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)

Two instruments have been developed to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating educational software and courseware: the "Courseware Description" form and the "Courseware Evaluation" form. Complete instructions for using both forms are provided in this guide, along with the forms themselves. Prior to the instructions is…

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)

This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises four stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not…

This document describes the operation and quality of pre-college instructional software sold for use on microcomputers. It also assists in locating other sources of similar information about instructional software. This edition is limited to programs for the Apple II, Commodore PET, and Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I. Fifty reviews of software…

Discussion of database integration and how it operates includes recommendations on compatible brand name word processing and database management programs, and a checklist for evaluating essential and desirable features of the available programs. (MBR)

This guide suggests processes for making informed software selection, describes several prominent software evaluation models, raises key issues in the software selection process, and provides information on a variety of print and organizational resources. The first section, featuring an article by Henry F. Olds, Jr., "Evaluating the…

Contains a check list to aid teachers in evaluating software used in computer-assisted instruction on microcomputers. The evaluation form contains three sections: program description, program evaluation, and overall evaluation. A brief description of a software evaluation program in use at the Granite School District in Utah is included. (JJD)

Designed to assist teachers in identifying quality software, this guide provides software evaluation forms and associated evaluation criteria to aid in completing the forms. The two-part instrument is used in the evaluation process conducted by Alberta Education, which involves the Program Development Division and the Computer Technology Project's…

In order to develop a systematic procedure for the evaluation and revision of educational software for microcomputers, a study was undertaken by the Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE) Institute and the Microcomputer Resource Center at Columbia University to define the criteria that are needed to evaluate instructional microcomputer…

Guidelines and steps for reviewing and selecting computerized instructional materials are reviewed. (MP)

Discusses evaluation of microcomputer courseware for school libraries, noting the evaluation process (selecting evaluation instrument, selecting and obtaining courseware for review), and steps of the evaluation program. Sources of evaluation instruments and courseware reviews, and evaluation forms of California Library Media Consortium for…

Designed to assist administrators in making intelligent decisions about microcomputer selection, this nontechnical guide provides information in three areas: how, where, when, and why to use a microcomputer; what questions to ask about software and hardware; and what terminology to use. It provides a framework for answering six questions the…

This guide gives step-by-step directions for authoring computer-assisted instruction materials as well as advice on planning, designing, coding, documenting, and evaluating computer assisted courseware. The importance of prospective courseware designers having a sound background in both educational theory and practice is also discussed, and…

Checklists cover six important dimensions of computer use in social studies: (1) what a computer can do to achieve educational goals, (2) planning for implementation, (3) major modes of computer uses in education, (4) important qualities, (5) technical features of good educational computer programs, and (6) checking out software. (RM)