A survey of 50 school districts assesses the extent to which special educators are moving beyond drill and practice software with learning disabled and emotionally disturbed students and identified factors preventing or discouraging applications beyond drill and practice. (Author/CL)

Assessed the effects of students' use of "Writer's Workbench" (a collection of computer textual analysis programs) in the business communication class. Found that assignment grades improved by the third semester, which may reflect the extensive refinements the authors made to the programs after the first two semesters. (PD)

Guidelines developed by the National Council for the Social Studies to help teachers eveluate and select social studies microcomputer software are presented. The guidelines are organized around three areas: knowledge, skills, and values. Additional systems for evaluating technical and instructional computer courseware issues are cited. (RM)

Describes how a Minnesota high school developed the use of microcomputers throughout every facet of the school during the past decade. (MD)

Provided are brief summaries and evaluations of selected social studies computer software for intermediate and secondary school students. (RM)

The Columbus, Ohio Public Schools operate four vocational career centers: Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center (MHEC), Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast Career Centers. These Centers offer vocational curricula, while maintaining academic standards similar to the learners home schools. However, Fort Hayes MEC also has the distinction of being…

This research assessed the academic impact of a computer-assisted instructional (CAI) software program to teach mathematics. The research hypothesis states that the use of the CAI program will produce superior academic achievement in mathematics for students who use the program compared to students instructed in mathematics without the program.…

A study was conducted to develop systematic methods for improving computer assisted learning (CAL) materials by comparing five coursewares produced by independent authors and related to high school math, science, and engineering. An evaluation instrument for improving CAL materials was developed. (Author/CMV)

This study examined features of software used by 48 preschool special education students. Programs were compared for their effect on engagement, affect, and choice. Findings suggest that children prefer programs with higher interaction requirements, as well as those using animation, sound, and voice features. (Author/PB)

Describes the Software Teaching of Modular Physics (SToMP), a software package that is structured to be a complete learning and teaching environment. Allows students to explore and learn about physics topics without necessarily having to refer to teachers or to other resources. (DDR)

Reviews a computer software program, "Mastering German Grammar," for teaching and reinforcing a comprehensive range of grammar topics. It is noted that the program is a no-frills, user-friendly personal tutor with easy to locate and call up grammar topics. (CK)

Provides guidance on making decisions regarding the selection of foreign language instructional software. Identifies sources of foreign language software, indicates sources of foreign language software reviews, and outlines essential procedures of software evaluation. (Author/VWL)

Discusses models of home educational computing that are linked to learning in school and recommends the need for research that addresses the home as a computer-based learning environment. Topics include a history of research on educational computing at home; technological infrastructure, including software and compatibility; Internet access;…

Basic chemical thermodynamics usually treats non-p,T reactions in a stepmotherly fashion. This paper covers the main aspects of the theoretical principles of reactions (p,T; V,T; p,H; and V,U) and offers results from the ABC computer program, which was designed to show the validity of the equilibrium theory to all types of reaction modes. (PVD)

This column describes several commercial Web sites seen to be helpful in special education and disability services programs and personnel preparation. These include sites of the Laureate Learning Company, the Slater Software Company, the Intellitools Company, the Attainment Company, and the Don Johnston Company. Potential uses for these sites are…