Continued from the front cover, this article offers suggestions about selecting and purchasing microcomputers and software for schools. (WD)

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)

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…

This working paper documents the efforts of a professional information center (PIC) in Denver to provide resources that aid teachers and administrators in selecting software programs for varied microcomputer uses. The report outlines the development of PIC as a coordinator and clearinghouse for organizing and disseminating information on computers…

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)

Critical review of Periodical Indexes, a computerized instructional package designed to strengthen student skills in using periodical indexes in the library. A sample of the Software Evaluation Checklist, developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, is included. (JJD)

Software collection development recommendations from principals and educational computing specialists focus on district control of software collections, budgeting, what to purchase (e.g., games versus educational programs), computer literacy, and computers as time savers for instructors. Recommended software programs are profiled, and an annotated…

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)

Suggestions for integrating computer technology and composition instruction are presented in four conference papers, summaries of four conference courseware demonstrations, a paper describing computer-based evaluation of textual responses, and a reactor's address. In an overview of the current state of computer-based composition instruction,…

A systematic process for selecting computer-based instructional systems and incorporating them into school programs is presented in this guide. The 8-step process which is outlined includes: (1) specification of goals and objectives, (2) assessment of student needs, (3) review of the curriculum framework, (4) determination of computer…