Discusses the availability and quality of commercial reference services available on the World Wide Web such as Ask Jeeves and the decline in library reference service statistics. Describes a project in California to help libraries develop live, real-time reference services over the Web by adapting Web contact center software. (LRW)

Explores the software behind the interface of the programs used in composition classrooms. Places the production of software in a cultural context. Compares hypertext, structured programming, and natural-language writing. Suggests that writing instructors think about ways to customize programs used in their composition classes and to understand…

Describes the development of the Watch, Discover, Think, and Act asthma self-management computer program for inner-city children with asthma. The intervention focuses on teaching two categories of behaviors: asthma specific behaviors such as taking preventive medication, and self-regulatory processes such as monitoring symptoms and solving asthma…

Peeping software takes several forms and can be used on a network or to monitor a certain computer. E-Mail Plus, for example, hides inside a computer and sends exact copies of incoming or outgoing e-mail anywhere. School staff with monitored computers should demand e-mail privacy. (MLH)

It is surprisingly easy to explore geometry using Word AutoShapes or an Excel spreadsheet. Most of the techniques described could be taught to Y7 in half an hour. Many of them could be used in primary schools. Shows some of the mathematical possibilities of these techniques. Detailed step-by-step worksheets to introduce pupils to these are…

This status report on instructional software accessibility for individuals with disabilities notes current initiatives to further instructional technology accessibility and reports on a survey of 19 major companies producing instructional software. Only two responses reflected awareness of accessibility considerations and all the remaining…

Describes development of the Courseware Engineering Methodology (CEM), created to guide novices in designing effective courseware. Discusses CEM's four models: pedagogical (concerned with the courseware's pedagogical aspects), conceptual (dealing with software engineering), interface (relating to human-computer interaction), and hypermedia…

Investigates the differences of student performance between computerized and paper-and-pen multiple-choice tests and assesses the extent and effect of "computer anxiety." Uses the LXR.TEST 5.1 software for computerized tests and suggests that computer-based assessment could be used with confidence for the purposes of ranking students, but care…

Describes how a New Hampshire school system eliminated internal school vandalism and bomb threats, and reduced the number of false alarms, by using video security software (WebEyeAlert security solution) that is accessible via a variety of methods from remote locations. (Author/EV)

The increased availability of digital images is accompanied by a need for solutions to the problems inherent in indexing them for retrieval. Problems in image description and access are discussed, with a perspective on traditional and new solutions. Recent developments in intellectual access to images are surveyed and contrasted with…

Discusses how to avoid costly mistakes when buying facility-management software. Provides answers to questions buyers should ask before committing funds to a particular program. Selected facility-management software companies and product profiles are highlighted. (GR)

Examines intelligent software agents, presents nine design principles aimed specifically at the technology perspective (to personalize task performance and general principles), and discusses what librarians can do that software agents (agents defined as activity-aware software programs) cannot do. Describes an information ecology that integrates…

Explores economic aspects of a resource discovery network (RDN) in the United Kingdom consisting of a center and eight sub-based hubs using Ithink Analyst, a modeling software package. Results suggest that with a combination of sponsorship and subscription income a RDN could succeed without grant funding within 10 years of its launch. (Author/LRW)

Examines the practical details of setting up live online reference services in libraries. Topics include choosing software; differences between licensed and hosted applications; models used to implement virtual reference services; how libraries are using these services in day to day operations; and marketing strategies. (Author/LRW)

Includes four articles that address issues concerning content management (CM) of organizations or Web sites. Highlights include systems for managing content; computer software-based systems; the role of information architects; CM and publishing; and evaluation criteria for CM implementation via vendors, including pricing and support. (LRW)