Introduces exercises on histograms and frequency density. Guides pupils to Discovering Important Statistical Concepts Using Spreadsheets (DISCUSS), created at the University of Coventry. Includes curriculum points, teaching tips, activities, and internet address (http://www.coventry.ac.uk/discuss/). (KHR)

Discusses the use of digital video projects for online courses in higher education and presents a list of 10 recommendations for helping faculty with the digital video project development process. Highlights include timelines; funding; planning; knowing the audience; hardware and software choices; evaluation; research; and publicizing the…

Three studies examined high school and college students' proficiency with sourcing, contextualization, and corroboration skills when working with history documents. Findings indicated that students using "Sourcer's Apprentice"--a computer-based tutoring system to teach sourcing and corroboration--instead of regular classroom activities or a…

Presents findings from a small-scale experiment investigating the presentation of a synchronous, Web-based remote electronic exam in a distance education course. Discusses student experiences based on a questionnaire; time pressures; technical issues; differences between the structure of an electronic exam and a paper-based exam; and future work,…

FACETS many-facet Rasch analysis software was utilized to look at two consecutive administrations of a large-scale second language oral assessment in the form of a peer group discussion task with Japanese English-major university students. Results are discussed. (Author/VWL)

This article discusses Web design software that provides an easy-to-use interface. The "Netscape Communicator" is highlighted for beginning Web page construction and step-by-step instructions are provided for starting out, page colors and properties, indents, bulleted lists, tables, adding links, navigating long documents, creating e-mail links,…

Discusses advantages of technology such as handheld computers in classrooms that include children with disabilities. Asks how technological devices affect very young children with or without disabilities and reviews criteria for selecting software, Web sites, and resources for teaching with technology. (DLH)

Describes techniques for using the SCISEARCH database to determine how often a particular journal is cited by authors affiliated with a particular institution. The use of CROSSTALK and WordPerfect to create offline searches to minimize costs is explained, and using the resulting information to make journal subscription and cancellation decisions…

Compares two authoring tools that were developed to enable users without programing experience to create and modify software. HyperCard, designed for Macintosh microcomputers, and ToolBook, for microcomputers that run on MS-DOS, are compared in the areas of programing languages, graphics and printing capabilities, user interface, system…

This article describes (1) IBM's National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities, a clearinghouse of information about adaptive devices, software, and support groups helping disabled persons use IBM computers; (2) special IBM products, including the Screen Reader, SpeechViewer, and PhoneCommunicator; and (3) an IBM-sponsored program whereby…

Discusses the use of CD-ROMs in library processing and public services units. Topics discussed include local area networks, workstations, network security, search software, disk operating systems (DOS), computer viruses, CD-ROM selection and acquisition, licensing, and standards. A sidebar lists current CD-ROM products appropriate for reference…

Reviews authoring systems and languages for computer-based instruction (CBI) used in postsecondary institutions and identifies developments needed to promote effective authoring of CBI. Topics discussed include features of typical authoring environments, including prototype format, sequence, and menu orientation; software development; and…

Describes learning strategies used by design groups at the Educational Technology Center at the University of California, Irvine, to develop interactive computer-based learning materials. Highlights include excerpts from scripts developed in project design sessions; yes-no questions and string matching; pointing input and single characteristic…

Highlights rationales for having systematic merit salary administration, and presents guidelines for introducing such a system. Discusses using the Salary Model (a menu-driven software package that allows administrators to compare activities of one faculty member to others) as one aspect of a merit salary system. (MM)

Discusses the use of the WORDS computer program in scoring writing assignments. Explains that computerized analysis has identified factors in experienced writers' essays that graders favor but has failed to distinguish clearly between basic and average writers' works. Concludes that holistic scoring can work effectively for student placement, but…