Presents evaluation guidelines for educational software for educators with limited knowledge of computers. (MD)

In the rush to purchase computers, some schools have reversed the normal course of curriculum development. First develop the objectives for computer use, then purchase the computers. (MD)

Provides an annotated list of suggested readings relating to schools and computers. (MD)

Outlines two elements of the process by which computers are incorporated into the social context of the classroom: (1) teachers' interpretations of the meaning of software, and (2) teachers' and students' views regarding the new learning interactions arising from work with computers. Discusses educational advantages of computer use in the…

This review of computer-aided writing includes a brief software survey and an evaluation of current uses of educational technology. Recommendations for the future are also made. (GDC)

Schools need to press for higher quality software that creatively and richly applies sound educational learning theory in software design. (MD)

Outlines the need for the development of computer-based curriculum in a trial set of courses that incorporates interactive technology. If the trial courses are successful it could lead to a major national curriculum development effort. (MD)

Reviews basic principles of effective instructional design, then evaluates instructional computer programs in relation to how well the characteristics critical for effective self-instruction are incorporated into educational software. Includes a checklist for use in evaluating the design of educational software. (MD)

The use of modern technology in education has reached a turning point. Equipment found in schools is increasing, and computer-assisted instruction has been shown to achieve positive results. Learning to use computer utilities and databases should be given high priority. (MD)

The decisions principals make about the uses of technology are critical to the improvement of schools. But school effectiveness won't just happen because technology is used. Technology is a tool that can lead to school improvement if it is effectively combined with productive leadership and management. (MD)

The future of computers in education today will be similar to that of television in education 30 years ago, unless educators begin to play a major role in bringing computer technology into the schools to stay. (MD)

Biases based on gender and ethnicity in computer software available to schools were investigated in this study. A random sample of 15 software programs were selected and evaluated on the bases of gender and ethnicity. Data were gathered on the number of male and female characters portrayed and on the cross-cultural dimensions of the software in…

This document, the second of two volumes, completes the report of a Lilly Endowment, Inc. funded project whose major objective was to establish a process for both teachers and students to be involved in the field testing or evaluation of microcomputer software. Workshops were held in nine Indiana school corporations where more than 2,300 students…

Reviews the current status of educational software. Only a small percentage of programs available is of high quality. The potential of educational computing is at a crucial juncture during the next two years. (MD)

This report summarizes the activities of the first year of a 2-year Lilly Endowment, Inc. sponsored project, which funded nine Indiana school corporations to select and field test current microcomputer software, and presents 53 critical software evaluations based on information gathered from teachers and students. Information provided by the…