Presents a 10-step procedure for selecting the computer software needed to author and deliver online documentation. (SR)

Describes how to build a data warehouse, using the Schools Interoperability Framework (www.sifinfo.org), that supports data-driven decision making and complies with the Freedom of Information Act. Provides several suggestions for building and maintaining a data warehouse. (PKP)

Discusses the key questions facility managers should ask during the selection process for a facility-maintenance software program. Questions include ease of use, asset modeling capabilities, ease of reconfiguration, and software scaleability. (GR)

Describes the results of a survey of school librarians that investigated satisfaction with their selection of library automation systems. Discusses purchasing decisions; networking; Web-based systems; user friendliness; efficiency and usability; vendor integrity; technical support; training; documentation; authority control; links to Internet…

Focuses on the process of selecting programable automation systems for technology education programs at the secondary level. (Author)

Nine computer-assisted career guidance systems are assessed: the Career Information System; CHOICES; CHOICES for Adults; CHOICES Jr.; DISCOVER for Colleges and Adults, for High Schools, and for Junior High and Middle Schools; the Guidance Information System; and SIGI PLUS. Four detailed tables compare features in terms of career decision-making…

Critiques the computer-assisted career guidance systems assessment guidelines by Sampson et al. (CE 521 972). Finds that the system gives consumers important information but is missing the identification of how effective the systems' features are individually or collectively. (SK)

Review of upgrades to IBM and Macintosh software includes personal experiences with DOS 5.0, PC Tools Version 7, and Microsoft Word 5.5. Reasons for and problems with upgrades are then discussed, including alternatives to upgrading and problems with skipping upgrades. Guidelines for deciding whether to upgrade and notes from the literature for…

Schools are currently receiving increased funds for multimedia software for classrooms. There is a need for good software in the schools, and there is a need to know how to evaluate software and not naively rely on advertisements. Evaluators of multimedia software for education must have the skills to critically evaluate and make decisions not…

This article provides teachers a framework for choosing computer software to assist with writing instruction for students with learning disabilities. The various writing problems that software programs can address are described. Appendices include a writing needs checklist, writing requirements checklist, and list of features of computer-supported…

Finds the Sampson et al. guidelines for computer-assisted career guidance systems (CE 521 972) comprehensive and self-explanatory, but states that user judgment is still required. Suggests revision of existing standards to take into account the feature-cost analysis method. (SK)

Critiques the assessment of computer-assisted career guidance systems by Sampson et al. (CE 521 972), stating that the conceptual framework was sound and well developed and criteria were based on recognized experts. Limitations of the study are the assumption of equivalent effectiveness and the use of a checklist for comparing the systems. (SK)

The framework for an ideal computer-assisted career guidance system is a combination of a decision support system and an expert system. Such a system takes into account individual differences in all relevant dimensions and guides the user to the relevant information in the shortest way. (SK)

Finds the feature-cost analysis method (Sampson et al., CE 521 972) a useful tool, but suggests that users need to determine which criteria are most important to them on the basis of a needs assessment. (SK)

Synthesizes critiques of the computer-assisted career guidance system selection guidelines (CE 521 972) in terms of system and feature effects, qualitative features, benefits, and costs. Presents implications for practitioners, researchers, system developers, and policy makers. (SK)