When the Smithsonian Institution recently acquired a new financial management system, the concept of prototyping was used throughout the process, but in a broader sense than in software development. It was used to refine requirements, establish software management techniques, test a logistical system, and implement and apply the package. (MSE)

Designed for education leaders who seek to apply multimedia technology in schools, this guide addresses not only hardware and software matters, but also a wide range of related issues that schools face. Various facets of the topic are addressed in 12 papers presented under 8 broad headings: (1) Multimedia Technology (Racquel Skolnik and R. G.…

Provides advice on buying alumni-development software, focusing on getting the necessary buy-in from staff and superiors, assessing existing policies and procedures, developing a realistic budget, writing a thorough request for proposals (RFP), assessing RFPs objectively, watching the demo with skepticism, evaluating what is shown, checking…

Intended to aid teachers, administrators, and interested parents by informing them about the state of the educational microcomputer market, this report is meant to be a guide to school districts in the acquisition and maintenance of microcomputers and related instructional materials. Trends in educational computing technology are noted in relation…

This article describes five organizational Web sites that are good resources in selecting and using software with children who have special needs. The sites represent the DO-IT project, the Trace Research and Development Center, Special Needs Opportunity Windows, the Family Center on Technology and Disability, and the National Center for…

This report describes a project conducted for the following purposes: (1) research the new technologies that will be part of the upcoming information boom, popularly referred to as the "information superhighway"; (2) interview technical professionals in the scientific field to find out their feelings and predictions on the technology;…

Discusses the use of computers and computer software in music education. Describes software programs that utilize tutorial, drill-and-practice, and hypermedia approaches. Includes two figures listing selected hypermedia programs and sources of tutorial and drill-and-practice programs. (CFR)

This article discusses different types of literacy software and provides an annotated list of recommended software packages. Guidelines for previewing and selecting software are given, and short reviews of 17 programs are included along with contact information for their publishers, suggested age and ability levels, and details of hardware…

A survey of America's 244 largest school districts, with responses from 215, showed that 28 percent are actively procuring at least 1 of 3 major administrative information systems: financial, human resources, or student information. Describes the installation and use of a new information infrastructure in a Maryland school district. (MLF)

Presents an overview of educational computing for the nonspecialist classroom teacher. Describes computer-assisted instruction and reviews recent technological developments in the field. Predicts increasingly creative and efficient use of computers and software by teachers and students in all humanities disciplines. (CFR)

Testbanking provides teachers with an effective, low-cost, time-saving opportunity to improve the testing aspect of their classes. Testbanking, which involves the use of a testbank program and a computer, allows teachers to develop and generate tests and test-forms with a minimum of effort. Teachers who test using true and false, multiple choice,…

The article addresses advances in speech and language assessment through the use of technology. Discussed are the large amounts of accurate diagnostic information that software can generate and the use of microcomputers in data interpretation. Categories of assessment software (phonological analysis and language sample analysis) are considered and…

Advances in World Wide Web design software, photo compact disk images, print-screening processes, and four- and six-color printing can make the work of campus publications easier, cheaper, and more attractive, but also have potential pitfalls. A preview of the latest innovations, with advantages and disadvantages noted, is offered here. (MSE)

This manual is intended to provide directors of funded programs and teachers with an awareness of a wide range of technology services, programs, and applications for improving the quality and effectiveness of instructional support services in New York State schools. The first of nine chapters contains two papers: "Technology Support for…

Selection and evaluation of electronic resources have prompted school librarians and media specialists to examine collection development guidelines and procedures. This article discusses criteria for selection and evaluation of CD-ROMs to meet the needs of the library, teachers, students, and curriculum. Includes forms for courseware description…