This paper provides a balanced set of guidelines for reviewing educational software, and offers a simple and practical procedure that can be used to select software for instructional purposes. The procedure applies equally well to individual "titles" or to large-scale curriculum-based systems. It applies to software delivered on a CD-ROM, through…

Discusses evaluation criteria for selecting courseware that teaches basic concepts appropriate for preschool and early elementary students. Reviews of the software manual, the courseware itself, and reviews by students are suggested. Other areas of concern that are addressed include instructional quality, production quality, flexibility, and cost.…

Describes the effectiveness of censoring software, the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program, virtual book reports, technology uses in language-arts instruction, the latest school-technology information, and strategies for dealing with kids who send threats on the Internet. (LMI)

The Outdoor Resource Library Cataloging System is a computer software program designed primarily for outdoor programs with small to medium-sized resource centers. The software is free to nonprofit organizations and is available from the Idaho State University Outdoor Program. The software is used to construct a database of library materials, which…

The paper analyzes major microcomputer systems and their use in rehabilitative systems for persons with physical handicaps. Four categories of microcomputers are addressed: systems designed for home or school with emphasis on low cost, recreation, and educational software; general purpose microcomputers with applications in a large number of…

This guide provides a detailed evaluation form, together with complete instructions for using it, which is designed to elicit answers to the following questions: (1) What features and abilities does a specific word processing program have? (2) On which computer(s) will the program work? (3) Is additional hardware/software necessary before the…

This guide discusses six sets of features to examine when purchasing a microcomputer-based statistics program: hardware requirements; data management; data processing; statistical procedures; printing; and documentation. While the current statistical packages have several negative features, they are cost saving and convenient for small to moderate…

A systematic assessment procedure designed to increase success at buying supportable software is presented. Examples used are from programs for the IBM PC, but most comments apply to other software and to software for minicomputers and mainframes. (MLW)

Using a computer gradebook can minimize time spent calculating grades. Nine software programs for grading are reviewed. (MNS)

This description of ways in which database management systems can be helpful in instructional media centers explains the basic terminology involved and how to plan, create, modify, maintain, and use databases. Examples provided include an equipment distributions form and the structure for a film/video rental database. (LRW)

Software is available to record and analyze performance, evaluate physical parameters, monitor training programs, and perform scouting and scheduling tasks. Reduced paperwork frees teachers or coaches for quality time with students. Available software is discussed and selected vendors listed. (MT)

Three major ways parents can restrict the material their children experience online include using commercial online services with parental control features, installing other parental control software, and using the Platform for Internet Content Selection. Parents must protect their children's privacy, be aware of commercialism online, and take…

Budgeting is a valuable planning tool, facilitated by basic spreadsheets. Three basic steps in creating a budget--listing fixed and variable costs, computing a break-even point, and evaluating modifications--are explained. Models illustrate the basics of moving around the spreadsheet and entering formulas. Popular spreadsheet programs and price…

Presents 13 criteria counselors can use to evaluate computer-assisted career guidance systems, in three categories: occupational database, career decision-making process, and effectiveness of computerized interaction. Suggests how evaluation data can be used to select systems, increase their effective use, and provide feedback to developers. (SK)

Contends that the index at the back of a book is an important reader service. Discusses how and why to index, and how to make indexes interesting. Outlines programs, such as Filemaker and Adobe, which help the indexing process. (PM)