Discusses the features of animation software packages, reviewing eight commercially available programs. Information provided for each program includes name, publisher, current computer(s) required, cost, documentation, input device, import/export capabilities, printing possibilities, what users can originate, types of image manipulation possible,…

Briefly describes comprehensive, short, and game-format typing tutorials. Also provides guidelines on selecting a typing tutorial and information on seven software packages. Each entry includes name, publisher, hardware needed, current price, grade level(s), and such information as whether teachers can create lessons or if feedback is provided to…

Reviews training programs for specific applications (such as VisiCalc, dBase II, and MultiPlan). A list of selected materials is provided. Each entry includes title, supplier, format, computer needed, special requirements, and current cost. (JN)

The article describes one school district's efforts to educate parents, teachers, and the community about computer technology. (CL)

Presents a technique for the numerical inversion of Laplace Transforms and several examples employing this technique. Limitations of the method in terms of available computer word length and the effects of these limitations on approximate inverse functions are also discussed. (JN)

Sutphin and Richardson discuss finding software in other disciplines and adapting it for vocational agriculture. Makin, Chase, and Wonacott describe a National Center for Research in Vocational Education project to develop a procedural guide for microcomputer courseware evaluation. (SK)

This presentation will demonstrate the uses of SAM 2003 from Course Technology as a skills assessment and training software that is used via the Internet. Historically, testing in computer education has taken the form of pencil and paper or standardized testing. The actual computer skills of the student have not been properly assessed. With SAM,…

Automation of the survey process has proved successful in many industries, yet it is still underused in educational research. This is largely due to the facts (1) that number crunching is usually carried out using software that was developed before information technology existed, and (2) that the educational research is to a great extent trapped…

Discusses computer viruses and explains how to detect them; discusses virus protection and the need to update antivirus software; and offers 10 safe computing tips, including scanning floppy disks and commercial software, how to safely download files from the Internet, avoiding pirated software copies, and backing up files. (LRW)

Describes a comprehensive computer software selection and evaluation process, including documenting district needs, evaluating software packages, weighing the alternatives, and making the purchase. (PKP)

The paper explores the capabilities and limitations of computerized spelling checkers, and describes "School Speller," which operates with the "Magic Slate II" word processing package. Program features include requiring students to practice spelling by re-typing words unrecognized by the program, and allowing teachers to view the accumulating list…

The first of two articles describes ArchiText, a software package that allows the use of maps and multipaned windows within hypertext systems. The second describes version 2.0 of Guide, a hypertext-type program designed to be used on IBM and IBM compatible microcomputers. (CLB)

Provides information on commercial connections to the Internet via gateways as opposed to direct connection or through a modem. Hardware and software requirements are described; and commercial online services offering an Internet gateway are discussed, including America Online, CompuServe, Delphi, GEnie, and Prodigy. (LRW)

Outlines basic patent law information that pertains to computer software programs. Topics addressed include protection in other countries; how to obtain patents; kinds of patents; duration; classes of patentable subject matter, including machines and processes; patentability searches; experimental use prior to obtaining a patent; and patent…

Examines the match between multimedia data and local area network (LAN) infrastructures. Highlights include applications for networked multimedia, i.e., asymmetric and symmetric; alternate LAN technology, including stream management software, Ethernet, FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode); WAN (Wide Area…