Provides information on software tools, technologies, strategies for evaluation, and factoring-in teaching considerations. Also included is an extensive review of computer-assisted language learning materials and a software evaluation questionnaire. (16 references) (GLR)

This second in a series of articles on a software evaluation project conducted by the Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN) lists and compares specifications, properties, and test results for nine microcomputer-based software programs that fall into the category of classical information retrieval systems. (26…

Offers 10 guidelines for librarians responsible for making decisions on whether to upgrade application software. Examines the Internet, client/server LAN (local area network) architecture, developments in contemporary stand-alone systems, and graphic user interfaces to determine their impact on the upgrading process. (AEF)

A comparison was conducted of "Voxwire MeetingRoom" and "iVocalize" v4.1.0.3, both Web-conferencing products using voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) to provide unlimited, inexpensive, international audio communication, and high-quality Web-conferencing fostering collaborative learning. The study used the evaluation criteria used in earlier…

This article describes an integrated problem solving and program development environment, illustrating the application of the system with a detailed case study of a small-scale programming problem. The system, which is based on an explicit cognitive model, is intended to guide the novice programmer through the stages of problem solving and program…

This paper discusses advances in technology and how teachers can use technology for teaching students with disabilities. The work of the Macomb Projects, a group of federally funded, early childhood special education projects at Western Illinois University that has been exploring the use of computer and adaptive technologies in the education of…

A product evaluation was conducted of "Desire2Learn", an online learning management system gaining popularity in educational institutions. Since an online trial version of the software was not available for evaluation, an inspection meeting with the vendor was arranged. This provided the evaluation team with an opportunity to examine the…

Over the past decade, at both the university and high school levels, chemistry instructors have become keenly aware of an increasing number of students who are proving to be unable to solve complex problems. Today's students have grown up with technology, and most would prefer to do their homework using a digital tool rather than pencil and paper.…

This study reports on creative ways of using technology in the classroom, specifically the development of multimedia courseware on World Heritage through which learners are able to upgrade their knowledge and cognition regarding historical and cultural legacies from the past, and to improve English skills. The content of the pilot courseware…

In this paper, data obtained from a university website accessibility and usability validation process are analyzed and used to demonstrate how the design process can affect the online experience for users with disabilities. Interviews, observations, and use data (e.g. where users clicked on a page or what path taken through a site) were collected.…

In this article, we set out to assess QuADEM (Quality Assessment of Digital Educational Material), one of the latest methods for evaluating online language learning courseware. What is special about QuADEM is that the evaluation is based on observing the actual usage of the online courseware and that, from a checklist of 12 different components,…

This paper explores the use of technology in teaching business topics at the university level. The use of technologies in the classroom has been developed in a greater degree for non-business disciplines. Specific software programs are listed as well as business games. Finally, a listing of external funding sources is presented to assist in…

A study examined commercially available computer software to ascertain its degree of congruency with current methods of reading instruction (the Interactive model) at the first and second grade levels. A survey was conducted of public school educators in Connecticut and experts in the field to determine their level of satisfaction with available…

An overview is given of the available statistical theory and software for analyzing hierarchically nested data. Programs are evaluated, and general techniques are proposed to analyze data from several domains. This research is part of a larger project to evaluate elementary education in the Netherlands. The models discussed are the random…

This last article in a series which reported results of a software evaluation project done by the Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN) focuses on how to select appropriate software. Topics discussed include price considerations; user needs; and types and quality of information. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)