Suggests criteria for choosing a programing language in courseware development. Authoring languages (PILOT, TUTOR, BASIC, and PASCAL) are compared; driver programs' compilers and interpreters are discussed; and the tasks of an authoring system are presented. (RAO)

Discussion of factors to be considered in selecting desktop publishing software for the Macintosh microcomputer focuses on the two approaches to such software, i.e., batch and interactive, and three technical considerations, i.e., document, text, and graphics capabilities. Some new developments in graphics software are also briefly described. (MES)

Reviews the principles of the behavioral model of learning and discusses the need to incorporate these principles in the development of educational software programs. Criteria for evaluating software programs based on their inclusion of behavioral principles are provided, and the evaluations of six available programs based on these criteria are…

Discusses design and evaluation issues relating to computer managed instruction (CMI). Major functions described include establishing identification database, processing performance data, report formulation, and utility functions. Evaluation issues discussed include customized versus generic CMI, user-friendliness, documentation, data entry…

Suggests use of instructional theory to generate criteria for evaluating microcomputer courseware and describes one approach to its use. This approach identifies skills that the three courseware types--drill and practice, tutorial, and simulation--can teach, and then selects the instructional theory that most specifically addresses the identified…

Reviews a criterion-based evaluation of educational software at York University, Ontario, using the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES). Concern over the quality of available courseware is expressed, and the response of students and teachers is highlighted as the most important criterion for evaluation. (LRW)

An evaluation form used at Ashland College (Ohio) for critical evaluation of educational software is presented. The form covers basic product information, program content, educational appropriateness, organizational and technical components, teacher's manual, and product revision. (MBR)

Presents and discusses a form for the evaluation of microcomputer software for computer-assisted instruction which covers the following areas: (1) program goals; (2) program content; (3) audience; (4) instructional strategies; (5) program design; (6) appropriate use of computers; (7) program techniques; (8) cost/benefit analysis; and (9) overall…

Reviews seven commercially produced test generator programs appropriate for use by classroom teachers or individual instructors and identifies item construction and test formatting features that facilitate test design and delivery. Test generator programs and their manufacturers are listed. (MBR)

Discusses attributes which are offered as set of standards to judge instructional software--those unique to design of microcomputer courseware and those included in design of all instruction. Curriculum role, modes of interaction, computer managed instruction, graphics, feedback, packaging, and manuals are noted. Fourteen references are included.…