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)

The relative worth of any evaluation instrument depends on user needs and the material being evaluated. Potential users of a good computer assisted instruction (CAI) instrument include purchasers, authors, reviewers, and publishers of CAI materials. Although each user has unique needs, a good instrument will serve both to educate and discriminate,…

This guide for evaluating microcomputer instructional software includes a hardware/software interface analysis sheet which can be used to determine if the software being evaluated is compatible with the hardware on which it will be used. Also provided is an instructional software evaluation form for use in making judgments about (1) specific…

Five guidelines are presented for selecting educational courseware. Student behavioral objectives should be stated. Motivational and informative feedback should be provided. The type of student control should be appropriate to the learner and the task. The content should be accurate, and the pedagogical approach should be acceptable to the school…

Describes the current status and limitations of expert systems, and explores the possible applications of such systems in education and training. The use of expert systems as tutors, as job aids, and as a vehicle for students to develop their own expert systems on specific topics are discussed. (40 references) (CLB)

Many of the factors that go into evaluating computer courseware are the same ones educators have been applying to all instructional materials long before computers entered the classroom. Discussed are some effective ways for locating computer courseware and instruction and computer related evaluation factors. (RM)

Developed to provide Washington State educators with information on the evaluation of computer software or courseware, this booklet includes brief sections on general criteria for evaluating instructional materials, general criteria for evaluating courseware, and special considerations in evaluating courseware. Such considerations include deciding…

Some ways of producing quality software for language instruction are discussed, including three kinds of systems: authoring or template, freeform, and hybrid. Special features and possible advantages and disadvantages of each type are considered. (Author/MSE)

Educators may have many questions about the values and uses of microcomputers in the school environment. Cost, versatility of software available, and amount of computer literacy desired are issues that may be encountered during computer selection. (DF)

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)

Discusses the selection and purchase of computer software for use in educational settings. Evaluative criteria such as software reviews, publisher reputation, evidence of field-testing, and publishing company attitude toward previewing and software backup are examined. A chart of the purchasing policies of 29 publishing companies is included. (JJD)

Guidelines to help music teachers evaluate computer software for classroom use are presented. An annotated listing of critical reviews of music education computer software is also included. (RM)

Because technology is changing so fast, it is hard to plan for the use of computers. The author offers advice for schools planning to choose and implement computer technology. Considered are: classroom and administrative uses, peripheral equipment selection, and budgeting. (JMK)

Suggests a three-step process for selecting remedial courseware: an in-house evaluation using an evaluation form designed for the specific learning environment; consultation with external sources which evaluate courseware; and use of the courseware on a trial basis with students. (AYC)

Considers the criteria for purchasing microcomputers, videodisc players, and videotape equipment for use in a school system. Suggests applications of such equipment in English classrooms. (RL)