Discussion of the distribution of government information on CD-ROM to federal depository libraries focuses on a survey of a sample of federal depositories that investigated the availability of hardware; software; staff, including staff training; reference service; and bibliographic instruction. Suggested GPO (Government Printing Office) guidelines…

Issues concerning the implementation of standard user interfaces for CD-ROMs are discussed, including differing perceptions of the ideal interface, graphical user interfaces, user needs, and the standard protocols. It is suggested users should be able to select from a variety of user interfaces on each CD-ROM. (EA)

Computer system hard drives will fail at some time. Stresses preparing to cope with emergencies that cannot be prevented, including making arrangements for use of an alternative computer in case of system failure. Outlines requirements for a computer environment; explains that backup is the key to disaster recovery. Describes four public domain…

Describes courses in microcomputer literacy for college students that evolved from one general course to modular courses including word processing, spreadsheets, and programing. A proposed plan for integrating microcomputers across a variety of curriculums is then discussed, and sample curriculums are shown. (LRW)

Contends that the proliferation of historical data has made knowledge of quantitative techniques and computers essential for the historian. Evaluates various database, statistical, and graphing packages available to scholars. Discusses implementing such technology in the teaching of history courses. (DB)

Describes a new model for evaluating instructional software that focuses on the extent to which students learn the skills a software package is intended to teach. Results of a field test of fifth grade students are reported, and implications of the initial evaluation of the model are discussed. (14 references) (LRW)

Describes the use of a working conference to train teachers and education students to use the computer in mathematics education. Group work is discussed that focuses on two main components of the conference--software evaluation and lesson creation; and adaptations for Eastern European schools with few computer resources are described. (Contains…

Sixteen at-risk minority children in a preschool program were tested to assess their performance in programming with LOGO Plus software. When programming concepts and the command structure were presented at developmentally appropriate levels, the subjects performed as well as other samples of preschoolers. The minority children did not exhibit any…

Reviews research involving the LOGO computer programming language and its effect on children's achievement in mathematics, language arts, and problem solving, as well as social-emotional development. Identifies some of the unique characteristics of LOGO that may contribute to student learning. (MDM)

Asserts that the power and prices of computers have changed dramatically in recent years. Reviews 10 approaches to using computers in geographic instruction. Includes a 10-item questionnaire to determine whether teachers are using computers effectively. (CFR)

Contends that students in spatial analysis courses generally are familiar with computer use and programs but lack basic computer programing skills. Describes four exercises in which students learn programing using BASIC and dBASE. Asserts that programming exercises help students clarify concepts, understand the rationale behind calculations, use…

This overview of nonexperimental causal research methods focuses on latent variable structural equation modeling using the LISREL computer program. An extended example in special education is used to present LISREL as an extension of structural equations analysis (path analysis) and as a method of reducing the effects of error in research.…

Modeling is important in science and in science education. Computer-based modeling opens up new possibilities for learning science, particularly now that appropriate software is available. This article describes high school students' use of Model Builder software in high school classrooms. (PR)

Organized from the viewpoint of information retrieval theory, this review addresses issues of chemical information representation, comparison and matching, and retrieval strategies. Additional topics include similarity and clustering, visualization, and molecular diversity. Trends in research and application are identified, and gaps in the…

Provides a brief description of the Z39.50 information retrieval standard and reviews evaluation criteria and questions that should be asked when selecting a Z39.50 client. Areas for consideration include whether to buy or build a Z39.50 client, the end-user's requirements, connecting to a remote server, searching, managing the search response,…