Addresses the issue of assuring quality software for use in computer-aided instruction and presents a structure by which developers can create quality courseware. Differences between courseware and computer-aided instruction software are discussed, methods for testing software are described, and human factors issues as well as instructional design…

Provides an overview of the articles in this issue that address the role of teachers and instructional technology; preservice teacher training in telecommunications; voice mail; courses using computer conferencing; and various aspects of software and courseware development and usage, including the portability of courseware to China. (LRW)

Predictive evaluation of educational software is problematic because such instructional materials should be evaluated only setting by setting. A situated approach suggests that appropriate evaluation can be performed by considering interactions between the three principal actors in the development and use of the software: teacher, designer, and…

A well-known problem in the analysis of test and questionnaire data is that some item scores may be missing. Advanced methods for the imputation of missing data are available, such as multiple imputation under the multivariate normal model and imputation under the saturated logistic model (Schafer, 1997). Accompanying software was made available…

Two contrasting additions to the online audio market are reviewed: "iVocalize", a browser-based audio-conferencing software, and "Skype", a PC-to-PC Internet telephone tool. These products are selected for review on the basis of their success in gaining rapid popular attention and usage during 2003-04. The "iVocalize" review emphasizes the…

VALE (Vocational Assessment of Lost Earnings) is a computer-based information system that assesses loss of capacity to perform work and earn money as a result of disability. System uses the Worker Trait Characteristics associated with occupational titles, which are cross- referenced with national earnings data and number of employed persons in a…

This paper describes two BASIC computer programs that calculate Hotelling's T-square either for one sample or for two samples. Output of the progams includes the Mahalanobis distance D-square, the F ratio associated with T-square, and its probability level. (Author)

Describes selected training materials (books and programming aids) for computer programming. A list of materials is also provided. Each entry includes title, supplier, format, computer needed, special requirements, and current costs. (JN)

Discusses database agents which can be used to establish federated information bases by integrating heterogeneous databases. Highlights include characteristics of federated information bases, including incompatible database management systems, schemata, and frequently changing context; software agent technology; Java agents; system architecture;…

Uses a few heuristic examples to show how bootstrap analysis can be accomplished using some commonly available software programs. Until bootstrap analysis becomes an automated program option in standard statistical software, quantitative researchers may have to make do with these. (SLD)

Offers a descriptive table of software that helps higher education institutions orchestrate events. Information includes vendor, contact, software, price, database engine/server platform, specific features, and client type. (EV)

Describes Program Information Files (PIFs), which run on DOS operating systems with Microsoft Windows to help run other programs. Options available in the standard mode and in the enhanced mode are explained, multitasking options are discussed, and memory options and application shortcut keys are described. (LRW)

Describes utility programs available for posttransfer processing files that have been downloaded from the Internet. Highlights include file compression; viewing graphics files; converting binary files to ASCII files; and how to find utility programs. (LRW)

Summarizes the problem of factorial invariance in between-group difference studies, proposes a simplified notation intended to facilitate discussion of the problem, and suggests a structured approach for testing large models. Two computer programs are offered to help with the computation. (SLD)

Explains five rules to protect computers from viruses. Highlights include commercial antivirus software programs and the need to upgrade them periodically (every year to 18 months); updating virus definitions at least weekly; scanning attached files from email with antivirus software before opening them; Microsoft Word macro protection; and the…