Argues that traditional methods of testing software products leave too little time for major modifications and that in-cycle usability testing is required. Reports a study of environmental factors that constrain such testing. Concludes that it is not yet routine because of budget and staff limitations, lack of performance standards, and untrained…

Outlines the Massachusetts and Virginia models for adult education courseware evaluation. Suggests ways to improve evaluation through state and regional resource centers and other collaborative efforts. (SK)

Documents Shell Oil's success with interactive video training (IVT) and identifies the costs involved in this long-term investment. Provides guidelines for judging the effectiveness of IVT programs. (SK)

Describes the possible roles of an automation librarian working with microcomputer-based applications. Topics discussed include developing original applications; troubleshooting; software evaluation; hardware and software monitoring, maintenance, and upgrading; data protection; staff training; system documentation; negotiation and communication;…

The ability of the NORMIX algorithm to recover overlapping population structures was compared to the OVERCLUS procedure and another clustering procedure in a Monte Carlo study. NORMIX is found to be more accurate than other procedures in recovering overlapping population structure when appropriate implementation options are specified. (SLD)

Presents a texture-based image-retrieval system for browsing large-scale aerial photographs. System components include texture-feature extraction, image segmentation and grouping, learning-similarity measure, and a texture-thesaurus model for fast search and indexing. Testing has demonstrated the system's effectiveness in searching and selecting…

Uses several approaches to assess the impact that using computer-assisted instruction (CAI) has on students in several undergraduate courses. Describes the various CAI materials, methodology of the assessment process, and the sets of data; analyzes the data; and discusses the results with emphasis on possible reasons for success or failure of CAI.…

Examines the empirical results from an evaluation of interactive software designed to support health-promotion planning. Findings from a case study of two main users of the technology and the program director suggest that users' viewpoints should be exploited in a meaningful manner to explain how and why users make use of technology. Contains 55…

Describes how filtering software programs work, types of filtering software, and common problems that emerge with use. An appendix provides information on Internet-filtering software products, including product name, company name, filter type, platforms supported, price range, Web site, and notes. (AEF)

Describes a computer-aided supplement to the introductory microeconomics course that enhances students' understanding with simulation-based tools for reviewing what they have learned from lectures and conventional textbooks about comparing market equilibria. Includes a discussion of students' learning progressions and retention after using the…

Evaluation of five computer-based integrated learning systems for job skill development (Autoskill, CCC, Invest, Pathfinder, and PLATO) revealed (1) the importance of context (United States vs. Canada); (2) variability of sites being more significant than variability among systems; (3) lack of information on outcomes; and (4) the need to match…

Presents the evaluation of a school technology planner, an integrated electronic performance support system for developing technology use plans (TUP). Discusses reasons teachers chose not to use the software (lack of collegial, administrative, and technological support; lack of time and mixing of district and school perspectives); ranks program…

Describes the formative evaluation of a prototype, computerized, interactive learning and practice program for university students in theoretical computer science. Found the program to provide a rich learning environment. (EV)

Notes that understanding what "free software" means and its implications for access and use of new technologies is an important component of the new literacies. Concludes that if free speech and free press are essential to the development of a general literacy, then free software can promote the development of computer literacy. (SG)

Describes "DotsPlus," a tactile font set that allows computers to print documents in any language which uses the Roman alphabet in tactile form. DotsPlus overcomes such Braille problems as code translation, Braille numbers, exotic symbols, and symbols out of context. A new printing technology (TIGER--Tactile Graphics Embosser) produces DotsPlus…