Suggests what to look for when evaluating software and its support literature; includes a software evaluation checklist. (Available from: Modern Learning Publishers, Inc., 6517 Liggett, Oakland, CA 94611, $14.) (AEA)

Compares in table format 57 commercially available word processing programs for microcomputers and provides definitions/explanations for comparative criteria categorized according to editing and printer/formatting features. (JN)

Answers to six major questions related to selecting software are provided. Questions relate to accident-proof software, simple/easy-to-understand directions, computer instructions (interactive mode), continuously-displayed instruction window, help following incorrect response, and use with nonreaders. Includes checklist for user-friendly software…

Briefly discusses the important criteria by which microcomputer programs intended for instructional use should be evaluated, presents a series of guidelines for submitting reviews of computer programs developed for instructional purposes (courseware), and provides a copy of the Curriculum Review Courseware Evaluation Form. (JL)

CUTOFF is a program to identify the most efficient classification prediction cutting score. It ranks the scores of a criterion and a comparison group and organizes them into cumulative frequency tables allowing for immediate display of an index of correct identifications associated with each score. (Author/JKS)

Discusses (in question/answer format) criteria to use when evaluating language arts software. Also reviews four programs illustrating principles/ideas considered in these criteria. Programs include: "Story Maker" (grades 3 and above); "Suspect Sentences" (Grades 7-12); "M-ss-ng L-nks" (grades 2 and above); and…

To help school administrators evaluate microcomputer software, this summary of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory's "Evaluator's Guide" presents 25 evaluation criteria coordinated with a software evaluation form. The criteria focus on computer programs' content and instructional and technical quality. (Author/RW)

A modified set of criteria based on sociology is suggested as a framework for evaluating the social implications of educational software. Six analytic categories are discussed: language usage, knowledge, ideology, profit, culture, and ethics. Procedures for applying the critical framework are outlined, and 32 references are listed. (MBR)

Guidelines for selecting/buying educational software are discussed under the following headings: educational soundness; appropriateness; challenge and progress; motivation and reward; correctness; compatibility with systems; instructions and handlings. Includes several sources of software reviews. (JN)

Many of the factors that go into evaluating computer courseware are the same ones educators have been applying to all instructional materials long before computers entered the classroom. Discussed are some effective ways for locating computer courseware and instruction and computer related evaluation factors. (RM)

The importance of user needs and computer software is stressed in a series of questions designed to aid in the selection and evaluation of computer systems for use in schools. (JJD)

When looking at diverse theories of intelligence, there are four common notions to guide software developers: (1) educational software must be sensitive to individual differences; (2) programs must motivate students; (3) software must reflect real world problems; and (4) software should receive careful empirical evaluation. (JMK)

Discusses factors which determine whether there is a need for simulation and objectives associated with a simulation effort. Also discusses characteristics of existing software packages which determine if instructors should use the software or develop their own software for the particular problem under analysis. (JN)

Some ways of producing quality software for language instruction are discussed, including three kinds of systems: authoring or template, freeform, and hybrid. Special features and possible advantages and disadvantages of each type are considered. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the importance of the selection and evaluation of suitable software packages that will fit naturally into the organizational structure and existing jobs and the role of the training professional in the assessment of training needs and evaluation of training materials supplied by software vendors. (EAO)