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 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)

Three issues are critical to the establishment of valid criteria and procedures for determining effective use of computer-based instruction. One issue related to educational software evaluation is that few of the evaluation criteria have been research validated, but, instead, are often based only on speculation and intuition. Criteria are…

Educators may have many questions about the values and uses of microcomputers in the school environment. Cost, versatility of software available, and amount of computer literacy desired are issues that may be encountered during computer selection. (DF)

Outlines problems faced by software publishers in providing instructionally valid computer assisted instruction. A research design undertaken by Edu-Ware Services, Inc., directed at measuring instructional validity and utility of software offered to institutions and consumers, is described noting tests, evaluation, data submission and reduction,…

Examines computerized financial accounting programs that can help administrators with the management of school finances. A detailed chart of financial accounting software packages for microcomputers is included. (JJD)

Presents questions teachers should ask themselves to determine whether they need a gradebook program and questions to consider when deciding what type of gradebook program package to select. (MBR)

Discusses the potential of the new state of computer games designed to provide learning through play for young children and points out several attributes that make a game pedagogically sound. Advice to parents on how to choose educational software is included. (EAO)

Identifies several issues related to the evaluation of educational software and offers some suggestions to help teachers learn more about how computers can be used to improve the teaching of English (HOD)

Presents a model for the evaluation and selection of instructional software packages for microcomputers by school librarians and media specialists. Types of educational applications for microcomputers, the analysis of printed documentation decribing instructional software, content analysis, default analysis, operant analysis, and access time are…

Reviews some of the assumptions underlying authoring guides and evaluation instruments for computer assisted instructional materials and recommends that software design and evaluation criteria be derived from a consistent learning theory base which considers the type of learning, type of learner, and instructional context. (Author/JJD)

A brief discussion of the need to define social studies is followed by methods for developing selection criteria for microcomputer programs in the social studies, a model for lesson development on a microcomputer, and evaluation criteria. The need for educators to carefully state what should be learned is emphasized in terms of controlling the…

Presents procedures for a needs assessment where the instructional situation is identified and instructionally oriented needs are expressed through an instructional requirements matrix, as well as a description of the capabilities of microcomputers and their relationship to various instructional activities. A survey of microcomputers and their…