The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC) helps teachers by offering a broad assortment of services that enable them to quickly locate educational resources. This document is one in a series of print catalogs designed to give educators information about curriculum resources available for teaching math and…

This document provides information about computer software (courseware) used in and recommended by adult literacy programs and organizations. The information was compiled from five source documents, evaluations of or guides to adult literacy computer courseware. Section one is a general courseware information listing organized by subject. The…

The software "Breakthrough to Literacy" was introduced in kindergarten classrooms in a suburban school district in 1999 and focuses on oral language development. Through observations, the author studied the effects the software had on individual children's oral language and pre-reading readiness skills. Along with reading skill development, oral…

Illustrates a method for evaluating educational software which allows quantitative rating of questions in three main categories: teaching contents and methodology; software and design features; and users' reactions; and a fourth group encompassing general qualitative questions. The methodology proved effective in evaluating an advanced…

Describes a study in which 12 students' papers were critiqued by both WordPerfect's "Grammatik" grammar checking software and by real English/business communication professors. Finds significant limitations to the effectiveness of the software as a guide for student writers. (SR)

Finds that student Groupware users are generally satisfied with member contributions and group output but are less satisfied with software-supported, decision-making processes. Suggests that Groupware is a powerful communication tool for support of work groups but that it may not in itself solve the basic problems of getting people to work…

Describes the development and implementation of a stand-alone computer assisted learning package for the manufacturing division of Digital Equipment Corporation. Trial tests of the courseware showed gradual improvement suggesting that computer assisted learning has considerable potential in industrial training. Identifies several issues to be…

Authorware is Macromedia's powerful feature-rich tool for courseware development. Version 6.5, released in September 2002, introduces new features for usability, extensibility, and accessibility. New usability enhancements include improvements to script functions and liberal use of drag-and-drop operations. First-time users should beware that they…

Evaluates six "open" (empty of content and customized by users) software programs using the literature-based characteristics of documentation, learner control, branching capabilities, portability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. Interviewed computer-knowledgeable individuals to confirm the legitimacy of the evaluative characteristics. (LRW)

Monte Carlo methods are used to evaluate marginal maximum likelihood estimation of item parameters and maximum likelihood estimates of theta in the two-parameter logistic model for varying test lengths, sample sizes, and assumed theta distributions. Results with 100 datasets demonstrate the methods' general precision and stability. Exceptions are…

Describes a study that analyzed the evolution of microcomputer-based instructional software for grades K-12 published from 1981-88. Four companies identified their most popular software and their most technically advanced software. Products in each category were analyzed to develop a chronology of the evolution of instructional software and to…

Discusses the use of technology to individualize mathematics instruction for gifted students. The use of computers in a mathematics classroom allowed students to identify objectives, communicate results, and implement activities related to goals. Successful math software programs are highlighted. (CR)

Discusses the software review process recently completed at the University of Kansas that resulted in the adoption of an integrated Web course development package. Highlights include stakeholders represented on the evaluation team; establishing review criteria; identifying and evaluating software; demonstrations; and recommendations. (Author/LRW)

Evaluation of the impact of computer-related technologies on learning must take place within a theoretical framework consisting of theories, concepts, and principles to be meaningful. The framework provides the context of a research, its rationale, and its significance. The instructional theory and technology defined by Robert Gagne is selected as…

In today's growing technological age of educational software and interactive Internet teaching/learning websites, it is important to note that educators must take the time to see that the interactive electronic experiences their students are involved meet the appropriate standards, hence been evaluated. This article provides the readers with an…