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)

This collection of reprints from The Computing Teacher contains 11 articles on the selection, evaluation, and organization of software published between August 1983 and March 1986, as well as more than 20 reviews of educational software packages published between December 1982 and June 1986. The articles are: (1) "The New Wave of Educational…

Outlines criteria for selecting microcomputer-based telecommunications software for educational settings. Terminal software, which provides interaction between a modem and remote terminals, is distinguished from software that allows an electronic bulletin board system to be developed, and three software packages of each type are reviewed. (LRW)

Discusses the use of technology to support alternative assessment, including portfolios of student work. Multimedia computer software programs are reviewed; database programs, hypermedia programs, and video portfolios are discussed; technology storage is considered; and future possibilities are suggested, including hardware options. (Contains two…

Describes various resources accessed through Telnet software that are available through the Internet for use in elementary and secondary education. Highlights include the National Public Telecomputing Network's Cleveland Freenet; Washington University's SERVICES gateway; and Wide Area Information Server (WAIS) programs. (LRW)

Reprinted from "The Computing Teacher," this document contains software reviews for 23 computer programs that educators could use in the classroom or for administrative purposes. Each review describes the program by listing the program title, subject, producer, grade level (if applicable), hardware required, cost, and reviewer's name and…

Presents several examples of algebraic word problems and demonstrates how spreadsheets are used to solve the problems. Spreadsheet templates are included to illustrate how each problem is solved. (MBR)

Describes how a microcomputer with a word processing program can be used efficiently to generate cloze tests, offering teachers an effective method of producing individualized materials for reading and language arts instruction. Examples of grammar worksheets focusing on proper nouns and adjectives, adjectives and adverbs, and plural words are…

Describes several situations in which elementary and secondary school students successfully use adult level software in learning situations. Suggestions on how to teach students to use adult level software are presented and the advantages of such use are discussed. (MBR)

Outlines evaluation criteria that may be used to determine the usefulness of science education computer software. Factors to be considered are identified as the nature of the investigation, advantages of the program over a laboratory investigation, number and types of higher order thinking skills required, concepts related to inquiry, and the…

Discusses educational effects of the style, content, and quality inherent in several multimedia and desktop-publishing products available to science teachers, including books, interactive software, videos, and computer simulations. (JJK)

Briefly discusses several applications for databases in elementary and secondary English classrooms, including research projects, book reviews, electronic mail, and poetry, and presents evaluation criteria for teachers trying to decide which database is best for their classrooms. (MBR)

Reports on the development and current status of data projection panels, which are liquid crystal display units for projecting computer images onto a large screen with the aid of an overhead projector. Information for various companies' models are listed, including compatibility with computers, color or mono display, software, and price. (LRW)

Describes computer curriculum designed for gifted middle school students that culminates in the eighth grade by having students prepare programs for elementary school students. Students either write their own programs or adapt public domain software, based on questionnaire responses from elementary school teachers indicating their needs. (LRW)

Describes ways in which teachers can use word processing software, including print utilities and desktop publishing programs. The production of parent letters, personalized form letters, worksheets, newsletters, awards, and certificates are described; improvements in communications and in teacher generated student materials are discussed; and…