This article identifies realistic, research-based computer simulations that are capable of stimulating student decision making. Also discussed is a recent category of computer programs, probeware. Students use a sensing device (probe) to measure physical characteristics and transmit results to a computer which collects, stores, and displays the…

Reviewed are 13 computer software packages including "Algebra I Second Semester"; "The Algebraic Proposer"; "SVE AutoGraph"; "Geometry: Concepts and Proofs"; "Geometry 1&2"; "Graphics Calculator"; "Interactive Physics"; "Learning Data Analysis with Data Desk";…

Health educators need to recognize potential of microcomputer in school health program and become familiar with its application in order to function effectively within next decade. Applications for software packages can be used for two general purposes in the school health program: classroom and school-wide management and delivery of instruction.…

Discusses software that is used to drive and access optical disk jukeboxes, which are used for data storage. Categories of the software are described, user categories are explained, the design of implementation approaches is discussed, and representative software products are reviewed. (eight references) (LRW)

Elementary and secondary teachers present strategies for using technology to reduce time spent on routine classroom tasks. The article describes computer software that streamlines classroom management (e.g., for keeping grades and teaching notes). An annotated list of software programs and their manufacturers is provided. (SM)

Examines the use of computers, strategies for using packaged software and the use of multimedia in the elementary school classroom. Information on telecommunication software and examples of its use are also provided. The article includes addresses and phone numbers for acquiring product information. (GLR)

Describes 12 computer software programs available for elementary and secondary math and science classes. Programs are selected from an annual guide to the highest rated educational software available. The guide includes title, grade level, category, description, hardware requirements, manufacturer, price, and pros and cons. (SM)

Suggests the advantages of using one of the commercial integrated software packages for introductory business communications courses. Reviews three widely used integrated packages ("Enable," Microsoft "Works," and "PFS First Choice") that are available in low-cost student editions. (PRA)

Reviews five CD-ROM products: (1) "Our Earth," part of the National Geographic Wonders of Learning series; (2) "New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia"; (3) "The Lost Tribe," a simulation game where players lead a prehistoric people to a new homeland; (4) "PilgrimQuest," a simulation game recreating the settlement of Massachusetts in the 1620s; and…

Digital Video Disc (DVD), now known as digital versatile disc, is a high-capacity storage medium. This article examines and evaluates DVD-Video, for storing digitized movies, and DVD-ROM for storing computer-readable text, graphics, audio, and video files. Describes and reviews selected DVD-Video and DVD-ROM titles and discusses potential hardware…

Reviews two computer software programs for children: (1) "Ready, Set, Read with Bananas and Jack" (Sierra Discovery Series), available for Windows or Macintosh systems, which uses animation and sound to teach early reading skills; and (2) "Word Connection" (Action Software), a Macintosh program that creates word puzzles. (MDM)

Describes a computer software review procedure centering around a form that considers the use of the computer software in the early-childhood classroom and aids educators in selecting software that is age- and individually appropriate. The form emphasizes reviewing the software's potential for encouraging student engagement and enhancing skills in…

Two contrasting additions to the online audio market are reviewed: "iVocalize", a browser-based audio-conferencing software, and "Skype", a PC-to-PC Internet telephone tool. These products are selected for review on the basis of their success in gaining rapid popular attention and usage during 2003-04. The "iVocalize" review emphasizes the…

Today's incoming freshmen, born in 1988, have never known a time when the Internet and personal computers were not ubiquitous. They expect "what I want, when I need it, wherever I happen to be, on whatever workstation I have available." Many industries already meet this demand--entertainment (legal or pirated), cable TV, digital video recorders,…

This report describes library applications of electronic bulletin board systems (BBS), i.e., telecommunications software designed to receive incoming calls from other computer systems. It begins by explaining the basics of a BBS; describing a typical configuration, i.e., a microcomputer and a modem connected to standard phone line bulletin board…