Describes process by which faculty member committee at Drexel University selected a microcomputer to be purchased by all freshmen beginning winter term, 1983-84. Considerations in decision (critical audience, computer power, degree of innovation, user interface, graphics, sound, growth capacity, cost to student and university, and source of…

Some of the typical characteristics of computer software are discussed first, noting the textbook-software connection. Criteria for software selection are then noted, with consideration of educational aspects and administrative aspects. A case study of applying the criteria is provided by Cypress College. (MNS)

Examination of issues involved in acquiring appropriate microcomputer software for higher education focuses on the following points: developing your own software; finding commercially available software; using published evaluations; pre-purchase testing; customizing and adapting commercial software; post-purchase testing; and software use. A…

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…

One way for foreign language teachers to evaluate computer software, or courseware, for computer-assisted instruction is to look at it from the point of view of the roles of the courseware author as production manager, curriculum developer, learning specialist, instructional designer, and evaluator. In assessing courseware, teachers should decide…

The survey reported here of 12,008 students in 93 undergraduate Open University courses was designed to assist in Open University audiovisual policy development and planning and to provide a data base for summative evaluation of audiovisual media use in individual courses. Emphasis was on the first aim, and detailed data were collected only for 17…

An evaluation form used at Ashland College (Ohio) for critical evaluation of educational software is presented. The form covers basic product information, program content, educational appropriateness, organizational and technical components, teacher's manual, and product revision. (MBR)

Six articles about computers and physical education deal with the probable impact on the profession, tips on media selection, and programing for data management. Descriptions of physical education programs that use computers for cardiovascular fitness testing, physical fitness instruction, and analysis of motor learning experiments are included.…

Both challenges and successes resulted from the implementation of computer-based or computer-assisted instruction (CAI) at Mercy College of Detroit through a program funded with a Comprehensive Assistance to Undergraduate Science Education (CAUSE) grant. Four influences were found most significant in faculty-related challenges: computer phobia,…

This quantitative, descriptive research study measured the attitudes of preservice teachers toward the selection and use of instructional media in the classroom. Two groups were involved in the study: approximately 168 students enrolled in formal training in the selection and utilization of instructional media, and approximately 170 preservice…

This paper discusses the different levels of decision-making regarding media selection and technology use in distance education, and suggests a set of criteria and procedures that are practical yet rigorous. Interactivity is one of the main criteria proposed, and the value and meaning of interaction and interactivity in a distance education…

As a result of a survey concerning computer assisted instruction in Arizona schools, Arizona State University developed a program to assist districts in computer instructional program development. In the initial planning phase of the program, a list was drawn up of preparatory functions essential for districts making a transition to computer…

In keeping with the increased use of computers in schools, the available software for foreign language instruction has grown to over 1,000 titles, mostly of the drill and practice type, and professional associations are reviewing software and computer-related instructional techniques. However, there seems to be no clear direction for the future of…

The use of microcomputers and courseware for native language instruction is discussed. Five dimensions of instruction that are helpful in evaluating microcomputer use are examined: (1) student motivation; (2) educational objectives; (3) the appropriateness of the computer and related software as instructional tools; (4) the learning model…

This article is a review of the impact upon science learning of classroom and laboratory uses of computers in grades K-16 as revealed by published, peer-reviewed research from 1988-95. Highlights include problems with media-comparison studies, computer-assisted instruction, computer simulations, microcomputer-based laboratories, interactive video,…