Because the cost of computer software is expensive and hardware costs are going down, it is important to choose software systems that are independent of hardware. (JOW)

Recommends a five-step process for selecting the appropriate program for training administration. Includes selection criteria, a list of programs, and resources and suppliers. (JOW)

Describes types of courseware that are available and presents a checklist of evaluation criteria, considering program operation, program content, student outcomes, and pedagogical concerns. (SK)

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…

Citing several reasons why computers offer the potential to enhance instruction, this paper suggests that the teaching of thinking skills should be integrated into various subject areas by using software programs that involve the use of the skills required in the particular subject area. To illustrate this matching strategy, three software…

Foreign language teachers are encouraged to participate in developing computer courseware. Advantages include the potential for higher quality and more plentiful materials, increased confidence with computers, and the kind of discipline a computer affords in focusing on and organizing an exercise. (MSE)

Reprinted from the "The Computing Teacher," this collection of nine articles presents information on computer software selection and evaluation. The articles include: (1) "The DISC Model for Software Evaluation and Support Material Design" (Shelley Yorke Rose and Carol Klenow); (2) "Selecting Computer Software--We Take It…

Discusses the use of computers and word processing programs in two-year college writing instruction. Compares levels of student use of word processing in writing tasks. Reviews factors to be considered in evaluating software. (DMM)

Reviews options for training individuals to use microcomputers (courses and workshops, books/media packages, software producer documentation, and computer disk-based training) and discusses the evaluation of training packages, including instructional design and technical considerations. A selective list of companies that provide training is…

Consumers and producers of educational software must make decisions about what kind of software to buy and create. Both groups must base these decisions on criteria that consider what it is important to learn in our technological era, what is workable, and what is currently practical and cost-effective. Five criteria that are central to these…

Offers basic advice on using a word processor to teach writing, from how to choose the appropriate software before selecting a computer and a printer, to the benefits of using a word processor instead of a typewriter. (NKA)

Discusses current assumptions about what constitutes excellence in software for reading and writing instruction by describing commonly accepted guidelines and arguing that evaluation criteria focuses mainly on technical rather than on learning and educational issues. A priori questions emphasizing learning issues are proposed to strengthen…

Concern is expressed that computer-assisted instruction may quickly become obsolete unless courseware reflects current trends in language learning. Current courseware is criticized as structure-bound and reflecting the 1960s audiolingual approach and for using computer-generated enhancements to cover up essentially trivial exercises. Work done at…

The following steps will integrate computers into a volunteer literacy program: (1) decide how the computers will be used, depending on the program's needs (typically, computers are used to help with management chores and to motivate students and help them attain their academic and career goals); (2) investigate software and hardware, including…

Factors contributing to the uniqueness of educational software are analyzed from contextual and textual perspectives. Contextual (or external) technological, economic, and social factors are examined briefly, and are identified as the dominant factors in the future evolution of educational software. Feedback and interactiveness, two significant…