This special section includes two articles that review products and services for the automated library environment. Highlights include ergonomic products; products for visually, hearing-, and speech-impaired users; analog film recorders; computer filters; document imaging systems; electric filing systems; and printers. A list of vendors is…

Discusses adult learner characteristics, explains events of instruction, and describes how the characteristics of adult learners can be merged with these events of instruction to help facilitate instruction in software use. Highlights include gaining attention; motivation; stimulating recall of prerequisite material; feedback; performance…

System D is a computer program for writing in French. This program has a tracking device that provides a log of student inquiries made during the writing process. Twenty-one college students of French participated in a study to examine how this log provides data about the foreign language writing process. Suggestions are given on how to use the…

Maintains that an expanding amount of information about the United Nations is available through on-line databases, CD-ROMs, and diskettes. Presents a review of information resources: (1) online databases; (2) diskettes; and (3) CD-ROMs. Includes a chart of 28 United Nations database addresses on the Internet as of August 1994. (CFR)

Examines assumptions inherent in open-ended learning; describes features of open-ended learning environments; and discusses implications for research, development, and implementation of open-ended learning systems. Highlights include context and experience; learner control; higher-order cognitive skills; understanding versus knowing; orienting…

Presents a conceptual view of computer-based systems and software applications for three areas of social studies instruction: (1) citizenship transmission; (2) social science; and (3) reflective inquiry. Concludes that software manufacturers must understand the implications of the fractious nature of the current social studies field. (CFR)

Describes Orientation Express, a Macintosh Hypercard program developed at Pima Community College (Arizona), which guides students through Pima's West Campus Library and its services. Illustrates various computer screens that appear as part of the program. (DMM)

The computer can provide students with opportunities for creativity, if good software is selected and students are provided instruction in its use. Software that promotes creativity includes word processing programs, programs that permit students to write and use their own personal programs, and programs that teach and encourage thinking skills.…

Three elementary teachers describe how they became involved in computer technology and the projects that caught their interest. One teacher used word processing to enhance students' writing abilities. Another used software to tailor learning to all levels. The third tried an international telecommunications program that allowed children to…

Describes benefits of integrating video production into high school curricula. Hardware requirements are suggested, including a camcorder, video cassette recorder, computer, software, converter, character generator, and editing machine; and typical video production projects are described, including a yearbook, documentaries, tutorials, music…

Discussion of factors to consider in purchasing a personal computer covers present and future needs, computing environments, memory, processing performance, disk size, and display quality. Issues such as bundled systems, where and when to purchase, and vendor support are addressed; and an annotated bibliography of 28 recent articles is included.…

About 21% of all U.S. public school students attend schools equipped with multimedia computers, videodisc players, and other software designed to combine text, graphics, and sound in interactive applications. Multimedia software products can nurture the seven multiple intelligences identified by Howard Gardner, if properly implemented.…

Spreadsheets are well suited to many geochemical calculations, especially those that are highly repetitive. Some of the kinds of problems that can be conveniently solved with spreadsheets include elemental abundance calculations, equilibrium abundances in nuclear decay chains, and isochron calculations. (Author/PR)

Discussion of the distribution of government information on CD-ROM to federal depository libraries focuses on a survey of a sample of federal depositories that investigated the availability of hardware; software; staff, including staff training; reference service; and bibliographic instruction. Suggested GPO (Government Printing Office) guidelines…

Describes courses in microcomputer literacy for college students that evolved from one general course to modular courses including word processing, spreadsheets, and programing. A proposed plan for integrating microcomputers across a variety of curriculums is then discussed, and sample curriculums are shown. (LRW)