Describes the "ABCD" model for integrating spreadsheets into elementary science instruction, which consists of four steps: analyzing the software and curriculum; brainstorming connections between parts of the software and the content areas; creating connections among the curriculum, the brainstorming information, and noncomputer classroom…

Describes experiences as judges at the University of Minnesota Learning Software Design Competition. Highlights include criteria for judging; an overview of some of the software programs; and the future of learning software, including Internet delivery, emphasis on visual and three-dimensional problem-solving environments, rich learning…

Developmental Software Awards were presented to seven computer programs: (1) Kidpix (Broderbund Software), art; (2) FaceMaker, Golden edition (Queue), creative problem solving; (3) My Words (Hartley Courseware) and Paint with Words (MECC), language; (4) EZ Logo, revised edition (MECC) and Learn about Plants (Create and Worlds), math and science;…

Reports the results of a study that examined the patterns of interactions of high school student partners engaged in problem-solving activities while working through computer simulation activities in an astronomy lab. Observations, interviews with teachers and students, and a software program evaluation are discussed. (LRW)

Changes in medical school curricula and teaching approach have led to an increased use in computer courseware and other technology. The traditional audiovisual library serving medical school students must redefine the role of the information provider to include helping students navigate networks; choosing and evaluating instructional materials;…

World Wide Web browsers are compared by speed, setup, hypertext transport protocol (HTTP) handling, management of file transfer protocol (FTP), telnet, gopher, and wide area information server (WAIS); bookmark options; and communication functions. Netscape has the most features, the fastest retrieval, sophisticated bookmark capabilities. (JMV)

Provides an annotated bibliography of up-to-date information on computer technology for geographic education in elementary schools. Suggests that, if teachers are made aware of the available resources of sophisticated computer technology, they will be better able to face the challenges in geography education. (AA)

Describes the evaluation of four hypertext microcomputer-based software packages for use in a browsing system on a medical or health topic for the South African Medical Research Council exhibit in the South African Museum. Evaluation criteria are explained, and 40 examples of screen displays are included. (four references) (LRW)

Presents the computer microworlds developed by the Children's Construction of Rational Numbers of Arithmetic (Fractions) Project. Provides an overview of three microworlds: Toys; Sticks; and Candybars. Discusses how children are expected to use the microworlds to construct an understanding of rational numbers. (MDH)

The development and evaluation of a series of hypermedia tools designed to help students learn to program in PASCAL or LISP are described. Classroom trials with 171 college students illustrate use of the developed tools. The use of hypermedia to foster integrated understanding is discussed. (SLD)

Discussion of cross-cultural media transfer emphasizes computer software portability. Educational aspects of portability are discussed; types of software most suitable to portability are described; educational guidelines for portability that focus on linguistic, contextual, structural, and motivational factors are offered; and a formative…

Provides an annotated bibliography of six items from the ERIC database concerning the teaching of economics. Includes items about microeconomics, macroeconomics, and computer-assisted economics instruction. Explains how to obtain ERIC documents. (SG)

Examines the world of integrated learning systems, focusing on research that explains their success and noting what needs to be done to make them more effective in elementary education. The article recommends creating a method to demonstrate their success or failure rate in improving scores on achievement tests. (SM)

The process of developing and evaluating an interactive videodisc system to teach communication skills for community and institutional pharmacy practice settings is described. An interdisciplinary team was used to integrate therapeutics, communication theory, media design, video production, and computer programing in the software development…

An experimental design study compared the effect of periodic use of the "Geometric Supposers" software to nonuse on geometry achievement of two tenth grade classes (n=58). Results suggest that "Geometric Supposers" promotes higher achievement, particularly on Higher Level and Application Problems. No difference on Lower Level…