This report reviews software packages for Apple Macintosh and Apple II computers available to secondary schools to teach computer-aided drafting (CAD). Products for the report were gathered through reviews of CAD periodicals, computers in education periodicals, advertisements, and teacher recommendations. The first section lists the primary…

This study examined the perceptions of basic education school teachers in Turkey to the educational software evaluation criteria, developed for the acquisition of multimedia instructional software by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, from the viewpoint of actual users. Data were collected through structured interviews, group discussions,…

Describes results of a survey of teachers belonging to the Texas Computer Education Association that was conducted to determine whether authoring tools were being used to develop software for computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Teachers' prior computer education and experience are examined, and the selection of authoring tools is addressed. (six…

Israel's Software Evaluation Project sets national standards for hardware and software that is used in schools. All courseware must be approved for technical requirements and pedagogical content. After approval, the courseware is certified for use within Israel's school system for 2 years. Three times each year, schools, inspectorates, and…

This study was conducted to examine how teachers' beliefs about computer-assisted instruction (CAI) relate to the types of instructional software they use with students, the types of computer related activities they provide for their students, whether they integrate computer usage with other instructional activities, and whether they had received…

The Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council (GPLC) found an increasing need to provide computer-aided instruction (CAI) as a component of its curriculum, in particular to help staff and volunteers become computer literate. GPLC staff designed and taught two 12-week introductory computer courses for up to 20 (10 each) literacy staff and volunteers.…

The systematic evaluation process used in Georgia's DeKalb County School System to purchase comprehensive instructional software--an integrated learning system (ILS)--is described, and the decision-making model for selection is presented. Selection and implementation of an ILS were part of an instructional technology plan for the DeKalb schools…

Integrated Learning Systems (ILS) can be used as instructional tools and to produce reports on student progress. Three different systems from Curriculum Computer Corporation (CCC), Ideal Learning, Inc., and Jostens Learning Corporation were piloted in three elementary school to evaluate ILS usefulness in reading/language arts and math. The pilot…

Intended as an easy-to-use quick reference tool for finding good software packages to meet specific educational objectives in language arts, reading, and mathematics, this directory focuses on highly rated software designed to teach basic learning and thinking skills. Software listed in the directory is available from International Business…

This paper provides a balanced set of guidelines for reviewing educational software, and offers a simple and practical procedure that can be used to select software for instructional purposes. The procedure applies equally well to individual "titles" or to large-scale curriculum-based systems. It applies to software delivered on a CD-ROM, through…

Discusses evaluation criteria for selecting courseware that teaches basic concepts appropriate for preschool and early elementary students. Reviews of the software manual, the courseware itself, and reviews by students are suggested. Other areas of concern that are addressed include instructional quality, production quality, flexibility, and cost.…

Discusses the use of technology in training and higher education. Considers current technologies; establishing a vision before implementing technology; needs assessment; hardware and software considerations; facility limitations; design considerations; curriculum support; and student and instructor needs. (LRW)

Some students do not "take to" computers as a learning tool. Reasons for this include inappropriate software; use of the same software for all students rather than accommodation of different interests, needs, and learning styles; and various handicaps (both physical and mental). For example, many students prefer a holistic approach;…

This paper describes one educator's experience with creating multimedia presentation materials for a college computer literacy class. The paper discusses: selecting software--the decision between authoring software and presentation software; selecting hardware--what type of computer systems to select, and issues when classrooms are equipped with…

This final report in the MicroSIFT series reviews 10 software packages that deal mainly with the areas of electricity, magnetism, and heat energy. Software titles appearing in this report were selected because they were judged to be exemplary according to various criteria in the MicroSIFT Evaluator's Guide, with some additions to address science…