Arguing that software evaluation is crucial to the quality of courseware available in a school, this paper begins by discussing reasons why microcomputers are making such a tremendous impact on education, and notes that, although the quality of software has improved over the years, the challenge for teachers to integrate computing into the…

Because increased need for child protective services exceeded the Texas Department of Human Services' capacity for timely response, a 2-year Case Decision Project was implemented with the aim of applying automation to parts of the case investigation process. The project produced a Case Investigation Decision Support System with two sections: a…

This description of the Structure-Mapping Engine (SME), a flexible, cognitive simulation program for studying analogical processing which is based on Gentner's Structure-Mapping theory of analogy, points out that the SME provides a "tool kit" for constructing matching algorithms consistent with this theory. This report provides: (1) a…

The overall poor quality of educational software on the market suggests that educators must continue efforts to evaluate available packages and to disseminate their findings. In this paper, weaknesses in published evaluation procedures are identified, and an alternative model, the York Educational Software Evaluation Scale (YESES), is described.…

Describes techniques in LOGO, which are applicable to A-level and above. The techniques use a dynamic modeling approach, which considers system behavior in terms of state transitions over successive short intervals. Advantages and disadvantages of using LOGO are noted. (JN)

Integration of an intelligent gateway system with a commercial, online library support system to produce an integrated bibliographic information system is undergoing prototype testing for the Department of Defense libraries. The objective is to create an integrated system to promote resource sharing in a distributed environment. Five sources are…

Presents a system that permits students to engage directly in the process of modelling and to learn some important lessons about models and classes of models. The system described currently runs on RML 380Z and 480Z, Apple II and IIe, and BBC model B microcomputers. (JN)

Discussion of the adaptability of educational software highlights the Educational Objective Economy (EOE), a group of educational stakeholders that is focused on the cooperative creation of innovative educational software. Software architecture, the university model of knowledge exchange and production, and standards and certification are…

Discussion of collaborative learning and the roles computers can take in its facilitation and management focuses on SEMSIM, a software system that was developed at the University of Leeds (England) to assist asynchronous collaborative interchanges in a pseudoseminar setting. Two initial trials are outlined, including student-teacher relationships.…

Discusses how the reverse engineering approach can generate feedback on computer programs without the user having any prior knowledge of what the program was designed to do. This approach uses the cognitive model of programming knowledge to interpret both context independent and dependent errors in the same words and concepts as human programmers.…

Discusses models of home educational computing that are linked to learning in school and recommends the need for research that addresses the home as a computer-based learning environment. Topics include a history of research on educational computing at home; technological infrastructure, including software and compatibility; Internet access;…

Discussion of copyright issues involving computer software focuses on faculty examination of software for evaluation purposes. Two model examination copy licenses are proposed: one a circulating evaluation copy, for libraries and other centers where individual evaluators are not involved in copying; and one a distributable evaluation copy. (five…

Presents a model for electronic books based on the paper book metaphor. Discussion includes how the book evolves under the effects of its functional components; the use and impact of the model for organizing and presenting electronic documents in the context of electronic publishing; and the possible applications of a system based on the model.…

Proposes random-effects regression model for analysis of clustered data. Suggests model assumes some dependency of within-cluster data. Model adjusts effects for resulting dependency from data clustering. Describes maximum marginal likelihood solution. Discusses available statistical software. Demonstrates model via investigation involving…

The research reported in this article provides descriptions of design activities and of the evolving designs of expert procedural and expert object-oriented (OO) designers and for novice OO designers with extensive procedural experience. Analysis of procedural and OO designers, in terms of their cognitive activities, design strategies, and final…