This article notes trends in availability of microcomputer software appropriate for use with students with disabilities in the United Kingdom. Trends include increasing accessibility of general use software by those with special needs and elaboration of software developed for special needs to serve more general users. (DB)

A University of Texas undergraduate course on twentieth century poetry uses conferencing on computers within the classroom for discussion. The technique encourages participation, promotes spontaneity, allows revision, neutralizes gender bias, and improves student writing. A variety of computer programs are available, and the method can be adapted…

Explores the benefits and limitations of the World Wide Web in the context of projects taking place at the University of Virginia Library and the university's Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities. A gateway between the Web and PAT, a text retrieval program based on SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language), is described. (Contains…

The Ecobehavioral Assessment Systems Software (EBASS) is a computer-assisted student observational system which contains three instruments widely used in special education research. This article describes the background, instruments, supporting technology, validation research, and barriers to the use of computer-assisted observational assessment.…

Discusses issues connected with developing information systems for competitive intelligence support; defines the elements of an effective competitive information system; and summarizes issues affecting system design and implementation. Highlights include intelligence information; information needs; information sources; decision making; and…

Reviews four specific prewriting activities designed to foster prewriting and avoid premature drafting on the computer: freewriting, electronic journal-keeping, idea-generation, and online "conversations." Provides hints for developing lesson files, reviews current prewriting and hypertext software, and provides tips on selecting software. (14…

This paper describes studies at the University of Colorado, where children with reading problems read stories/books on talking computers using DECtalk. Supported by accurate word feedback, the children's word recognition and phonological decoding have improved. Projects using computer speech programs in a spelling program, home-based reading…

Discusses the use of an optical jukebox in a retrieval-intensive application--i.e., for a law firm's litigation support--and examines factors affecting the performance of the jukebox. The imaging system's configuration is explained, document access from workstations is described, and expectations of retrieval times are discussed. (LRW)

Computer managed instruction (CMI) based on the principle of mastery learning has been cost effective for job training in the tax division of Arthur Andersen & Company. The CMI software system, which uses computerized pretests and posttests to monitor training, has been upgraded from microcomputer use to local area networks. Success factors at…

Describes the development of a local area network (LAN) at Loma Linda University that allows remote access for both IBM and Macintosh microcomputers to CD-ROMs. Topics discussed include types of networks; fiber optic technology; networking CD-ROM drives; remote access; modems; CD-ROM databases; memory management; interface software; and future…

Twelve special education teachers in rural Kentucky were trained to use a computer software program to create individualized education programs (IEPs). After 18 months, teachers' initially positive attitudes toward IEP generators had deteriorated; teachers cited problems such as hardware malfunctions and time constraints. (Author/SV)

One elementary teacher runs her classroom as a technology-based token economy. Students hold classroom jobs and use software to track money earned, manage checking accounts, and disburse classroom cash. The strategy boosts math and technology skills. A list of software programs is included. (SM)

Provides a primer on multimedia instructional technology, including examples of applications from the Maricopa Community Colleges. Identifies needed equipment and software components, the players in multimedia development and use; various uses of multimedia; and issues to consider. Looks at ways community colleges have overcome problems and…

This study compared the use by 6 gifted and 6 nongifted students (ages 10 and 11) of a software package designed to develop cognitive control strategies. Bright students more often used a plan in their strategy, offered suggestions for improving the software, and monitored their own performance. (Author/DB)

Describes computer-assisted activities used in the University of Michigan's teacher education program (computer conferencing and an interactive educational software package). The article discusses what the applications convey about the teaching and learning process, what they communicate about teacher knowledge, and what kind of educational future…