Christine Greenhow, J. D. Walker, Dan Donnelly, and Brad Cohen describe the implementation and evaluation of the University of Minnesota's Fair Use Analysis (FUA) tool, an interactive online application intended to educate users and foster defensible fair use practice in accordance with copyright law by guiding users through a robust,…

Provides the rationale and purpose underlying an evaluation of criteria form appropriate for inquiry-based science software or interactive multimedia programs. A copy of the form is included. (JJK)

Urges teachers of gifted students to allow students unstructured recreational computer time in the classroom to encourage student exploration and discovery, to promote creativity, to develop problem-solving skills, and to allow time to revisit programs and complete their own tasks. Different types of educational computer programs are referenced.…

Selection of appropriate software plays a vital role in facilitating children's desire to use computers. The discrepancy between girls' and boys' use of computers is enhanced by the scarcity of gender bias-free software programs. Analysis of the extant literature and rating of children's software indicates that gender bias is reflected in terms of…

The number and range of instructional resources in mathematics and science education can be overwhelming to educators. The chief mission of The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC) is to help educators sort through the confusion by identifying relevant resources such as print materials, software, kits, and…

Describes the powerful graphing ability of computer algebra systems (CAS) to create three-dimensional graphs or surface graphics of electric potentials. Provides equations along with examples of the printouts. Lists the programs Mathematica, Maple, Derive, Theorist, MathCad, and MATLAB as promising CAS systems. (MVL)

Some commercially available software tools that have potential applications in the analytical chemistry curriculum are surveyed and evaluated. Tools for instruction, analysis and research, and courseware development are described. A list of the software packages, the compatible hardware, and the vendor's address is included. (KR)

This guide is designed to help teachers and parents evaluate and choose computer software for young children in their classrooms or homes. Chapter one of the guide contains software purchasing tips and criteria, along with descriptions of programs receiving the High/Scope Early Childhood Software Award of Excellence. Chapter two contains a guide…

Describes a variety of computer software programs and student activities utilizing the computer to help teach secondary social studies. Suggests using word processors, painting programs, and computer simulations for history and government courses. Concludes that successful use of computers in social studies instruction depends on the design of…

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)

Contends that the proliferation of historical data has made knowledge of quantitative techniques and computers essential for the historian. Evaluates various database, statistical, and graphing packages available to scholars. Discusses implementing such technology in the teaching of history courses. (DB)

Microcomputers in schools contribute significantly to the learning process, and software selection is taken as seriously as the selection of text books. The seven step process for responsible software selection are: (1) analyzing needs, including the differentiation between needs and objectives; (2) specification of requirements; (3) identifying…

Describes the use of Mathcad, an interactive software package that responds to mathematical input, in an undergraduate economics class. Mathcad uses a rules-based programming language that "reads" the relationships among variables and constraints defined by the user, solves for unknowns, and graphs for one or more equations. (MJP)

Examines proposals to computerize the political science curricula. Maintains that technological changes can support mainstream political science education, and provides criteria to determine whether microcomputers should be introduced. Questions whether fundamental abilities are improved by technology, and warns students may believe outcomes will…

Describes an interactive problem-solving videodisc program designed for the middle schools. Explains the interdisciplinary nature of the program that includes information from astronomy, geology, history, and meteorology. Contends that the product is an excellent example of well-designed educational software. (CFR)