This guide developed by MicroSIFT, a clearinghouse for microcomputer-based educational software and courseware, provides background information and forms to aid teachers and other educators in evaluating available microcomputer courseware. The evaluation process comprises four stages: (1) sifting, which screens out those programs that are not…

Extensively reviews Hypercard, a multifaceted software package for the Macintosh. HyperCard uses a language called "hypertext" which was patterned after everyday language and designed to allow flexibility in the linking and manipulation of text, graphics, and sounds. Describes one use for Hypercard in an advanced course on Latin American…

Presents guidelines for selecting computer equipment and appropriate software for children of preschool and early elementary school age (3- to 6-years-old.) (BB)

Summarizes advantages and disadvantages of using computer-assisted instruction for library skills instruction and describes seven steps for developing a program for use in an academic library setting: (1) needs assessment; (2) objectives; (3) program language selection; (4) hardware selection; (5) writing the program(s); (6) feedback and…

Describes the inadequacies of the current software for computer-based instruction, and presents a framework of instructional components to guide the design of such software. A taxonomy of design considerations is then discussed, including instructional context, strategies, and technical capabilities that can be used to enhance instruction. (4…

Reviews the principles of the behavioral model of learning and discusses the need to incorporate these principles in the development of educational software programs. Criteria for evaluating software programs based on their inclusion of behavioral principles are provided, and the evaluations of six available programs based on these criteria are…

Computer tools can help bring about improvements needed in our schools. This paper reviews the special contributions computers can make to education today and discusses capabilities expected in the future. (MT)

Presents observations about the long-range computer plans from three journalism schools, noting varied objectives, the most frequently chosen hardware, and the scarcity of software specific to journalism and mass communications instruction. (HTH)

Discusses the micro-concord, an interactive, keyword-in-context concordancing program that can be run on the Spectrum home microcomputer. The program offers language learners, teachers, and linguistic researchers an excellent tool for investigating learners' writing as well as for replacing more traditional language learning materials. (Author/SED)

Five different levels of instructional videodisc and microcomputer configurations are described and discussed in relation to needs and resources of the special education program. Principles of effective instruction should be applied to the development and utilization of videodisc technology.(Author/DB)

Dance practitioners and researchers have begun to use computers to expand creativity and experimentation in movement. Current investigations and applications of computer technology within the dance field are discussed. Possible roles for computerized dance research in the future are explored. (DF)

A teacher discusses how computers can be used in the classroom to increase individualization, motivation, and creativity. (DF)

Outlines the basics one must know in order to incorporate the microcomputer into the classroom. Discusses introducing students to the microcomputer for writing, evaluating students, expanding one's knowledge, and sample lesson plans. (EL)

Addresses considerations related to the use of microcomputers in special education (e.g., costs, staff development, and determination of how computers can be used most effectively). Offers examples of successful computer applications. Finds computers especially valuable in helping handicapped students to communicate, in developing self-confidence,…

Presents the results of a recent survey of microcomputer use in economics departments in United Kingdom universities and polytechnic schools. The BBC B and IBM PC were the first and second most popular machines, respectively. Eighty-five per cent of the use was secretarial with Wordstar and Wordwise being the most popular word processing packages.…