A qualitative, holistic framework is presented for the process of evaluating foreign language software. Eleven specific steps are outlined, and a list of educational software evaluation agencies is appended. (Contains 21 references.) (LB)

Outlines the Massachusetts and Virginia models for adult education courseware evaluation. Suggests ways to improve evaluation through state and regional resource centers and other collaborative efforts. (SK)

Discusses the evaluation of instructional computer software. Groups who evaluate software are described, including EPIE (Educational Products Information Exchange); the evaluation process is discussed, including formal and informal software reviews; criteria for software evaluation are considered; and the importance of participation in the review…

Discusses the concept of intelligence and the extent to which it is present in intelligent tutoring systems and intelligent computer-assisted instruction. Topics discussed include courseware evaluation; artificial intelligence; the degree of learner control; knowledge acquisition; fault tolerance; and feedback and self-evaluation. (23 references)…

Discusses conceptual constructs that may be useful for inservice teacher education programs evaluating the nature and educational use of instructional software for adult learners. Topics discussed include the increasing use and importance of computers in industry and in education; intelligent tutoring systems (ITSs); and the concept of an ideal…

Addresses the issue of assuring quality software for use in computer-aided instruction and presents a structure by which developers can create quality courseware. Differences between courseware and computer-aided instruction software are discussed, methods for testing software are described, and human factors issues as well as instructional design…

Describes a study that analyzed the evolution of microcomputer-based instructional software for grades K-12 published from 1981-88. Four companies identified their most popular software and their most technically advanced software. Products in each category were analyzed to develop a chronology of the evolution of instructional software and to…

ECOSET was established to meet the demand from policy makers and the teaching community in the European Community (EC) Member States for evidence of the effectiveness of information technology in various learning situations in general and of various kinds of software in particular. The main goals of ECOSET were to identify organizations in the…

Discusses methods that software evaluation organizations use to evaluate instructional software. Topics addressed include who does the evaluating, including the role of students as well as teachers, subject matter experts, media specialists, and school administrators; reliability of evaluations; and possible improvements in the evaluation process.…

This paper addresses the lack of evaluative resources for computer-assisted reading and writing instruction (CARWI). It begins by discussing the benefits, drawbacks, and effectiveness of computer-based instruction. It then describes types of CARWI packages, including: (1) writing process software; (2) electronic handbooks; (3) interactive…

Reports the results of a study that examined the patterns of interactions of high school student partners engaged in problem-solving activities while working through computer simulation activities in an astronomy lab. Observations, interviews with teachers and students, and a software program evaluation are discussed. (LRW)

Changes in medical school curricula and teaching approach have led to an increased use in computer courseware and other technology. The traditional audiovisual library serving medical school students must redefine the role of the information provider to include helping students navigate networks; choosing and evaluating instructional materials;…

Effective technology empowers learners and helps them assume responsibility for their own learning. Characteristics of effective instructional technology should guide the development of computer software and other types of technology. Software should provide for interaction since adults learn through active engagement. Feedback should be…

Describes "Getting Clean with Herkimer," a software package designed to teach elementary special education students to classify personal grooming objects. A study compared this software program with another one, including results of pretests and posttests and computer use and attitude measures. (32 references) (LRW)

Presents results of a study of six kinds of linguistic education software. Discusses treatment of language as an object rather than as a means of communication. Reports that the software promotes reflection on language and metalanguage awareness in a social and educational context by stimulating children's interest in playing with language. (DK)