As computers become better suited for classroom use--in terms of both design and cost--two limitations stand in the way: (1) lack of educationally sound programs or software (called courseware in education); and (2) lack of a computer language that teachers can easily use to create or adapt courseware for their classrooms. (CJ)

Explores primary steps in finding, selecting, and evaluating software for instructional applications. Cites directories of commercial vendors; periodicals that provide software announcements and reviews; and guides to assist in courseware selection and evaluation. (DMM)

Eight categories of software available for educational use (including tutorial, games, administrative utilities, and simulation) are described and the application of a microcomputer for hearing impaired secondary students at the Iowa School for the Deaf is detailed. Software selection criteria are considered. (CL)

Many aspects of computer managed instruction (CMI) are discussed in this paper which focuses on the use of computer technology to support teachers in their efforts to provide effective instruction. The nature of instructional management is explained and links to microcomputer capabilities are established. Microcomputer hardware and software…

The more than 300 recent publications on microcomputers in education which are listed include guides, several books, ERIC documents, and journal articles. Entries are categorized by six primary topic areas: microcomputers; computer literacy; computer assisted instruction (drill and practice, tutorial, and simulation applications); computer managed…

The details and process of evaluating computerized instructional materials are presented for the major classes of such materials, i.e., courseware--the set of computer programs with which the student interacts directly to learn--and instructional software--the instructional facilities, services, or general operations which include management and…

This preliminary directory represents the offerings of 45 software suppliers and information about instructional software currently available for three microcomputers widely used in schools. It is geared towards a wide variety of users including school planners contemplating microcomputer acquisition, teachers planning courses and curricula, media…

This book is directed to any educator who is interested in the use of the computer to improve classroom instruction. It is a book about the materials, human factors, and decision-making procedures that make up the instructional application of computers. This document's single goal is to promote educators' thoughtful selection and use of both…

This report describing the use of operations research techniques to determine which courseware packages or what microcomputer systems best address varied instructional objectives focuses on the MICROPIK model, a highly structured evaluation technique for making such complex instructional decisions. MICROPIK is a multiple alternatives model (MAA)…

Guidelines are presented for use by educational administrators in selecting a microcomputer for administrative purposes. The selection process described is based on the determination of functions to be automated, and the identification of the software that best automates these functions. Topics addressed include general software applications that…

Both challenges and successes resulted from the implementation of computer-based or computer-assisted instruction (CAI) at Mercy College of Detroit through a program funded with a Comprehensive Assistance to Undergraduate Science Education (CAUSE) grant. Four influences were found most significant in faculty-related challenges: computer phobia,…

Criteria for evaluating and selecting computer software programs are given, based on the author's research at Teachers College, Columbia University (New York). Specific attributes of programs which either motivate students or directly encourage learning are examined. Shortcomings of existing software are also noted. (PP)

Twenty-five outstanding new computer software programs for drill and practice, simulation, and tutoring are reviewed. Programs deal with classroom management and with the teaching of language arts, computer literacy, social studies, science and logic, and mathematics. (PP)

Designed to put educators in touch with the literature, people, and resources that will keep them informed of the current and future state of the art in computer education, this guide provides citations from 1976 through March 1982 compiled from computer searches of ERIC, Magazine Index, and Newspaper Index, and from manual searches of Education…

Dealing exclusively with instructional computing, this paper describes how computers are delivering instruction in a wide variety of subjects to students of all ages and explains why computer-based education is currently having a profound impact on education. After a discussion of roots and origins, computer applications are described for…