Answers to six major questions related to selecting software are provided. Questions relate to accident-proof software, simple/easy-to-understand directions, computer instructions (interactive mode), continuously-displayed instruction window, help following incorrect response, and use with nonreaders. Includes checklist for user-friendly software…

Briefly discusses the important criteria by which microcomputer programs intended for instructional use should be evaluated, presents a series of guidelines for submitting reviews of computer programs developed for instructional purposes (courseware), and provides a copy of the Curriculum Review Courseware Evaluation Form. (JL)

Discusses (in question/answer format) criteria to use when evaluating language arts software. Also reviews four programs illustrating principles/ideas considered in these criteria. Programs include: "Story Maker" (grades 3 and above); "Suspect Sentences" (Grades 7-12); "M-ss-ng L-nks" (grades 2 and above); and…

Two instruments have been developed to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating educational software and courseware: the "Courseware Description" form and the "Courseware Evaluation" form. Complete instructions for using both forms are provided in this guide, along with the forms themselves. Prior to the instructions is…

To help school administrators evaluate microcomputer software, this summary of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory's "Evaluator's Guide" presents 25 evaluation criteria coordinated with a software evaluation form. The criteria focus on computer programs' content and instructional and technical quality. (Author/RW)

This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises four stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not…

Guidelines for selecting/buying educational software are discussed under the following headings: educational soundness; appropriateness; challenge and progress; motivation and reward; correctness; compatibility with systems; instructions and handlings. Includes several sources of software reviews. (JN)

Many of the factors that go into evaluating computer courseware are the same ones educators have been applying to all instructional materials long before computers entered the classroom. Discussed are some effective ways for locating computer courseware and instruction and computer related evaluation factors. (RM)

This document describes the operation and quality of pre-college instructional software sold for use on microcomputers. It also assists in locating other sources of similar information about instructional software. This edition is limited to programs for the Apple II, Commodore PET, and Radio Shack TRS-80 Model I. Fifty reviews of software…

When looking at diverse theories of intelligence, there are four common notions to guide software developers: (1) educational software must be sensitive to individual differences; (2) programs must motivate students; (3) software must reflect real world problems; and (4) software should receive careful empirical evaluation. (JMK)

Briefly discusses some of the factors to be considered in selecting instructional software for microcomputers and presents an annotated list of instructional computer programs recommended by the authors for first purchase in developing software collections. A list of distributors is attached. (JL)

A brief guide on how to choose a microcomputer for use in the schools. Microcomputer components, applications, and programing languages are discussed. (JJD)

Contains a check list to aid teachers in evaluating software used in computer-assisted instruction on microcomputers. The evaluation form contains three sections: program description, program evaluation, and overall evaluation. A brief description of a software evaluation program in use at the Granite School District in Utah is included. (JJD)

In order to develop a systematic procedure for the evaluation and revision of educational software for microcomputers, a study was undertaken by the Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE) Institute and the Microcomputer Resource Center at Columbia University to define the criteria that are needed to evaluate instructional microcomputer…

Presents questions teachers should ask themselves to determine whether they need a gradebook program and questions to consider when deciding what type of gradebook program package to select. (MBR)