Presents a system of software and analysis for the development of mathematical models designed to explain the structure in large bibliographic data sets. The discussion covers the goodness of fit obtained in testing and replications, and the implications for the control of large information systems. (six references) (CLB)

Discusses wire capture programs (computer programs which gather and process wire services such as the Associated Press or United Press) for computer labs in journalism departments. Describes details of such programs for Macintosh, IBM, and IBM clones. (SR)

Describes implementation, support, and evaluation of computer assisted learning (CAL) projects at three universities: Project Athena at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the Andrew network at Carnegie Mellon University; and a project at Stanford University. Topics discussed include work stations, microcomputers, computer networks, graphics,…

Although many of the criteria used to evaluate traditional instructional materials can be applied to the instructional aspects of computer-assisted instruction, additional criteria must be considered. These include interactivity, individualized feedback, rapid calculation, graphics, and cost-effectiveness. (JOW)

Discusses the World Wide Web (W3) and its relevance to a philosophy of science. Topics include PORIDGE, an electronically mediated encyclopedia of postmodern knowledge; hypertext mark-up language; W3 as a medium for information ecologies; the relationship between W3 and the user; social manufacture of knowledge; and W3 as a model. (29 references)…

A qualitative, holistic framework is presented for the process of evaluating foreign language software. Eleven specific steps are outlined, and a list of educational software evaluation agencies is appended. (Contains 21 references.) (LB)

Discusses the types of overlapping speech, a common characteristic of speech that any annotation system must deal with. Critiques two types of current systems for marking overlaps. Describes software developed by the authors that not only accurately marks the boundaries of overlaps but presents them to the user in a readable format. (SR)

Discusses limitations in the development of health care information systems; explains component methodology for complex software development, including component interface semantics; and describes Arachne, a development environment available via the Internet consisting of a set of tools that enables applications to be constructed through…

Points relevant to user-program interaction in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) are discussed, followed by strategies for vocabulary learning. An environment in which guidelines and strategies are implemented is described. (Contains 13 references.) (Author/LB)

Presents points to consider when organizing a computer laboratory. These include the lab's overall objectives and how best to meet them; what type of students will use the lab; where the lab will be located; and what software and hardware can best meet the lab's overall objectives, population, and location requirements. Other factors include time,…

Explains client software tools that simplify two information access procedures on the Internet, i.e., file transfer and file access. The use of "Fetch" to explore and access file transfer protocol archives, and "TurboGopher," to explore and access Gopher servers, are described. (Contains two references.) (LRW)

Examines a number of current products that enhance CD-ROM use. Highlights include shareware; audio players; drive control, including security devices; caching, to increase speed; benchmarks and diagnostics, to compare different drive models; enhanced extensions; and file management. (LRW)

Discusses large-scale software development and describes the development of the Designer Assistant to improve software development effectiveness. Highlights include the knowledge management problem; related work, including artificial intelligence and expert systems, software process modeling research, and other approaches to organizational memory;…

Offers a detailed analysis of two major producers of children's literature available on CD-ROM: Discis Books and Living Books. Discusses their differing approaches to format, narration, pictures, and teacher support materials. (SR)

Investigates the extent to which draft reviews improved the technical accuracy of two computer documents. Finds that draft reviews encouraged reviewers to make suggestions about all aspects of a document, not only technical accuracy. Recommends that draft reviews be supplemented by numerous other quality control techniques such as user reviews and…