Texts used in L2 classrooms have traditionally been simplified manually, but recent technological advances allow us to investigate whether automatic text simplification (ATS) software can help L2 learners comprehend texts in second and foreign languages. Participants were divided into low and high L2 reading proficiency groups and assigned to read…

Summary of the findings of a critical overview of more than 200 microcomputer programs using PC-DOS/MS-DOS for online information management discusses software for telecommunications, conversion/reformatting, storage and retrieval of text information, and word processing. (6 references) (MES)

Discussion of research into information and text retrieval problems highlights the work with automatic natural language processing (NLP) that is reported in this issue. Topics discussed include the occurrences of nominal compounds; anaphoric references; discontinuous language constructs; automatic back-of-the-book indexing; and full-text analysis.…

Describes the Archive Retrieval and Analysis System (ARRAS), which provides rapid access to textual data and fast, flexible, open-ended analysis of individual texts; explains why the system should be viewed as a new kind of working environment; and suggests that such systems may influence users' intellectual point of view. (MBR)

Describes results of a system rating study in which users responded to WPS (word processing software) questions. Study objectives were data collection and evaluation of variables; statistical quantification of WPS's contribution (along with other variables) to user satisfaction; design of an expert system to evaluate WPS; and database update and…

This bibliography lists 754 books and articles which focus on programs that can run on IBM microcomputers and compatibles using PC DOS/MS DOS, and that can be used in online information and documentation work. An index lists the software packages alphabetically by title and references them to the main entries, which are listed by author. (CLB)

Reports on the design and use of a computer system--SORT-AID--to assist bibliographic database searchers in the post-search, analysis phase of their work. Designed for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) installations, this system automatically determines the relevance of downloaded abstracts and provides facilities for editing…

Descriptions of available microcomputer software cover basic software, word processing, database management systems, in-house information retrieval, searching of external online information retrieval systems, in-house library housekeeping, and financial and management software. Checklist of points to consider when acquiring software, 36…

Consumers and producers of educational software must make decisions about what kind of software to buy and create. Both groups must base these decisions on criteria that consider what it is important to learn in our technological era, what is workable, and what is currently practical and cost-effective. Five criteria that are central to these…

Designed to assist educational researchers in utilizing microcomputers, this paper presents information on four types of computer software: writing tools for educators, statistical software designed to perform analyses of small and moderately large data sets, project management tools, and general education/research oriented information services…

Reports on tests evaluating nine microcomputer software packages designed for information storage and retrieval: BRS-Search, dtSearch, InfoBank, Micro-OPC, Q&A, STN-PFS, Strix, TINman, and ZYindex. Tables and narrative evaluations detail results related to security, hardware, user features, search capability, indexing, input, maintenance of files,…

This report focuses on the user of a prototype hypertext application designed to help coin collectors link ancient coins with relevant numismatic information. It is noted that hypertext systems promote the collection of information that may be multimedia in nature and may be linked so that information can be accessed in a non-linear manner. The…

This report comprises a detailed evaluation of two minicomputer-based school information management systems for use at the senior high school level: (1) Prompt Automated Scheduling System (PASS) by Mid-American Corporation and locally developed software, which runs on an IBM minicomputer, and (2) Student Administration System (SAS) by SIERRA…

This individualized text was designed to lead students through a step-by-step course in text editing (word processing) using the TRS-80 Model III or IV. The program used in the course is a modification of SuperScripsit, to be printed out on an Epson printer. The text is organized into six sections covering the following topics: getting started,…

This report comprises a detailed evaluation of three IBM microcomputer-based school information management systems: Student Information and Records System (SIRS) by Management Information Group, The School System (TSS) by Columbia Computing Services, and Computer Educational Management Accounting System (CEMAS) by Computerlib. These three systems…