This edition of "Only the Best" identifies 183 of the most recent education software programs that have met the high standards of 37 software evaluator services since the 1990 edition was published. The purpose of this document is to provide a quick, easy way for computer coordinators, librarians, curriculum directors, teachers, school…

Describes Electronic Software Delivery System (ESDS), which allows teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District to access and preview software stored at a central location. Hardware used in the system is explained, and security of programs stored on the system is emphasized as the key to its success. (LRW)

Reviews "Bataille de Mots," a computer-assisted French vocabulary program that utilizes a database of paired associates, and finds that "Bataille de Mots" is a good selection for foreign language software. (DJD)

A review of BioTutor which is software to accompany the third edition of Neil Campbell's textbook, "Biology," is provided. The review includes a brief description of the software and a discussion of good and bad features of the software. In the closing words, the reviewer expresses a considerable amount of concern regarding the quality of this…

Over 35 firms have listed software applications that can be used by schools in third annual "School Business Software Directory." Each listing includes the name of the software and a general description of its utility. Tables provide detailed listings of the software's functions, type of support the company provides, and the hardware on which the…

Despite a growing development of virtual laboratories which use the advantages of multimedia and Internet for distance education, learning by means of such tutorial tools would be more effective if they were specifically tailored to each student needs. The virtual teaching process would be well adapted if an artificial tutor can identify the…

In a number of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member countries, a vast amount of educational software covering the major school subjects is now available. Educational authorities or independent non-profit bodies have set up clearinghouses or centers for the review and evaluation of educational software. In 1988, the…

Five guidelines are presented for selecting educational courseware. Student behavioral objectives should be stated. Motivational and informative feedback should be provided. The type of student control should be appropriate to the learner and the task. The content should be accurate, and the pedagogical approach should be acceptable to the school…

Reviews basic principles of effective instructional design, then evaluates instructional computer programs in relation to how well the characteristics critical for effective self-instruction are incorporated into educational software. Includes a checklist for use in evaluating the design of educational software. (MD)

Voluntary negotiation is a way for parties to school disputes to take control of both the process of dispute settlement and its solutions. A software package, "Negotiator Pro," synthesizes the theory and practice incorporated in 30 books on negotiation. The software helps develop and organize a negotiation plan and a profile of the other…

Describes a recently developed computer and videodisc technology for remedial reading instruction called Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS). Discusses how the system works, characteristics of the target population. Notes the system's success and students' enthusiasm in the classroom. (SR)

The technology for information organization, communication, storage, and use today is the book. It has evolved over 3000 years (in its modern form over 500 years) to the mature object we currently enjoy. The book is now the primary technology used in education. But with the development of the computer and the Web, a new electronic information…

This handbook is intended to guide the vocational educator through the task of selecting and evaluating software for the vocational curriculum. Section 1 focuses on computer-based education. Chapter 1 defines computer-based education and the hardware and software required when the computer is used as an educational delivery system. Chapter 2…

This courseware evaluation rates the Orthographic Projection program developed by Hobar Publications. (The program--not contained in this document--uses computer graphics to present abstract visual concepts such as points, lines, and planes.) Part A describes the program in terms of subject area and hardware requirements (Apple II), indicates its…

Two components of Scenario, a computer program designed for instructional use, are reviewed, and their applications are discussed. Without learning a programing language, teachers and students can author lessons or presentation materials, including color or monochrome text, graphics, and sound. The program is adaptable to foreign language…