This summary presents selected findings to the full report "Use of Educational Technology for Instruction in Public Schools: 2019-20. Fast Response Survey System. First Look. NCES 2021-017" (ED615754). The full report is based on the public school survey "Use of Educational Technology for Instruction." The survey was conducted…

The paper describes the decision process in the determination of software purchase for the professional's use of the microcomputer. Consideration to ensure that the software purchased will be a success, which software will be needed, and options that will facilitate the location and evaluation of software are discussed. (Author/CL)

The process of evaluating computer software is discussed, and a procedure is described which focuses upon ease of use, program content, instructional design and kind of incentive, value conflicts, input/output capacity, teacher management options, built-in authoring systems, and special learning needs. (CL)

Factors involved in deciding about commercial software for classroom use include the instructional, content, and technical characteristics of the software package. The importance of previewing software and the use of software with students as a part of the evaluation process are also to be discussed. (Author/CL)

Suggestions are offered regarding the use and selection of software with LD (learning disabled) students. The scarcity of appropriate software for the population is pointed out and a hybrid selection scale based upon several existing scales is described. It is noted that the major reason for rejecting software is the high readability skill…

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…

This annotated bibliography lists 25 educational software programs that were recently judged winners by "Learning" magazine. Offered to provide guidance to practitioners in program selection, the listing includes programs in reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, problem solving, and creative arts. (DG)

Ten teacher guidelines for selecting computer software programs for learning disabled students are outlined. (JW)

Presents some rules of thumb for parents and teachers who are developing software libraries. Includes comments on drill and practice software, programs (simulations and adventure games) that teach thinking/problem-solving skills, and programs that foster creativity. Also includes list of resources for selecting software. (JN)

A software guide was developed to help special education classroom teachers evaluate educational technology. The manual's format includes a program matrix and color coded subject sections as well as spaces for reviewer feedback. (CL)

Citing several reasons why computers offer the potential to enhance instruction, this paper suggests that the teaching of thinking skills should be integrated into various subject areas by using software programs that involve the use of the skills required in the particular subject area. To illustrate this matching strategy, three software…

Educators interested in applying technology to individualized educational program (IEP) development for handicapped children need to first, understand and explicitly state the local context in which IEP development occurs and then weigh the options in relation to criteria specifying ease of use, data features, program capabilities, and costs.…

The current shortage of computer assisted instruction in special education is examined and recommendations are made for teacher-developed software. Suggestions regarding software selection and use address learning characteristics (such as spelling and motor problems and memory deficits) and motivational characteristics. (Author/CL)

The article presents a software evaluation checklist developed by a teaching-research laboratory for severely handicapped students in New York City. In an introductory section, the use of laptop microcomputers in helping handicapped learners acquire, maintain, and generalize functional skills is described as the fifth ingredient of an integrated…

The process of selecting software for use with exceptional students focuses on two major issues: (1) how computers are to be used in the instructional process, and (2) whether the product selected is consistent with curricular goals. The content of instruction is shaped by its purpose: drill and practice; teaching new skills, concepts, and…