Intended to help special educators select software appropriate for their classroom use, the directory contains evalutions of about 300 instructional software packages. An index lists titles by computer type and the following subject areas: computer literacy, critical thinking, grammar, life skills, literature, math computation, math problem…

The paper addresses three major concerns associated with incorporating microcomputers into educational settings: computer use, software selection, and hardware selection. Advantages of the computer in instructional settings are noted as well as its limitations. Staff is advised to select which of four applications is appropriate to their setting…

The purchase of computer software must come before the purchase of hardware. Otherwise school people may watch an excellent computer collect dust while they search in vain for software that fills their needs. (Author/JM)

There is an abundance of educational software available, the quality of which ranges from invaluable to a waste of money. The following guidelines should make shopping for software as painless as possible: (1) know your objectives; (2) be sure the software fits your equipment; (3) consider dealer support; (4) consider brand names first; (5) check…

The relative worth of any evaluation instrument depends on user needs and the material being evaluated. Potential users of a good computer assisted instruction (CAI) instrument include purchasers, authors, reviewers, and publishers of CAI materials. Although each user has unique needs, a good instrument will serve both to educate and discriminate,…

Suggestions are offered regarding the use and selection of software with LD (learning disabled) students. The scarcity of appropriate software for the population is pointed out and a hybrid selection scale based upon several existing scales is described. It is noted that the major reason for rejecting software is the high readability skill…

Delineates primary criteria for choosing a computer for instructional functions, such as computer literacy development; hands-on experience; new content or skills teaching; enrichment and remediation; and alternate learning strategies. Discusses memory size, programing and authoring languages, service warranties and maintenance, user networks, and…

It is necessary for those who are developing and/or evaluating software for purchase to carefully consider its educational compatibility, instructional design adequacy, and technical adequacy. Specific factors are examined as they relate to the development and/or evaluation of educational microcomputer software for handicapped learners. (Author)

Outlines a model that will help teachers perform the prerequisite activities necessary for the specification of a microcomputer system that will meet present and future instructional computing needs. (Author/IRT)

Offers a checklist to help adult educators make intelligent software selections. Stresses the need to try products before buying them, to have a grace period to test them with students, to look for reviews, and to get a detailed list of hardware requirements. (JOW)

This paper examines the use of the microcomputer as a mediating device, and explores its influence on curriculum. The relationship of a media device to subject matter and the nature of a subject are examined, and possible uses of the computer in science and social studies are analyzed to illustrate this principle. Three main points are emphasized…

Describes the current status and limitations of expert systems, and explores the possible applications of such systems in education and training. The use of expert systems as tutors, as job aids, and as a vehicle for students to develop their own expert systems on specific topics are discussed. (40 references) (CLB)

Ten teacher guidelines for selecting computer software programs for learning disabled students are outlined. (JW)

Many of the factors that go into evaluating computer courseware are the same ones educators have been applying to all instructional materials long before computers entered the classroom. Discussed are some effective ways for locating computer courseware and instruction and computer related evaluation factors. (RM)

This handbook is intended to guide the vocational educator through the task of selecting and evaluating software for the vocational curriculum. Section 1 focuses on computer-based education. Chapter 1 defines computer-based education and the hardware and software required when the computer is used as an educational delivery system. Chapter 2…