Advice on the purchasing and use of computers in schools. (Author/MLF)

Eight electronic learning aid products are reviewed. Prices and features are summarized. (MP)

Describes thin clients as low-cost personal computers that lack hardware features and run applications off of a school's central server or via an application service provider on the Internet. Discusses advantages, including being easy to use, easy to manage, and less costly to service; and considers possible problems. (LRW)

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)

A computer manufacturer's representative presents a checklist of considerations for computer-minded administrators. (Author)

After reviewing 50 educational software titles produced by 21 companies to assess how thinking and thinking skills were developed, the author found most had similar methodological drawbacks. Describes the algo-heuristic methodological position and outlines drawbacks of current software. (PEN)

This theme issue provides brief descriptions or reviews of specific authoring tools including the Digital, TenCORE, EASE, Courseware (Apple), and PLATO authoring systems. Articles on conceptual or practical issues emerging from extensive experience in specific settings or based on use of specific authoring systems are also presented. (MBR)

This publication provides not only a directory of schools in Santa Clara County and nearby with information on their use of computers, but listings of sources for various resources on educational use of computers, information about using and obtaining software, and descriptions of three news making events. The first section lists the Santa Clara…

Argues that videotaped communications, which provide timely information and cost savings, are beneficial to purchasers and vendors within the public and private library vertical market segment. Four distinct classifications of tapes used at the fall 1984 meeting of the Computer Dealer Exposition are discussed: marketing, informational,…

Examines which of three portable computers--AlphaSmart, DreamWriter, and Apple eMate--is the best choice for the classroom. The DreamWriter was selected as having the best combination of price and functionality, while the eMate is the choice if money is no object or the extra functionality is needed; the AlphaSmart has the benefit of a proven…

This handbook is designed to provide guidance for someone who wants to create portable multimedia presentations with notebook computers and related technologies. The first section offers technological overviews to help assess needs for: (1) portable computers; (2) software; (3) projection equipment; (4) peripherals; (5) portable storage; (6)…

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is not making an important, visible impact on the educational system of this country. Though its instructional value has been proven time after time, the high cost of the hardware and the lack of quality courseware is preventing CAI from becoming a market success. In order for CAI to reach its market potential…

Although three curriculum-delivery systems which use terminals to download curriculum software from a super microcomputer offer advantages of individualized instruction over several grade levels with individual student progress reports and updated software, the expense of the initial installation makes it difficult for them to compete with…

Discusses types of software most useful in social studies classes--games, simulations, and word processing, database, spreadsheets, and graphing--and introduces applications software through descriptions of four learning activities from different parts of the social studies curriculum: introducing databases, writing historical journals, tracking…

Presents overview of recently developed computer software which is based on an understanding of how learning happens informally in the home and designed to be fun. Programs developed by The Learning Company, Children's Television Workshop, Spinnaker Software, and Capital Children's Museum are highlighted. Producers and distributors of software are…