briefly discusses resources provided. Topics include funding sources for classroom projects, researching historical projects, pets at school, fire prevention month,…

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…