Reports on the results of a survey of software publishers and market researchers for educators that was conducted to determine development, purchasing, and upgrading plans for educational computer technology. Highlights include operating systems, including Macintosh, DOS, and Windows; equipment needs, including memory, monitors, and special…

Technology training must be understood within the context of lifelong learning for school personnel. A districtwide technology committee and an independent consulting group should develop a three-year technology plan that includes the hardware platform, software applications, technology training, and support components. Lists six educational…

Discusses the ideological dimensions of writing instruction software. Discusses errors and assumptions of choosing software for writing instruction. Suggests that all software decisions must be tested against the instructor's own self-conscious and informed understanding of the goals of writing instruction. (RS)

Identifies some of the common features of authoring programs. Outlines factors to consider when buying an authoring software package, including access to equipment, development and maintenance of courseware, purchasing and updating hardware and software, platform selection, and authoring skills. Presents a list of questions to ask vendors before…

Review of upgrades to IBM and Macintosh software includes personal experiences with DOS 5.0, PC Tools Version 7, and Microsoft Word 5.5. Reasons for and problems with upgrades are then discussed, including alternatives to upgrading and problems with skipping upgrades. Guidelines for deciding whether to upgrade and notes from the literature for…

Successful introduction of major new software applications requires worker commitment, inservice training, and communication. Cost justification considers the cost of computer purchase, installation, inservice training, salary, time lost due to "bugs," plus the cost of modifications. (MLF)

Presents an engineering environment oriented to the development of hypermedia applications for training. Training trends are described; requirements for a computer-based training (CBT) strategy are outlined; a hypermedia course structure is examined; microinstructional events (MIEs) are explained; and technology requirements and selection are…

Examines factors affecting selection and development of computer simulations, including type of learner, simulation formats, instructional purposes, learning outcomes, fidelity, learning stages, and logistical issues. A flowchart model and set of prescriptions to help designers arrive at specifications for an instructional simulation are…

Discusses cataloging and indexing for the retrieval of digital items as part of the British Library's Initiatives for Access program. Highlights include standards, digital catalogs, Novel access software that includes fuzzy matching, software choice and development, and future possibilities. (LRW)

Provides a framework for selecting a hypermedia authoring system for use in developing interactive computer-based training (CBT). Criteria for analyzing three major functions are explained: learner control, including user friendliness, and online help; information presentation, including the ability to add audio and visual elements; and source…

Provides an overview of developments in authoring tools and describes ways to categorize products by platform, type of end-product, sophistication of end-product, and authoring metaphor. Discusses products from AimTech, Allegiant, Allen Communication, Asymetrix, Corel, Discovery Systems International, Enigma, Harrow Media, Horizons, Innovus,…

Discusses a multimedia-based program designed to provide students with a self-paced study of woody plants using color images of twigs, leaves, bark, fruit, and flowers. The program uses Authorware, software that can be used on both Macintosh- and Windows-compatible platforms. This program is intended for use as a supplement to field-study…

Describes results of a survey of teachers belonging to the Texas Computer Education Association that was conducted to determine whether authoring tools were being used to develop software for computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Teachers' prior computer education and experience are examined, and the selection of authoring tools is addressed. (six…

Describes over 25 firms that have listed software applications that can be used by schools. Each listing includes the name of the software and a general description of its utility. Tables provide detailed listings of the software's functions, the type of support the company provides, and the hardware on which the software can be run. (MLF)

Discusses issues to consider in selecting a CD-ROM network solution, including throughput (speed of data delivery), security, access, servers, key features, training, jukebox support, documentation, and licenses. Reviews software products offered by Novell, Around Technology, Micro Design, Smart Storage, Microtest, Meridian, CD-Connection,…