This guide for evaluating microcomputer instructional software includes a hardware/software interface analysis sheet which can be used to determine if the software being evaluated is compatible with the hardware on which it will be used. Also provided is an instructional software evaluation form for use in making judgments about (1) specific…

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)

Some ways of producing quality software for language instruction are discussed, including three kinds of systems: authoring or template, freeform, and hybrid. Special features and possible advantages and disadvantages of each type are considered. (Author/MSE)

Three issues are critical to the establishment of valid criteria and procedures for determining effective use of computer-based instruction. One issue related to educational software evaluation is that few of the evaluation criteria have been research validated, but, instead, are often based only on speculation and intuition. Criteria are…

Educators may have many questions about the values and uses of microcomputers in the school environment. Cost, versatility of software available, and amount of computer literacy desired are issues that may be encountered during computer selection. (DF)

Designed to provide guidance in selecting appropriate software for library automation, information storage and retrieval, or management of bibliographic databases, this inventory describes 188 computer software packages. The information was obtained through a questionnaire survey of 600 software suppliers and developers who were asked to describe…

This guide suggests processes for making informed software selection, describes several prominent software evaluation models, raises key issues in the software selection process, and provides information on a variety of print and organizational resources. The first section, featuring an article by Henry F. Olds, Jr., "Evaluating the…

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)

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)

Examines two kinds of microcomputer software designed for school administrators--student/class scheduling and attendance reporting. A product information chart on 16 software programs is included. (JJD)

Focusing on the use of microcomputers as "smart terminals" for accessing time-sharing systems for libraries, this document discusses the communications software needed to allow the microcomputer to appear as a terminal to the remote host. The functions which communications software programs are designed to perform are defined and…

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…

The more than 300 recent publications on microcomputers in education which are listed include guides, several books, ERIC documents, and journal articles. Entries are categorized by six primary topic areas: microcomputers; computer literacy; computer assisted instruction (drill and practice, tutorial, and simulation applications); computer managed…

Reviews some of the assumptions underlying authoring guides and evaluation instruments for computer assisted instructional materials and recommends that software design and evaluation criteria be derived from a consistent learning theory base which considers the type of learning, type of learner, and instructional context. (Author/JJD)

Describes the microcomputer display center and SOFTSWAP program developed by the San Mateo County (California) Office of Education and the Computer Using Educators' group. SOFTSWAP disseminates teacher-produced, public domain courseware and is beginning evaluations of commercial products. Journal availability: People's Computer Company, Box E,…