This case study examined the educational software evaluation processes of pre-service teachers who attended either expertise-based training (XBT) or traditional training in conjunction with a Software-Evaluation checklist. Forty-three mathematics teacher candidates and three experts participated in the study. All participants evaluated educational…

Wikis offer many benefits, such as two-way flows of information, early and consistent feedback, and greater student group collaboration, in an educational setting. Some researchers have already reported on the use of Wikis in their classes. However, instructors must choose an appropriate Wiki platform in order to receive all of the benefits of…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of the experiences of setting up an institutional repository at Loughborough University, focusing on some of the key issues that it was necessary to consider, the choices made and the challenges overcome. Design/methodology/approach: The paper outlines the various decision processes…

Portals have become indispensable for organizations of all types trying to establish themselves on the Web. Unfortunately, there have only been a few evaluative studies of portal software and even fewer of open source portal software. This study aims to add to the available literature in this important area by proposing and testing a checklist for…

Presents points to consider when organizing a computer laboratory. These include the lab's overall objectives and how best to meet them; what type of students will use the lab; where the lab will be located; and what software and hardware can best meet the lab's overall objectives, population, and location requirements. Other factors include time,…

Discussion of the use of multimedia for training considers when multimedia is appropriate, what the potential benefits are, and how to effectively manage the development process. An informal study of multimedia projects is presented that identifies problem variables, including hardware and software decisions, organizational dynamics, and…

Addresses the question of whether text editing programs are successful in taking over the traditional functions of an editor. Compares the editing suggestions made by two of the most popular text editing programs ("RightWriter" and "Punctuation + Style") with those of an experienced editor. Finds that text editing programs are…

Nine computer-assisted career guidance systems are assessed: the Career Information System; CHOICES; CHOICES for Adults; CHOICES Jr.; DISCOVER for Colleges and Adults, for High Schools, and for Junior High and Middle Schools; the Guidance Information System; and SIGI PLUS. Four detailed tables compare features in terms of career decision-making…

Several districts in Lower Hudson Valley region of New York decided to study cost savings of using software purchasing program versus other methods by conducting same bids at approximately the same time. The study reports, analyzes, and summarizes bids conducted during the 1992-93 and the 1993-94 school years and concludes that using the…

A two-year, follow-up teacher survey to a 1993 study was conducted in 1994-95 to learn how changes in hardware and software markets have changed computer use in early childhood classrooms. Assessed what teachers viewed as important software characteristics, software market perceptions, and future software market directions. Found shifts in kinds…

Discussion of school hardware and software selection focuses on a study that identified the most useful pieces of hardware and accompanying software applications as rated by teachers whose sixth- through eighth-grade classes spent a semester working in a special technology-rich environment at Kent State University. Compares ratings by teachers and…

Describes a computer software review procedure centering around a form that considers the use of the computer software in the early-childhood classroom and aids educators in selecting software that is age- and individually appropriate. The form emphasizes reviewing the software's potential for encouraging student engagement and enhancing skills in…

This bulletin summarizes the chief quantitative findings of a survey of 264 small and medium sized colleges and universities in the midwest concerning their use of and interest in academic scheduling software. This type of software assists in planning course offerings, assigning instructors and course functions to facilities and time slots, and…

Compared two kindergarten classrooms for variance in computer use. Found no significant difference in computer use by sex or age, but a significant increase in computer use by classroom in the second half of the 12-week project compared to the first half. Found no significant difference in the software selected. (HTH)

A sample of 72 students tested manufacturing simulation software about production planning. The package enriched learning, although compared to lecture only, no clear-cut advantages were perceived. Amount of time between lecture and lab experience did not affect learning or retention. (SK)