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 a set of pirnciples based on "Peter's People and Their Marvelous Ideas" (L. J. Peter, 1979) to explain the inner structures of computer assisted instruction. These principles relate to courseware development and testing, preparing guides, and computer assisted instruction service, languages, and systems. (MBR)

Presents a survey of user needs for microcomputer software in elementary and secondary schools. Approaches to software development are highlighted and the future of microcomputers is discussed. (RAO)

Offers educational practitioners direction for the development of a master plan for the implementation and application of computer-based educational technology by briefly examining computers in education, discussing organizational change from a theoretical perspective, and presenting an overview of the planning strategy known as the planning and…

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…

This overview of instructional applications of computer-assisted instruction and microcomputer applications discusses current developments in hardware and software, the need for independent review and evaluation of CAI programs, the growing importance of computer literacy, especially for teachers, and projections for the future. Eleven references…

Focuses on the advantages of using the microcomputer rather than the minicomputer. Descriptions of the programing process and system components for the microcomputer are followed by a list of 11 types of computer programs that can be processed at this time, and a brief discussion of research goals. (RAO)

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)

Discusses the use of a microprocessor to record, retrieve, edit, and utilize grade formulas for students at the University of Virginia. (MER)

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.…

Survey of educational computer software producers regarding their concern about illegal duplication of their programs by consumers reveals that majority of producers are willing to negotiate special prices for multiple copies, and few software producers are willing to allow schools to preview products. Questionnaire results and five references are…

Reasons for the general lack of active planning for a programmatic approach to this new technology are presented, gaps in current microcomputer use are identified, and data collected from public school districts in Florida are analyzed. (Author/MER)

Reports on uses of microcomputers at the University of Michigan including word processing, extending laboratory experience, simulation, games, tutorial uses, and building skills in computing. (RAO)

Acquaints the reader with the personal computer, emphasizing its use as an aid in the learning process; considers the types of hardware available and software related to educational uses; and offers advice to those just entering this area. (Author)

Examines the application of microcomputer statistics in social studies, and computer access and simulations in middle school environments. An interdisciplinary framework of curricula among social studies, science, and mathematics teachers with equal access to microcomputers and software programs is encouraged. (MER)