Reviews changes in the ERIC database on compact disk that have been made in systems offered by the following vendors: Dialog, SilverPlatter, and OCLC. Highlights include system requirements, costs, search strategies, printing, help screens, tutorials, double posting, available formats, display of search results, and searchable fields. (LRW)

Discussion of the development of an expert system that will serve as the primary advisor for individual course sequencing in a graduate program focuses on the characteristics and selection of an expert system shell (i.e., software that facilitates expert system development). Advantages, disadvantages, and prices of several commercial products are…

Study examined how learning computer applications in group settings affected individual achievement and attitudes, noting group processes demonstrated by students in a college computer course who participated in individual or group conditions. Pre- and posttesting indicated no between-group differences in achievement or attitude, suggesting group…

Discusses issues surrounding virtual reality and "virtual books." Suggests that those who are exploring the territory of virtual realities are already helping to expand and enrich expectations and visions for integrating technology into reading and writing. (RS)

Deals with three issues regarding computers in schools: (1) security measures for both hardware and software; (2) the usefulness of a network modem; and (3) a faculty workshop on revision. Appends a list if revision questions for writers developed by the faculty workshop. (SR)

The Machine Readable Collections Reading Room of the Library of Congress is described with an emphasis on the reference assistance required and how it compares with assistance required in other areas of the Library of Congress. The interaction between users and librarians is shown to be like that of bibliographic instruction. (EAM)

Describes five categories of software that can be useful in the basic writing classroom: computer-assisted instruction, computer-controlled instruction, artificial intelligence, computer-based rhetorical invention, and word processing. Evaluates each type of software in terms of their ability to fulfill the goals of basic writing instruction to…

The Education Development Center of Newton, Massachusetts, recently pilot tested Make It Happen, an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based learning approach designed to integrate technology into the middle school curriculum while actively engaging students in their own instruction. The I-Search process reflects students' personal concerns and promotes…

This review of computer applications for curriculum-based measurement for students with disabilities looks at available software that provides automatic test administration, scoring, and feedback; automatic graphed analysis for teachers; and supplementary skills analysis. Such applications can save teacher time and provide accurate information…

Examines why the "paperless office" has failed to materialize despite the availability of appropriate information technology. Conceptual limits are discussed, including the continued reliance on relational database management systems; the use of free-text retrieval software is considered; and social limits are described, including access…

This fact sheet about the INTERNET Gopher, an information distribution system combining features of electronic bulletin board services and databases, describes information availability, gateways with other servers, how the system works, and how to access Gopher. Addresses and telephone numbers for additional information or news about Gopher are…

Examines the effects of real-life reading software versus skill-based reading software on inner-city public school students. Finds that students using the real-life reading software felt significantly better than those using skill-based software about their work with the computer and themselves as readers and writers. (RS)

Reviews the work of seven companies that produce multimedia children's storybooks on CD-ROM. Characteristics of each company's approach to children's literature are given, and the use of nonprint media to develop the story is discussed. Platform compatibility for 59 CD-ROM titles and publisher contact information are provided. (Contains three…

Discusses ethical and professional issues in psychology regarding computer-assisted therapy (CAT). Topics addressed include an explanation of CAT; whether CAT is psychotherapy; software, including independent use, validation of effectiveness, and restricted access; clinician resistance; client acceptance; the impact on ethical standards; and a…

Describes the Health Passport Project, a program that uses a centralized computer database for maintaining and distributing health and education records for children in foster care in San Diego, California. Includes a content analysis of the health information stored in the first 431 "passports." (MM)