Describes "The Secret Codes of C.Y.P.H.E.R.: Operation Wildlife," a software program for language arts classrooms that joins natural science and communication/cryptography topics in a secret-agent interactive setting. (SR)

This annual guide provides information on recommended software programs and multimedia applications for K-12 use. An introductory section describes the evaluation process and lists the highest-rated programs for 1998-99. The program entries are organized by the following subject areas: the arts, early childhood, health, language arts, mathematics,…

The National Center for Research on Literature Teaching and Learning's review of 45 commercial hypermedia literature applications from a response-based perspective suggests that applications currently available, though not supportive of response-based literature teaching and learning, indicate how such applications could be developed. Includes the…

"Only the Best" is an Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) annual reference containing information on software programs and multimedia applications that have met stringent criteria for excellence. The purpose of this reference is to provide a quick and easy way for curriculum directors, technology coordinators, librarians,…

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 "Point of View" software which combines a database with an authoring program and the option of multimedia. Notes that the program is useful for teaching U.S. history, computer literacy, research, and writing. (SR)

Describes and reviews a software package called "Writers Network," a writing program that contains teacher tools to minimize the difficulty in evaluating student writing and gives student tools to improve their writing. Notes that this program fosters enthusiastic interest in writing across the curriculum in teachers who might have not used…

Reviews three computer software: (1) "Elastic Lines: The Electronic Geoboard" on elementary geometry; (2) "Wildlife Adventures: Whales" on environmental science; and (3) "What Do You Do with a Broken Calculator?" on computation and problem solving. Summarizes the descriptions, strengths and weaknesses, and…

Describes "Help Our Earth!"--a flexible, multimedia software program for language arts and science, which presents the topic using color, sound, graphics, good literature, and an inspiring video. (SR)

Reviews six microcomputer-based administrative software programs that handle scheduling, grade reporting, and attendance tasks: (1) Alpha II, (2) Harts III, (3) Mount Castor, (4) The Osiris System, (5) The School System, and (6) STARS (Student Academic Records System). Companies producing the programs, systems they run on, and price information…

This article describes desktop publishing and discusses the features and classroom uses of one of the newest desktop publishing programs. Several desktop publishing projects for teachers and students are suggested. (IAH)

MicroCAT version 3.0--an integrated test development, administration, and analysis system--is reviewed in this first article of a series on testing software. A framework for comparing testing software is presented. The strength of this package lies in the development, banking, and administration of items composed of text and graphics. (SLD)

Reviews three software titles: (1) "Make Test for the Macintosh," a program for teachers to develop tests of any length and variety; (2) "The Great Ocean Rescue," an interactive, multimedia program that allows students to solve hypothetical problems affecting oceans; and (3) "Research Paper Writer," a computer simulation that guides students in…

With the right software and teaching strategies, computers can make learning geography fun for students. Several ready-made commercial programs are described. In addition, information is included on utility and application programs, and suggestions are given for using them in geography instruction. (IAH)

Discusses the top eight educational software titles of the year plus 35 additional programs. Topics include math/problem solving, language arts, science, social studies, classroom management/teacher tools, creative arts, and new versions of older software. (MVL)