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)

Discussed are programs for the TRS-80 to draw vertical and horizontal bar graphs. A short set of exercises is included. (MP)

This list of 13 catalog mail-order software distributors notes companies which provide an opportunity to use courseware at school sites on-approval, sell instructional courseware produced by several publishers, and screen the courseware listed in their catalogs. Journals and newsletters which provide evaluations of courseware are also listed. (EJS)

Mathematics activities involving the construction of spirolaterals are presented in this issue of "Student Math Notes." Spirolaterals are figures in which sequences of line segments of differing lengths, connected by angles of a constant size, are drawn repeatedly to create a geometric design. The activities presented involve the…

A listing is given for this computer game for a PET computer. An example of one game concluded with a challenge to find a winning strategy. (MP)

The paper reviews the production activities of the Educational Media Production Project for the Hearing Impaired, a project designed to adapt existing or develop new instructional materials for the hearing impaired. (Author/CL)

Answers to problems (in Applesoft Basic) in the Second Annual Computer Problem Solving Contest are presented, corresponding to elementary/junior/senior levels. Problems require good control of programing language, ability to solve problems, and implementing a problem-solving strategy within a computer language. Problem types include words,…

A software package designed for touch-typing instruction is reviewed, focusing on features, educational value, design quality, written materials, and ease of use. (MP)

The process presented for monitoring the development of individualized learning materials is a basic two-component system comprised of a brief progress report form and a computer program for summarizing the responses to these forms. (Author)

A short set of materials is presented on loops. Three worksheets illustrate loops with paper and pencil, calculator, and computer, respectively. A computer program is given. (MP)

An algorithm for the calculator is given for determining the day of the week for any date. An instructional sheet, a worksheet, and a BASIC program are included. (MP)

Following a discussion of drill/practice and tutorial programing techniques (SE 533 144), this part focuses on techniques dealing with text problems. Various listings are included to demonstrate such methods as the READ/DATA approach in presenting questions to students. (JN)

A program in BASIC for the Atari 400 or 800 computer that generates Haiku poetry is presented and explained. The program is noted to be easily modifiable to create other forms. The view expressed in the program could become the basis for a student laboratory in expressive communication. (MP)

Four programs are reviewed: Crossword Magic, Master Type, The Vocabulary Baseball Game, and Meet the Presidents. The major innovations highlighted by the products selected are the ways the creators turned learning into a game. It is noted that whether this approach is desirable is for the individual teacher to decide. (MP)