Explains how modern programming systems empower beginning college students taking computer literacy courses; provides suggestions for designing courses and on the selection of appropriate software; and gives examples of course content and of approaches to course development using the Visual Basic programming environment. (22 references) (LRW)

Discusses retrospective catalog conversion from the viewpoint of a law firm library. Topics discussed include reasons for retrospective conversion; preplanning; suggestions for the selection of software; conducting an inventory of the collection; sources of MARC bibliographic records; setting up an online public access catalog; and marketing…

Discusses various choices available for desktop publishing systems. Four categories of software are described, including advanced word processing, graphics software, low-end desktop publishing, and mainstream desktop publishing; appropriate hardware is considered; and selection guidelines are offered, including current and future publishing needs,…

A mainframe computer installed at a school district had all information online within a 24-month period. The key elements to success were adequate research and staff input, open communication, exemplary training, and a data-processing staff that made site visits to help with hardware or software problems. (MLF)

Describes a low-cost, upgradeable, CD-ROM network and gives a step-by-step description of the installation process, including inventorying assets, learning about network components, selecting a network, installing adapter boards, attaching cabling, installing software, testing, configuring the server, installing search software, installing a menu,…

Examines the use of computers, strategies for using packaged software and the use of multimedia in the elementary school classroom. Information on telecommunication software and examples of its use are also provided. The article includes addresses and phone numbers for acquiring product information. (GLR)

Describes 12 computer software programs available for elementary and secondary math and science classes. Programs are selected from an annual guide to the highest rated educational software available. The guide includes title, grade level, category, description, hardware requirements, manufacturer, price, and pros and cons. (SM)

Suggests the advantages of using one of the commercial integrated software packages for introductory business communications courses. Reviews three widely used integrated packages ("Enable," Microsoft "Works," and "PFS First Choice") that are available in low-cost student editions. (PRA)

Reviews five CD-ROM products: (1) "Our Earth," part of the National Geographic Wonders of Learning series; (2) "New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia"; (3) "The Lost Tribe," a simulation game where players lead a prehistoric people to a new homeland; (4) "PilgrimQuest," a simulation game recreating the settlement of Massachusetts in the 1620s; and…

Argues educators need to identify software that will effectively support children with reading difficulties. Discusses: why computers should be used to aid struggling readers; what makes good software and why; and what software to select for classroom use. Contains an evaluation device that can be used by educators selecting software for classroom…

Describes a computer software review procedure centering around a form that considers the use of the computer software in the early-childhood classroom and aids educators in selecting software that is age- and individually appropriate. The form emphasizes reviewing the software's potential for encouraging student engagement and enhancing skills in…

This article describes new presentation tools and game shows that can make the classroom into a learning stage. RM Easiteach Studio, a presentation software from RM Educational Software, provides teaching tools for use on any interactive whiteboard. Classroom Jeopardy[R] from Educational Insights includes a scoreboard/base control unit, three…

Course management systems (CMSs) are software systems designed to manage course content and course activities. These tools integrate technological and pedagogical features into a web-based system that allows instructors, even those who are unfamiliar with web-based technologies, to design, deliver, and manage an online course. However, CMSs have…

This bulletin summarizes the chief quantitative findings of a survey of 264 small and medium sized colleges and universities in the midwest concerning their use of and interest in academic scheduling software. This type of software assists in planning course offerings, assigning instructors and course functions to facilities and time slots, and…

Many educators have concerns about integrating appropriate software in the pre-school curriculum and about what to consider when selecting this technology. This paper presents a criteria for selecting appropriate software for early childhood education. The software that is selected should allow children to explore it and the programs should be…