Existing scholarship suggests that schools do the work of social stratification by functioning as "sorting machines," or institutions that determine which populations of students are provided educational resources needed to help them get ahead. We build on this theory of social reproduction by extending it to better understand how…

Describes a comprehensive computer software selection and evaluation process, including documenting district needs, evaluating software packages, weighing the alternatives, and making the purchase. (PKP)

Suggests that, in reviewing software, educators should apply the following criteria within the context of their objectives and the students' needs: content; instructional presentation; demands placed on the learner; technical features; and documentation and management features. Concludes that integration of computer software with traditional means…

Describes how to build a data warehouse, using the Schools Interoperability Framework (www.sifinfo.org), that supports data-driven decision making and complies with the Freedom of Information Act. Provides several suggestions for building and maintaining a data warehouse. (PKP)

Describes a product called the Event Management System (EMS), a computer software program to manage facility and event scheduling. Provides example of the school district and university uses of EMS. Describes steps in selecting a scheduling-management system. (PKP)

Teachers can produce and direct their own instructional videos using computer-driven multimedia. Outlines the basics in combining audio and video technologies to produce videotapes that mix animated and still graphics, sound, and full-motion video. (MLF)

Over 37 firms have listed more than 90 software applications that can be used by schools. Each listing includes the name of the software and a general description of its utility. Tables provide detailed listings of the software's functions, the type of support the company provides, and the hardware on which the software can be run. (MLF)

Discusses the problems associated with schools allowing access to the Internet and describes the technologies currently available to address filtering issues. Presents a proposed solution for the Greek School Network, including the creation of acceptable use policies and selecting appropriate software. (Author/LRW)

Offers guidelines for reviewing and evaluating English language arts software. Includes advice on using the guidelines. (RS)

Successful introduction of major new software applications requires worker commitment, inservice training, and communication. Cost justification considers the cost of computer purchase, installation, inservice training, salary, time lost due to "bugs," plus the cost of modifications. (MLF)

Discusses 12 questions that teachers and administrators should ask when evaluating educational software. Considers points such as the consistency with the curriculum, the appropriateness of media and activities, the opportunity for practice and review, the allowance for social interaction, and the accessibility to students. (SR)

Several districts in Lower Hudson Valley region of New York decided to study cost savings of using software purchasing program versus other methods by conducting same bids at approximately the same time. The study reports, analyzes, and summarizes bids conducted during the 1992-93 and the 1993-94 school years and concludes that using the…

This book provides an overview of the potential of multimedia budget proposals. The text reviews the fundamentals of multimedia, emphasizing how it improves communication by using multiple levels of input. A process for analyzing many of the budget decisions that must be made, as adapted from Robert Finney's five-step process of "Gap…

Intended to aid teachers, administrators, and interested parents by informing them about the state of the educational microcomputer market, this report is meant to be a guide to school districts in the acquisition and maintenance of microcomputers and related instructional materials. Trends in educational computing technology are noted in relation…

This book is designed to assist new and practicing teachers with implementing technology into the curriculum. It focuses on the pedagogical issues of technology--using technology as an instructional and management tool and to meet students' needs. Chapter 1 examines technology standards for teachers, how to learn more about computers, and where to…