Intended to aid teachers, administrators, and interested parents by informing them about the state of the educational microcomputer market, this report is meant to be a guide to school districts in the acquisition and maintenance of microcomputers and related instructional materials. Trends in educational computing technology are noted in relation…

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)

Addresses the issues of preparing experienced and novice teachers for using educational technology. Fundamental skills needed for K-12 teachers are discussed, as well as the need for skilled building leaders for classroom teacher support, and the need for district level leadership. (GLR)

Describes how the Muskoka Board of Education in Bracebridge, Ontario, revised its purchasing and budget-management system to coincide with its new site-based management policy. The district developed individual school budgets, established an online computing network, and acquired software that permitted remote-site entry. (LMI)

This article is a primer for educators hoping to choose instructional software for their classrooms. The following four basic principles that all quality educational software has in common are discussed: (1) an adherence to learning theory, including behavioral and cognitive theory; (2) employment of gaming features; (3) culturally sensitive…

This article describes five organizational Web sites that are good resources in selecting and using software with children who have special needs. The sites represent the DO-IT project, the Trace Research and Development Center, Special Needs Opportunity Windows, the Family Center on Technology and Disability, and the National Center for…

Reviews research on gender differences in learning styles, software, curriculum, and classroom layout. Gives suggestions as to how teachers may equalize disparity through teacher training. (MG)

School districts prepare annual budgets in order to have adequate funding available for their operations. Today's budgets require flexibility and adaptability as school-district finances and governmental regulations and guidelines change. This article discusses several types of budgets and budget preparation that utilize microcomputer technology.…

Presents two articles: "Your In-Class Communication Center" and "New Software Programs." The first suggests three ways for teachers to use their word processing program to generate standard forms, produce a class newsletter, and create a homework checklist for each student. The second presents information on software programs (grade level, focus,…

Open systems are computer systems designed to meet vendor-neutral international standards. Significant characteristics of open systems are portability (software will run on dozens of hardware programs) and interoperability (computers of different brands can be connected and share resources). Discusses options available to switch to an open system.…

This digest provides practical advice on evaluating software for managing student records. An evaluation of record-keeping software should start with a process to identify all of the individual needs the software produce must meet in order to be considered for purchase. The first step toward establishing an administrative computing system is…

Argues that questions about hardware, software, and teacher training are no longer the most important topics in educational technology. Today the major issues are related to instructional strategies, instructionally appropriate software, training and support as a process, and facilitative organizational structures. (Contains 16 references.) (KRN)

Discusses three computer programs which students can use to develop practical skills: (1) "The Little Shoppers Kit," which teaches children about shopping, grocery stores, and nutrition; (2) "UltraKey," a typing skills program for elementary school students; and (3) "All the Right Type," a typing program for grades 4…

The article addresses use of microcomputer-based word processing for students with writing disabilities. The research is briefly reviewed, and four guidelines for choosing word processing software are offered, as are principles for teaching keyboarding. (DB)

Proposes the formation of a six-member school software selection committee comprised of parents, teachers, a curriculum director or administrative representative, and a technology coordinator. Describes a three-stage review process for choosing software packages, noting that other schools are an often overlooked resource for software information.…