This article provides brief descriptions of the latest product releases in the education market. These products include hardware, software, and resources. The following products are presented in this article, but not limited to: (1) Radius Audio Learning System(www.learningresources.com); (2) The Indigo Learning System from LearningSoft, LLC…

Compares two multimedia platforms, HyperCard and CD-I (Compact Disc-Interactive), in terms of their development and delivery capabilities and costs. Examples of products developed on each platform are described and sample screen displays are included. Future prospects for the two products are considered. (MES)

NaturalReader (http://www.naturalreaders.com/) is a new generation text reader, which means that it reads any machine readable text using synthesized speech without having to copy and paste the selected text into the NaturalReader application window. It installs a toolbar directly into all of the Microsoft Office[TM] programs and uses a mini-board…

Examines HotJava and Java, World Wide Web technology for use on the Internet. HotJava, an interactive, animated Web browser, based on the object-oriented Java programming language, is different from HTML-based browsers such as Netscape. Its client/server design does not understand Internet protocols but can dynamically find what it needs to know.…

Contains articles which review communications software. Includes "Crosstalk Mark 4,""ProComm,""Freeway Advanced,""Windows InTalk,""Relay Silver," and "Smartcom III." Compares in terms of text proprietary, MCI upload, Test ASCII, Spreadsheet Proprietary, Text XMODEM, Spreadsheet XMODEM, MCI Download, Documentation, Support and Service, ease of use,…

Lists general purpose communication programs for personal computers along with manufacturers' names and addresses, key data on each product, and comments. Includes memory requirements, price, BAUD rates, terminals, and protocols. Sixty-four manufacturers are listed. (CW)

Test Pac, a test scoring and analysis computer program for moderate-sized sample designs using dichotomous response items, performs comprehensive item analyses and multiple reliability estimates. It also performs single-facet generalizability analysis of variance, single-parameter item response theory analyses, test score reporting, and computer…

The fifth in a series of articles on microcomputer software for information storage and retrieval describes characteristics of and presents test results for seven programs in the following categories: personal information managers, including 3by5/RediReference, askSam, Dayflo Tracker, and Ize; Personal Librarian, a relevance ranking program; and…

Provides a general review of the field of Computer-Aided Design Software including specific reviews of "Autosketch,""Generic CADD,""Drafix 1 Plus,""FastCAD," and "Autocad Release 9." Brief articles include "Blueprint for Generation,""CAD for Every Department,""Ideas…

Reviews DRILL 2.0, an Apple Macintosh courseware authoring system with several exercises that can be tailored for foreign language classes. Such aspects as student operation, instructor design, and disadvantages are considered. (CB).

Discusses the top eight educational software titles of the year plus 35 additional programs. Topics include math/problem solving, language arts, science, social studies, classroom management/teacher tools, creative arts, and new versions of older software. (MVL)

Described is an instructional aid that employs artificial intelligence methods to assist students in beginning economics courses to improve their problem-solving skills. Discussed are the rationale, structure, and evaluation of this program. (CW)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of test generation programs. Includes setting up, printing exams and "bells and whistles." Reviews eight computer packages for Apple and IBM personal computers. Compares features, costs, and usage. (CW)

Discusses the pros and cons of using computer software to prepare for college entrance examinations. Provides information on eight programs designed for that purpose. (TW)

Reviews the performance of computer programs for writing poetry and prose, including MARK V. SHANEY, MELL, POETRY GENERATOR, THUNDER THOUGHT, and ORPHEUS. Discusses the writing principles of the programs. Provides additional information on computer magnification techniques. (YP)