In the Singapore primary school Mathematics curriculum, students are taught the model method that uses bar diagrams to visualize the problem structure in a given word problem. When these students progress to secondary school, they learn the algebraic way of solving word problems. Studies (e.g. Ng et al.) have shown that poor bridging of students…

Provides an overview of the educational software market by listing and describing representative software packages from 54 manufacturers. The descriptions (based on information supplied by the manufacturers) covers all subject areas and educational levels. (JN)

Presents a list of favorable reviewed microcomputer software for K-12 student instruction. It is not a buying guide, but an aid in locating programs for review. Software are listed under such headings as computer awareness, advanced mathematics, algebra, arithmetic, problem-solving/logic, biology, astronomy, chemistry, environmental…

Outlines how the National Education Association's Educational Computer Service program for evaluation of educational software is run, and responds to critics of the program. (MD)

Analyzes technological capabilities of the Web as a delivery platform for highly interactive learning resources, consistent with a constructivist view of learning. Shows that all of the required software capabilities can be implemented by Web technology and discusses barriers to use of the Web as a medium for such resources, including bandwidth.…

Developing a software environment to enhance 3D geometric proficiency demands the consideration of theoretical views of the learning process. Simultaneously, this effort requires taking into account the range of tools that technology offers, as well as their limitations. In this paper, we report on the design of Virtual Spaces 1.0 software, a…

Discusses the dissatisfaction of teachers with using computers in the classroom and argues that the problem is not the computers themselves, but rather the deplorable state of educational software. (SRT)

A recent survey found many teachers are selecting instructional software programs without sufficient research. Outlines four areas to consider when buying instructional software. (MD)

Presents and evaluates the National Education Association's for-pay software review program. Also reviews the 98th Congress's legislation relating to school software. (MD)

For a single authoring environment to be sufficiently general to be applicable to contexts across the whole lifespan of learning, some of the benefits that come from knowledge-rich domain specificity have to be sacrificed. Consequently, it is an open question as to whether it is possible to achieve effective learning environments from a generic…

Provides an annotated list of suggested readings relating to schools and computers. (MD)

Explores the use of microcomputers in readability calculation. (DF)

The home computer must be outfitted with high quality software to be a valuable educational tool. Suggestions on where to look for software and standards to use in evaluating materials are offered. (DF)

Discusses the development of an instrument to assist educators in evaluating software and to aid them in developing useful software for nutrition education and nutrient analysis purposes. The complete survey instrument is included. (JN)

Describes eight characteristics of good educational software. They are: (1) educational soundness; (2) ease of use; (3) "bullet" proofing (preventing a program from coming to a premature halt); (4) clear instructions; (5) appropriate language; (6) appropriate frame size; (7) motivation; and (8) evaluation. (JN)