Contends that computer software development has fallen far behind progress in hardware development. Explains how to evaluate courseware critically. (Author/JM)

The purchase of computer software must come before the purchase of hardware. Otherwise school people may watch an excellent computer collect dust while they search in vain for software that fills their needs. (Author/JM)

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)

Once a school has decided to invest in computers, many other decisions must be made. Considerations should include cost, technical requirements, and standard, upgraded, and "dream" features. Recommendations that can be used as helpful guidelines are presented. (CJ)

Continued from the front cover, this article offers suggestions about selecting and purchasing microcomputers and software for schools. (WD)

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)

Each of the more than 200 educational software programs developed by both commercial and public domain sources which are described is intended for use with one of the four microcomputers most frequently used for instructional purposes--Atari, Apple, PET, and TRS-80. These descriptions are offered as a service for those who are just beginning to…

As computers become better suited for classroom use--in terms of both design and cost--two limitations stand in the way: (1) lack of educationally sound programs or software (called courseware in education); and (2) lack of a computer language that teachers can easily use to create or adapt courseware for their classrooms. (CJ)

Intended for special educators, the book is designed to provide information for assessing classroom needs, making decisions about purchasing software and hardware, and using the microcomputer effectively. Each chapter begins with statements to think about and a list of sources. At the end of each chapter are questions and exercises designed to aid…

This working paper documents the efforts of a professional information center (PIC) in Denver to provide resources that aid teachers and administrators in selecting software programs for varied microcomputer uses. The report outlines the development of PIC as a coordinator and clearinghouse for organizing and disseminating information on computers…

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)

Describes one school district's system for evaluating and selecting microcomputer software for computer assisted instruction. The process includes a computer technology council in charge of evaluation and a software evaluation form (reproduced here in its entirety). (Author/JM)

Discusses the selection and purchase of computer software for use in educational settings. Evaluative criteria such as software reviews, publisher reputation, evidence of field-testing, and publishing company attitude toward previewing and software backup are examined. A chart of the purchasing policies of 29 publishing companies is included. (JJD)

This annotated bibliography lists bibliographies and journals which review books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and microcomputer hardware and software useful for instructional purposes in public and private elementary and secondary schools. Although the focus is on curriculum oriented materials for elementary and secondary schools, some…

Intended for upper elementary and secondary teachers in all subject areas, this guide provides practical advice on determining the appropriate application of computer technology and on the selection of specific, subject-related computer-based instruction units. Under the heading of hardware and software, topics discussed include communicating with…