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…

Desktop publishing (DTP) is growing increasingly popular in the writing classroom for several reasons. By using DTP, students gain experience in a variety of disciplines--writing, typesetting, graphic design, printing, and computing. DTP represents a revolutionary literacy tool for schools since it encourages students to create and publish…

This guide describes maintenance procedures for IBM and Apple personal computers, provides information on detecting and diagnosing problems, and details diagnostic programs. Included are discussions of printers, terminals, disks, disk drives, keyboards, hardware, and software. The text is supplemented by various diagrams. (EW)

Increasingly, software is being developed for special education administrative purposes, including Individualized Education Program development and documentation, database management for reporting and monitoring instructional programs for federal accountability, statistical analysis for program monitoring, and creative uses. The widespread use of…

Discusses the advantages of using story board techniques to design a course in computer based training, and describes the use of HyperCard to create the story boards directly on the computer screen. The discussion covers HyperCard's software capabilities, programing language, and print features. (CLB)

Describes how a high school journalism department employed Apple Macintosh computers, a LaserWriter Plus printer, and other computer hardware and software to produce the school newspaper, literary magazine, bulletins, and newsletters. Asserts that desktop publishing has become an indispensable part of the journalism program. (MM)

Describes hypertext, a significantly different form of data retrieval, and gives an example of how it might be used in computer-based training. Hypertext software is discussed, including TextPro and KnowledgePro; the relationship between hypertext and expert systems is explored; and a hypertext document, PC-Hypertext, is described. (LRW)

Focuses on the selection and evaluation of courseware for use with a reading program. Gives examples of courseware to support the ideas presented, together with a sample checklist for software evaluation. (FL)

Computer-aided design (CAD) programs are powerful drafting tools, but are also able to assist with many other facility planning functions. Describes the hardware, software, and the learning process that led to understanding the CAD software at the University of Alabama. (MLF)

Presents the following steps for software evaluation: examine course objectives, study software reviews, make arrangements to preview the software packages that appear best to meet the needs of the course, develop or obtain a software evaluation guide, read documentation, complete evaluation guides, and make the selection based on the above…

Microcomputer systems for school districts are best obtained by selecting the software, and matching it with hardware. Discusses criteria for software and hardware, monitors, input/output devices, backup devices, and printers. Components of two basic microcomputer systems for the business office are proposed. (MLF)

Suggests sources for reviews of available software, and provides seven guidelines for selecting appropriate software: know your objectives; check on software compatibility and available support; consider brand names first; check evaluations, copying restrictions, and documentation. Suggestions for taking care of software and a discussion of word…

Describes how a microcomputer with a word processing program can be used efficiently to generate cloze tests, offering teachers an effective method of producing individualized materials for reading and language arts instruction. Examples of grammar worksheets focusing on proper nouns and adjectives, adjectives and adverbs, and plural words are…

Describes the parallels between writing in English and LOGO in planning, audience awareness, and revision and gives guidelines for making students aware of these useful ideas. (CRH)

Suggests educators who are not yet computer literate choose an alternative focus by learning to evaluate software and determine its potential for use in specific educational settings. Questions which should be asked when reviewing software on appropriate use, content, and characteristics are presented, along with a software evaluation checklist…