Describes MultiTool, a new programming shell for use in developing multimedia education and training applications with microcomputer-based software and videodisk-based images. Examines the objectives of the system and its limitations, analysis and design of a courseware module, and implementation details. (LZ)

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.…

Explains the cause of the Year 2000 (Y2K) problem for computers, how it manifests itself, and what can be done to fix it. Attention is given to both microcomputers and more powerful machines. (MSE)

Examines the current status and short-term future of computer software development in higher education. Topics discussed include educational advantages of software; current program development techniques, including object oriented programming; and market trends, including IBM versus Macintosh and multimedia programs. (LRW)

Visually impaired users are hampered by current PC software written for graphical user interfaces. Screen readers that vocalize displayed text require standardization that remains missing in the programming industry; the readers cannot interpret many cues in the Windows environment. More programming standards and adaptive technology for computers…

An Open University program to develop software for a microcomputer/speech synthesizer is described that could provide broad access to university programming, computer-assisted instruction, and data processing. The state of the art of speech synthesis and the problems encountered in program construction and trial are outlined. (MSE)

Explored the performance of primary school children in Logo programming tasks while they worked in one of three gender pairs (girl, boy, or boy-girl). Found no considerable differences in performance based on gender. Results suggest that what distinguished performance was the application of metastrategic processes--the most effective solutions…

Describes a study of 647 preservice teachers in Ontario that used the Computer Ability Survey (CAS) to assess 4 components of computer literacy: software ability, awareness, programming skill, and perceived control. Correlations and validity for the CAS are discussed, and results of a principal-components factor analysis are reported. (Contains 39…

Reports on the results of a study of business undergraduates in Australia that was conducted to determine whether or not perceived knowledge of software, microcomputer experience, overall knowledge of computers, programming experience, and gender were predictors of computer anxiety. Use of the Computer Anxiety Rating Scale is discussed.…

This book enables educators at the elementary level to conduct formative evaluations of their technology programs in minimum time. Most of the technology is computer related, including word processing, graphics, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, databases, instructional software, programming, and telecommunications. The design of the book is aimed…