Software professionals have to synchronize themselves with the new cutting edge technologies or they may be phased out of their work. They can opt this through in-house training by an instructor, by attending a course at a training institute after office hours, or by taking up an online course. This article provides an analysis of the…

The Technology in Education Program, established in 1970, was purposed to help college teachers test the instructional uses of new communication technologies. Preliminary results have been encouraging, although there are problems in training opportunities, technology refinements, and software development. (LBH)

Winners of a contest run by the EDUCOM Software Initiative, a project to promote development and dissemination of instructional software for higher education, are identified. Criteria included the appropriateness of the software for use in higher education, its reliability, appeal and ease of use, etc. (MLW)

Focuses on the first of three stages of the path evaluation procedure for instructional software, performing the preliminary evaluation. The three main steps involved in preliminary evaluation are (1) a program is chosen for evaluation; (2) information is exchanged with the faculty developer; and (3) the instructional designer reviews the software…

Offers some suggestions for using a microcomputer in class when only one work station is available. (JC)

Summarizes a teaching experiment in which two data management software packages--PFS:File and PFS:Reports, were adapted for classroom instruction to introduce social studies vocabulary concepts using the semantic feature method. (HTH)

Computer-assisted direct behavioral observation is proposed to aid sensory integration therapy. This allows the occupational therapist to quantify data, devise and answer research questions, and assess progress. Advice is given on establishing a behavior taxonomy. Computer-assisted direct behavioral observation is examined and found valuable for…

The study evaluated the feasibility of using two commonly available peripheral devices (Apple Graphics Tablet and Power Pad) and specially developed software to help 12 moderately and severely retarded individuals to use written communication (Rebus symbols). Students learned the symbol processing system and used it effectively for personal…

This checklist provides guidelines for designing computer screen displays and evaluating those designed by others. The checklist covers three important aspects of designing a computer screen display: how the screen looks, how the screen interacts with users, and evaluating the screen. (MBR)

Argues that philosophical, ethical analysis is needed when the moral rules relevant to a situation (such as the use of computers) are not obvious, or when several moral principles come into conflict. In this context, examines rights of ownership of computer programs, and the effects of increasing computer use on privacy and power. (Author/KH)

A survey found the most selective colleges were most likely to require or recommend student ownership of microcomputers, specify the brand, offer purchase discounts, and have a low ratio of students, faculty, and staff to each microcomputer. It also gathered information on microcomputer ownership, access, software, assistance, and illegal use.…

A new potential for using microcomputers to help secondary school students learn mathematics through self-diagnosis and self-remediation is contrasted with current uses of computers for diagnosis and remediation. Research findings and software are cited in the discussion. (MNS)

Describes one medium-sized public library's use of dBase III to control the processing of videocassettes. Reformatting existing files, creating the database, and custom design of the program are explained. (EM)

Discusses the use of microcomputers for automating school libraries, both for entire systems and for specific library tasks. Highlights include available library management software, newsletters that evaluate software, constructing an evaluation matrix, steps to consider in library automation, and a brief discussion of computerized card catalogs.…

Compares OCLC, WLN, and RLIN in terms of the composition of the databases, indexes and searching, special uses for public services, costs, and documentation. Selected bibliographies of general public service uses and interlibrary loan applications are provided. (CLB)