The Programme for International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) will establish technical standards and guidelines to ensure that the survey design and implementation processes of PIAAC yield high-quality and internationally comparable data. This document provides a revised version of the technical standards and guidelines originally…

Given are instructions for teaching spreadsheet use for problem solving in mathematics. Examples of relevant problems from algebra through calculus are provided. The advantages of using computer spreadsheets in this application are stressed. (CW)

The article reviews ways in which software can be modified for students with mild learning difficulties and criteria for evaluating software in terms of its appropriateness to school curriculum, software format, and its effectiveness in ameliorating learning difficulties of individual children. (CL)

Reviews specific problems associated with software protection (copyright license, trade secret license), clauses in software license agreements that most frequently cause difficulties, and solutions university administrators and software industry should consider. Topics include confidentiality, restrictive use of modifications, use on single…

Discusses facility managers' preparedness for dealing with the Y2K bug and ways to systematically assess and avoid its impact. Tips for reducing computerized system failure as facility managers make their transition into the next century conclude the article. (GR)

Discusses the need for readable, easily accessed user documentation for application software packages and provides suggestions for creating effective user documentation. User characteristics are emphasized, including problems users experience; and recommendations for effective documentation are given, including being task oriented and providing…

Describes why developers of multimedia products face a more complex legal landscape than do developers of "few-media" products. Describes the laws that pertain to multimedia. Discusses how developers of multimedia products might walk the legal labyrinth and protect themselves and their companies from lawsuits. (SR)

Computer assisted learning, (CAL) which embodies an interactive approach to learning, is distinguished from computer assisted instruction, and the usefulness of CAL with mildly handicapped students is considered. A project is described in which eight special education students used Turtle Graphics for developing thinking and problem solving…

In April of 1984 the Aroostook (Maine) Computer Educators, in conjunction with the University of Maine at Presque Isle, conducted a computer programming contest for county students in grades 4-12. This document describes the structure of that contest, including grade level groupings (4-6, 7-9, and 10-12); rules for team membership; the schedule…

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)

Intended to aid members of the academic community who produce written material (this includes instructors and students) in conforming to the requirements of U.S. copyright law, this easy-to-understand guide presents a current overview of relevant sections of the Copyright Act. The guide is in question and answer format and discusses: the…

Discusses ways to help resolve the Y2K problem and avoid disruptions in school security and safety. Discusses computer software testing and validation to determine its functionality after year's end, and explores system remediation of non-compliant fire and security systems. (GR)

This newsletter presents an introduction to the Internet. A definition of the Internet and its three principle uses--electronic mail, USENET newsgroups, and information files--are provided. A discussion on how to explore the Internet includes equipment needs, university Internet accounts, commercial vendors, navigating the Internet through the…

As a demonstration of the application of heuristic devices to decision-theoretical techniques, an interactive computer program known as MAUD (Multiattribute Utility Decomposition) has been designed to support decision or choice problems that can be decomposed into component factors, or to act as a tool for investigating the microstructure of a…

Discusses microcomputer network benefits; points out their current shortcomings in the areas of software availability and legal use, required equipment, and vendor reliability; describes how to set up a worthwhile specialized network despite these shortcomings; and outlines reasons for expecting networks to play a larger future role in education.…