Describes the MINISIZE 2 computer program, which permits the user to determine the effect size and the minimum sample size needed so that results of a given analysis will be statistically significant. Explains the program's operation and provides examples. (SLD)

Study determines the extent to which counselors in Kentucky schools have adopted computers. The rate at which computer technology is growing is making their effective use difficult and expensive because older models lack the ability to run programs designed for counseling-related applications. Computers represent a resource that is not being used…

Argues that defining design and copy styles helps ensure consistency for the reader (which is the key to readability) and also make life easier for the designer. Discusses several steps to defining styles within various software. Notes that complexity is also possible with styles. (SR)

Discusses how libraries can gather data on the use of their Web sites. Highlights include Web server log files, including the common log file, referrer log file, and agent log file; log file limitations; privacy concerns; and choosing log analysis software, both free and commercial. (LRW)

Describes the efforts at Boston Public Library to recover from serious flooding that damaged computer equipment. Discusses vendor help in assessing the damage; the loss of installation disks; hiring consultants to help with financial matters; effects on staff; repairing and replacing damaged equipment; insurance issues; and disaster recovery…

Evaluates "Editor," arguably the most sophisticated grammar and style checker. Tests its effectiveness by using samples from one student and one published writer. Finds that "Editor" is limited to identifying problems in surface structure and that it sometimes identifies "errors" which are not errors while failing to…

Outlines a six-step process that allows computer operators, using Photoshop software, to create "knock-outs" to precisely define the path that will serve to separate the object from the background. (SR)

Argues that online help systems are often not helpful and even increase the user's frustration and stress level. States that an instructional design perspective can increase the effectiveness of online help systems, and offers a checklist. Examines the instructional components of the checklist and identifies ways they could be added to an online…

Provides a list of companies that offer commercial library software and describes the systems and tools they offer. Integrated library systems, networking systems, bibliographic software, and other library applications are included. (LRW)

Provides an update to the list of companies that offer commercial library software and describes the systems and tools they offer. Integrated library systems, networking systems, bibliographic software, and other library applications are included. (LRW)

Unlike most program assessment systems, Program Assessment using Specified Solutions (PASS), evaluates student C programs by assessing the way a problem was solved by performing a comparison of the submitted program with a solution plan. This article describes PASS, its use of instructor specified solution plans, assessment and feedback systems,…

Describes XML (extensible markup language), a new language classification submitted to the World Wide Web Consortium that is defined in terms of both SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), specifically designed for the Internet. Limitations of PDF (Portable Document Format) files for electronic journals…

Discusses changing uniform resource locators (URLs), providing an analysis of the frequency of change; solutions available; and reasons for outdated and inaccurate URLs. Lists software and Web services that monitor URLs and hypertext links. (PEN)

Examines GTE (Generic Tutoring Environment) from an authoring perspective, describes how GTE may be used to create courseware, and reviews potential difficulties that authors face when using such a tool. Summarizes two studies that investigated how authors used GTE and concludes that GTE designs are difficult for authors to test and evaluate.…

A study of 16 boys and 16 girls aged 10-11 investigated gender stereotyped, gender neutral, and abstract versions of problem-solving software. Found that boys preferred the male stereotyped version, whereas girls showed no significant preference for the male, female, or neutral versions. Findings are consistent with research on gender stereotyping…