Presents an overview of a suite of software tools called "Of Course!" that was created for the design and development of interactive multimedia instructional (IMI) programs. Describes the tool's three built-in quality assurance operating modes; the Event Status buttons that handle the quality assurance feature; and the design and…

Discusses Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), a method through which technology administrators may understand and manage all costs of technology-related purchases. Describes six categories of costs to consider during the planning process: professional development; support; software; replacement costs; retrofitting; and connectivity. (AEF)

Reviews the Earobics program, an auditory development and phonics software program designed to provide auditory processing and phonemic awareness training. The conceptual framework motivating the software development is assessed though an analysis of the six games of the program. Strengths and limitations of the program are discussed. (CR)

This issue focuses on the theme of "Energy," and describes several educational resources (Web sites, CD-ROMs and software, videos, books, activities, and other resources). Sidebars offer features on alternative energy, animal energy, internal combustion engines, and energy from food. Subthemes include harnessing energy, human energy, and…

Discusses the design and use of intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) for computerized business simulations. Reviews the use of ITS as an instructional technology; presents a model for ITS-based business simulations; examines the user interface and link between the ITS and simulation; and recommends expert-consultant diagnostic testing, and…

Reports on a usability evaluation of the wide area networked database used in the library system of the City University of New York (CUNY). Describes use of the Software Usability Measurement Inventory (SUMI) criteria in student surveys and interviews that considered affect, efficiency, learnability, control, and helpfulness. Survey is appended.…

Discussion of information technology training focuses on an evaluative study at the Department of Defense that investigated whether new information technology training could improve job performance. Highlights include determining training effectiveness; job transfer evaluation; return on investment; use of software features; and the impact of…

Describes a usability study conducted with health sciences students at the University of Washington that explored interface issues in the GramStain Tutor, an educational software program on CD-ROM, particularly the navigation of the program and the use of embedded design features. (LRW)

Describes five issues that should be addressed simultaneously when using technology-enhanced instruction in the classroom: infrastructure and hardware, software, professional development, maintenance, and long-term support. Three sidebars focus on: ways to get started using technology in the classroom, tips from the trenches (how not to reinvent…

Technology education should play a far more substantial role in schools. Defines the term technology and presents a comprehensive set of goals for elementary technology education. (Contains 30 references.) (Author/YDS)

This study examined the collateral effects of WiggleWorks, an interactive literacy program, in two settings: a cohort study comparing random samples of grade 1 and 2 students before and after software implementation, and a longitudinal sample tracing students from kindergarten to grade 1. Showed increases in computer use, skills, and…

Describes computer software called Shemesh designed for learning equivalence-classes of fractions. Describes interviews with fifth-grade students who used the software in their learning activities. Evidence indicates initial actual development of desired mathematical concepts. (Author/MM)

Background: Since the early 1980s, there has been a growing interest in the potentiality of computers as facilitators of students' learning. The importance of using technology effectively as a learning tool has been emphasized by many researchers. However, finding good software that encourages pupils to explore and express mathematical ideas is…

Learning diaries--as we employ them--are students' written reflections of their learning experiences and outcomes over the course of university seminars. The writing of such diaries is 'tutored' by a computer program: eHELp supports the writing of sophisticated learning diaries through a modelling and scaffolding of the phases of planning,…

This study aimed to find out whether integrating accent reduction software in advanced English language classes at the university level would result in improvements in students pronunciation at the segmental and sup-rasegmental levels. The study made use of a quasi-experimental research design. Two classes at the Department of Foreign Language…