Reviews children's software packages: (1) "Fun 'N Games"--nonviolent games and activities; (2) "Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo"--matching, logic games, and animal facts; (3) "Big Job"--12 logic games with video from job sites; (4) "JumpStart First Grade"--15 activities introducing typical school lessons; and (5) "Read, Write, & Type!"--progressively…

Identifies desirable features that should be included in software for effective instructional computing use. Highlights include design of learning activities; curriculum role; modes of instruction, including drill and practice, tutorials, games, simulation, and problem solving; branching; menu driven programs; screen displays; graphics; teacher…

Reports on a program developed in Indiana public schools to hold software evaluation workshops that would compare teacher and student evaluations of the same software. The evaluation process is discussed; tutorials, drill and practice programs, simulations, and games are examined; and tests for correlation are described. (21 references) (LRW)

Describes study of college students that was designed to test the hypotheses that females would differ from males on four aspects of computer-related attitudes: (1) interest/enjoyment; (2) comfort and confidence; (3) computers as a male domain; and (4) social impact of computers. Some strategies for improving female students' attitudes toward…

Reports on a study comparing social characteristics of 13 British male secondary-school students with high levels of interest in and use of computers with those of 14 students who lacked interest in computers. Finds that computer-using students were not less sociable than their peers. (CFR)

Examines what children learn from using educational technology in an informal, collaborative environment. Explores how mastering educational computer programs can promote problem-solving transfer. Studies at three after-school computer clubs reveal children who use educational software may learn content knowledge about computer literacy,…

Offers a critical overview of the cultural and educational benefits and dangers of digital media for young people. Argues that public debates on this issue have "veered from utopian hype to moral panic." Provides accounts of previous research on children's engagement with computer games and creative use of multimedia in the home. (CR)

Examines Web sites that are popular among college students to help understand what they expect of library research and online systems. Highlights include entertainment sites, including chat rooms and games; shopping; current topics; services; and library issues, including providing access and help, collection development, and organizing Web…

Investigated fifth-, sixth-, and seventh-graders' ownership of, use of, and attitudes toward computer and video games. Found that more boys than girls owned and used video games, and found gender differences in preferred games. Students enjoyed video and computer games, along with a variety of other activities. (JPB)

The QuiltSpace Builder enables Microsoft's multimedia encyclopedia "Encarta" to "fit" into an established home or institutional learning environment so that "Encarta" can be used for productive research. Early observations of the difficulties encountered by Encarta users, coupled with a survey of presently available…

This document consists of the 1996 issues of CompuKids, a bimonthly publication designed to assist children and their parents and teachers in getting the most out of using computers. The publication includes descriptions of available software, tips on hardware, and adaptations for Macintosh and IBM/Windows products. Regular features include: (1)…

This overview of available technologies and how they can be used in teaching languages is divided into three sections. The first, "Multimedia Inputs," examines digitized multimedia tools and their role in language courses, electronic books, encyclopedias and dictionaries, and games, and takes a closer look at "unimedia"…

Use of educational games to supplement traditional classroom lectures is purported by some researchers to increase interest, motivation, and retention, as well as to improve higher order thinking and reasoning skills. This paper reviews proposed benefits of using games as cognitive tools, and discusses the complexities of assessing those benefits.…

This book provides basic information and answers to help guide educators in developing an effective and meaningful educational computing program. Throughout the book appear boxed definitions pertinent to the text, examples of useful products, and necessary contact information. The guide includes the following sections: (1)…

"Zero to Three" is a single-focus bulletin of the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families providing insight from multiple disciplines on the development of infants, toddlers, and their families. Noting that America's babies and toddlers live in a world full of television sets, VCRs, computers, videogames, and interactive…