Describes eight characteristics of good educational software. They are: (1) educational soundness; (2) ease of use; (3) "bullet" proofing (preventing a program from coming to a premature halt); (4) clear instructions; (5) appropriate language; (6) appropriate frame size; (7) motivation; and (8) evaluation. (JN)

Provides an overview of a Vygotskian perspective for learning from hypermedia. Utilizes a Microsoft Dinosaurs teaching-learning episode to pose questions concerning the use of hypermedia for learning of mathematics and science. (Author/MKR)

Abstracts of seven selected papers from the 7th Annual Microcomputers in Education Conference are presented. Papers are included on microcomputer-based labs, teaching science with robots, microcomputer software, problem solving, computer integrated math activities, and computer assisted mathematics. (RH)

Reviews three software programs: "Fraction Fuel-Up"; "Explorations in Chemistry"; and "Locus." Includes information on: instructional orientation, educational level, systems package, publisher, program description, strengths and weaknesses, applications, and recommendations for improvement. Includes a general critique statement in the summary…

Presents a review of computer programs written for the Apple Macintosh computer that teach astronomy. Reviews general programs, along with some which deal more specifically with sky travel, star charting, the solar system, Halley's Comet, and stargazing. Includes the name and address of each producer. (TW)

Provides an introduction to the mathematics and art of the complex plane. Includes two computer programs written in GW BASIC to facilitate a reader's initial investigation. Identifies additional software resources. Stresses the appeal to future scientists, mathematicians, and artists. (CW)

Illustrates the exploration of random and chance events with a microcomputer. Demonstrates this principle using turtle graphics, coin flips, and die rolls in a student exercise involving distance and direction on a number line. Includes the necessary LOGO programming statements to use this method. (CW)

Contains six abstracts of selected papers from the Fourth Annual Summer Computer Conference held in Eugene, Oregon. Topics reviewed include: teaching science process skills with software (three abstracts); computer use in middle school mathematics; computing and algebra; and artificial intelligence tutorial. (ML)

Discusses the use of computer visualization to motivate and support mathematical dialogues. Describes the "Scientific Visualization Software Suite," a set of public domain visualization tools from the National Center for Supercomputing Applications. (Author/MDH)

Contains an annotated bibliography of articles which deal with computer-assisted testing. Includes the author's name, the periodical in which the article appeared, and a short description of the article. (TW)

Provides abstracts of selected mathematics and science papers presented during the conference. Topics included: (1) problem solving using the computer; (2) controlling the environment through Logo; (3) software and technology in the science curriculum; (4) learning multiplication facts using multiple strategies; and (5) limitations and potential…

Discusses some of the variables teachers must consider when using computer software in the science classroom. Describes eight commercially available computer programs that are designed to teach problem solving in science. Includes the producer's address, the grade level for which the program was written, and a critique. (TW)