Computers can be an effective teaching method for students with learning disabilities (LD). The use of mobile devices as education tools for students with disabilities has received considerable attention in special education recently. Parents, teachers, and professionals look for effective applications (i.e., apps) that meet the needs of their…

Discusses the selection and evaluation of locally mounted computer files for health sciences libraries, including informational programs such as bibliographic and factual databases; computer-assisted instruction programs; and expert systems. Topics addressed include print sources; database sources; selection criteria, including content and cost;…

Investigates the current state of desktop videoconferencing by exploring the criteria for effective Web-based delivery and communication requirements for effective videoconferencing. Highlights include providing effective training, including team training, group problem solving, and learner performance assessments; communication infrastructure;…

How can the average educator who teaches online, without experience in evaluating emerging technologies, build on what is successful and modify what is not? Written for educators who feel ill-prepared when required to evaluate e-learning initiatives, "Evaluating e-Learning" offers step-by-step guidance for conducting an evaluation plan of…

Examines which of three portable computers--AlphaSmart, DreamWriter, and Apple eMate--is the best choice for the classroom. The DreamWriter was selected as having the best combination of price and functionality, while the eMate is the choice if money is no object or the extra functionality is needed; the AlphaSmart has the benefit of a proven…

When tasked with selecting a Course Management System (CMS), the first step many responsible colleges, universities and consortia take is to name a selection committee of faculty, administration, students and possibly IT staff. They do some Web searching and talk to colleagues, friends and counterparts at other institutions. This same committee…

Provides a checklist of concerns for libraries planning to implement shared research databases in a consortium environment, based on experiences at OhioLINK. Highlights include database selection criteria, licensing, pricing, funding, vendor considerations, database profiling, custom data processing, hardware selection, database access,…

This article discusses the use of IEP software applications from the perspectives of form (i.e., legally correct documents) and function (i.e., educationally appropriate individualized programs). The article provides an overview of the basic components of two fairly comprehensive IEP software programs and discusses the general strengths and…

Discusses selection criteria for evaluating software and hardware used in interactive video based on experiences from the Purdue Academic Learning Opportunity System Project at Purdue University. Highlights include checklists for evaluating software and selecting hardware, including peripheral equipment; videodisc players; hardware compatibility;…

Presents criteria for selecting courseware for online classes. Highlights include ease of use, including navigation; assessment tools; advantages of Java-enabled courseware; advantages of Oracle databases, including scalability; future possibilities for multimedia technology; and open architecture that will integrate with other systems. (LRW)

Written from the viewpoint of an observer of the computer industry and a CD-ROM user, this report looks at CD-ROM evaluation guidelines; notes the performance of publishers; and comments on successful product design. It is contended that some software publishers are jumping on the CD-ROM bandwagon, and are guilty of: (1) putting "any old stuff"…

This paper documents the steps taken by Christopher Newport University (CNU) (Virginia) as it planned and implemented a World Wide Web-based education program in 1998-99. The paper begins by providing an overview of the context for distance education at CNU and detailing the history of both the institution and distance education. Next, the…

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 a brief description of the Z39.50 information retrieval standard and reviews evaluation criteria and questions that should be asked when selecting a Z39.50 client. Areas for consideration include whether to buy or build a Z39.50 client, the end-user's requirements, connecting to a remote server, searching, managing the search response,…

Highlights multimedia CD-ROMs that can describe pictures aloud for blind users and turn sound into text for the deaf. Outlines barriers confronting blind users. Discusses software programs designed to significantly improve access to multimedia software for users with disabilities and presents evaluation criteria for purchasing the most accessible…