Statistical software is commonly used in undergraduate social sciences statistics courses. Due to the increase in online/hybrid courses and the cost of SPSS, instructors may wish to switch to another statistical software. We cover seven programs: Excel, Google Sheets, jamovi, JASP, PSPP, R, and SOFA. We compare programs using the following…

The author provides 30 questions that teachers or instructional materials selectors should consider when choosing keyboarding courseware for classroom use. (CH)

The problems associated with forms used to evaluate instructional software are described, and a new form is presented. Rating forms for reviewers should address: (1) global characteristics of the courseware; (2) specific characteristics; and (3) specific properties related to instructional design. The two-page Software Evaluation Form is included.…

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…

Five guidelines are presented for selecting educational courseware. Student behavioral objectives should be stated. Motivational and informative feedback should be provided. The type of student control should be appropriate to the learner and the task. The content should be accurate, and the pedagogical approach should be acceptable to the school…

Instructional materials are mediocre and inflexible because (1) education agencies leave important decisions to materials producers; (2) students, parents, and teachers lack influence; and (3) schools depend excessively on such materials. Cites research supporting this view, and suggests broad criteria and actions to improve textbooks. (MCG)

Presents some rules of thumb for parents and teachers who are developing software libraries. Includes comments on drill and practice software, programs (simulations and adventure games) that teach thinking/problem-solving skills, and programs that foster creativity. Also includes list of resources for selecting software. (JN)

Suggests sources for reviews of available software, and provides seven guidelines for selecting appropriate software: know your objectives; check on software compatibility and available support; consider brand names first; check evaluations, copying restrictions, and documentation. Suggestions for taking care of software and a discussion of word…

Discusses functions of the Alberta (Canada) Computer Technology Project's courseware clearinghouse, reviews findings on instructional software quality, identifies software development trends, and discusses need for support systems to facilitate the incorporation of computer assisted instruction in Canadian schools. (MBR)

While disputing the exaggerated claims for computerized teaching symbolized by Time Magazine's choice of a computer for its 1982 "man of the year," this paper argues that since the technology is omnipresent, and that since it can facilitate learning under certain conditions, teachers should be as informed about it as possible. A discussion of…

The article presents a software evaluation checklist developed by a teaching-research laboratory for severely handicapped students in New York City. In an introductory section, the use of laptop microcomputers in helping handicapped learners acquire, maintain, and generalize functional skills is described as the fifth ingredient of an integrated…

This discussion of authoring systems focuses on modes of computer-assisted learning delivery and criteria for their selection. Topics discussed include industry's use of authoring systems, a systems approach to designing courseware, media selection, learning strategies, instructional events that comprise learning situations, and cognitive…

Describes a dedicated method for the design of multimedia courseware, called PROFIL, which integrates instructional design with software engineering techniques and incorporates media selection in the design methodology. The phases of development are outlined: preliminary investigation, definition, script, technical realization, implementation, and…

Suggests a three-step process for selecting remedial courseware: an in-house evaluation using an evaluation form designed for the specific learning environment; consultation with external sources which evaluate courseware; and use of the courseware on a trial basis with students. (AYC)

The author discusses issues that should be considered in choosing appropriate software for a specific instructional use. (CH)