Modern high school career and technical education (CTE) programs are often referred to as "high-quality CTE," and they are designed to help students build career skills and earn credentials through sequenced coursework, postsecondary credit acquisition, and exposure to relevant work-based learning experiences. These kinds of programs,…

This article examines how play is affected by computers and digital toys. Research indicates that when computer software targeted at children is problem-solving oriented and open-ended, children tend to engage in creative play and interact with peers in a positive manner. On the other hand, drill-and-practice programs can be quite boring and limit…

The section includes four articles on the use of computers for gifted students. Topics covered include basic information for parents, care and operating routines, a curriculum guide for computer literacy, the computer's role in problem solving, and computer applications for mathematically gifted students. (CL)

This booklet provides basic information about computers, assistive devices for computers, and computer software for young children with disabilities. Guidelines for assessing the child's readiness for computers are provided, as are tips on planning computer-related goals and incorporating computer use into the Individual Family Service Plan and…

This guide is designed to help teachers and parents evaluate and choose computer software for young children in their classrooms or homes. Chapter one of the guide contains software purchasing tips and criteria, along with descriptions of programs receiving the High/Scope Early Childhood Software Award of Excellence. Chapter two contains a guide…

This self-training package is designed to help microcomputer users select appropriate and efficient educational software packages by using a software evaluation system. It is mainly designed for school teachers and parents. The system consists of a Criteria Rating Form (CRF) and a personal evaluation. The CRF--a five-point scale from excellent to…

Knowing what different kinds of computer equipment can do is the first step in choosing the computer that is right for you. This digest describes a developmental progression of computer capabilities. First the basic three software programs (word processing, spreadsheets, and database programs) are discussed using examples. Next, an explanation of…

This brochure provides teachers, students, and parents with information on how to connect to a computer network; describes some of the education offerings available to network users; and offers hints to help make exploration of computer networks easy and successful. The brochure explains the equipment needed to connect to a computer network; ways…

This guide to using computers with infants and toddlers was developed by the "Let's Play! Project," a 3-year federally supported project that worked to promote play in infants and toddlers with disabilities through the use of assistive technology. Following an introductory section on getting ready to use the computer with a young child, the first…

Ideas are presented for identifying, evaluating, and selecting instructional software for children with special needs. The article notes several library research tools as sources of information and lists specific questions to consider when evaluating software. (JDD)

The Internet is a vast network of computers that connects people and information all over the world. Children often know far more about computers than their parents do. However, children need their parents' involvement, experience, and judgment, whether the children are experienced computer users or just getting started. This booklet provides…

The article describes the IBM/Special Needs Exchange which consists of: (1) electronic mail, conferencing, and a library of text and program files on the CompuServe Information Service; and (2) a dial-in database of special education software for IBM and compatible computers. (DB)

This second edition of the "Parent's Guide to the Internet" is intended to help parents--regardless of their level of technological know-how--make use of the online world as an important educational tool. This booklet provides parents with basic information about how to use the computer to find information and communicate with others. It describes…

This annotated index describes and illustrates a wide selection of public domain instructional software that may be useful in the education of deaf students and provides educators with a way to order the listed programs. The software programs are designed for use on Apple computers and their compatibles. The software descriptions are presented in…

This book reviews over 250 computer programs oriented toward the three- to six-year age range. Each program has been screened with checklists designed to rate such factors as ease of use, content strength, instructional design, and developmental appropriateness. The opening section contains an alphabetical list of all the software titles covered,…