This guide is a selected list of 25 software packages and 15 books about educational computing. It is the first step in guiding librarians, teachers, tutors, and other literacy providers to choose the best and most appropriate software for use by their students and staff. Software is divided by these topics: problem-solving software, tool programs…

Gives a review of four software packages including "Science Toolkit: Module 3--Body Lab" for measuring heart rate, lung capacity, and response time; "Project Zoo: Adventures with Charts and Graphs" for developing process skills; "The Body Electric" for explaining electrical activity in the body; and "M-ss-ng…

Presented are some current facts about symbol manipulators and their relation to high school mathematics. The development of computer algebra systems is discussed. Five areas of computer algebra needing investigation (skill proficiency, understanding, curriculum content, student homework, and equity) are identified. (MVL)

Describes a possible exam or homework problem for a physical chemistry course. Investigates the temperature and concentration dependence of homogeneous chemical equilibria. Provides acceptable solutions. Offers a computer program able to provide partial credit on questions requiring four-seven sequenced items. Program available from author. (MVL)

Provides reviews of courseware entitled: "Mystery Matter," which is a series that supplements the basic inquiry process; "Jumping Math Flash," which is an arcade-game program with arithmetic problems; and "Quest for Files: Science Rocks and Minerals The Upper Crust," which is a database program for earth science.…

Provides an eclectic annotated bibliography of secondary sources for inorganic reactivity information of interest to reactivity network review authors and to anyone seeking information about simple inorganic reactions in order to develop experiments and demonstrations. Gives 119 sources. (MVL)

Provides a listing of a software graphics program that investigates the law of reflection and Snell's law of refraction. Written in BASIC for the Apple II personal computer. (MVL)

Describes procedures for choosing process skill materials for evaluation. Steps include selecting software titles, reading descriptions, and skimming for key phrases associated with process skills, examining courseware, considering cost versus time, and the selecting process. Sample forms for the evaluation process are included. (RT)

Describes a program which allows students to identify and characterize several kinetic inhibitory mechanisms. Uses the generic model of reversible inhibition of a monosubstrate enzyme but can be easily modified to run other models such as bisubstrate enzymes. Uses MS-DOS BASIC. (MVL)

Compares a multimedia adult literacy instructional course, Reading to Educate and Develop Yourself (READY), to traditional classroom instruction by studying effects of replacing conventional learning tools with computer-assisted instruction (CD-ROMs and audio software). Results reveal that READY surpassed traditional instruction for virtually…

Examines a design model for hypermedia materials and gives direction in the development of course support materials for teacher education. Describes design guidelines for matching hypermedia activities to instruction goals and presents results of pilot test conducted in support of methods. (JKP)

R-WISE (Reading and Writing in a Supportive Environment), a computerized package for teaching critical literacy, is described, focusing on its use in developing reading comprehension. The program eases demands on short-term memory, highlights strategically important aspects of comprehending text, guides internalization and self-initiation of…

Proposes a taxonomy to aid decision makers in selecting computer software consistent with their educational values regarding the nature of instruction and the use of information technology, based on beliefs about human development and learning. Characteristics of instruction, properties of software, and the congruence between them are discussed.…

Discusses the promotion of language and literacy skills in young children through the use of computers. Describes specific courseware that can be used to develop vocabulary and writing skills. Includes sample lessons that demonstrate how courseware can be effectively integrated into a school curriculum and provides a checklist for teachers to use…

A study (n=181 college students) examined effects of lexical ambiguity in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) on beginning second-language learners, focusing on whether personality type affects retention of second-language vocabulary independent of translation issues and in an ambiguous CALL context. Findings support the need for beginning…