This directory highlights 42 software programs that are either designed for or useful in the instruction of learning disabled students. Among the content areas covered are mathematics, language, spelling, auditory memory, and spatial relationships. Information on instructional level, price, and distributor is also provided for each entry. (JW)

A 42-item software directory describes courseware in a variety of skill areas, including alphabetizing, communicating, daily living skills, grammar, mathematics, reading, speech, and vocabulary. An audiovisual listing describes videotapes, motion pictures, and filmstrips that focus primarily on disability awareness and various aspects of learning…

To determine which elements of courseware are and are not effective in computer-based education, 59 learning disabled students were observed during a 5 1/2-month period using over 20 commercial courseware packages. Additional elements of the naturalistic study included interviews with teachers, students, and administrators; and analysis of the…

The Courseware Adaptation Project has produced courseware for learning disabled students. The types of courseware developed and current project activities are described. (JN)

The research review and survey of 20 teachers of learning disabled (LD) students identified seven components of computer assisted courseware for the LD student considered essential (such as simple directions, an uncluttered screen, and feedback) These components were not consistently found in the courseware evaluated. (Author/DB)

The two studies established an empirically derived set of guidelines for producing and evaluating microcomputer courseware for students with learning disabilities. About 100 teachers of learning disabled students in Pennsylvania and Virginia participated in field testing the guidelines. The first study was conducted in four steps: first,…

Discusses lack of courseware for deaf and learning disabled; presents results from a survey which indicate that microcomputers are used in schools for the deaf despite lack of courseware; describes current exploratory and programed learning courseware; discusses its effectiveness; and reviews problems, weaknesses, and future potential for…

This essay reviews accounts of nontraditional schools in various parts of the United States, some of which are public-private ventures. All use computers in conjunction with practices such as the whole language approach, the language experience method, ability grouping, and individualized instruction. Review of the accounts leads to the conclusion…

Third in a series of six monographs on the use of new technologies in the instruction of learning disabled students, the paper explores program design strategies for computer-based instructional materials. Section 1 summarizes ideas related to models of perception and cognition, theories of instruction, and key characteristics of intelligent…

Fifth in a series of six monographs on the use of new technologies in the instruction of learning disabled students, the paper describes how schools can plan for the acquisition of computer hardware and software, and how they can provide district-level staff training in its use. Discussion focuses on the development of a technology implementation…

Discussion of artificial intelligence (AI) and expert systems focuses on their use in education. Characteristics of good expert systems are explained; computer software programs that contain applications of AI are described, highlighting one used to help educators identify learning-disabled students; and the future of AI is discussed. (LRW)

Fourth in a series of six monographs on the use of new technologies in the instruction of learning disabled (LD) students, this paper explores issues related to the evaluation and selection of instructional software for LD students. Topics discussed include the following: (1) criteria for instructionally useful software (e.g., flexibility and…

Discusses problems with composition writing that beginning or learning disabled students may have and highlights the use of computer programs to encourage both elementary and secondary school students. Topics discussed include group lessons, sign makers such as "Print Shop," and menu driven graphics and text integration programs. (12 references)…

Describes a study that investigated the interaction of learning-disabled students and their teachers with instructional elements of commercial courseware. The relationship of courseware design to student independence and motivation is discussed, implications for improving courseware design are noted, and ideas for further research are suggested.…

Discussion of the use of computers and appropriate software for teaching learning disabled individuals focuses on improving problem solving, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Highlights include evaluation guidelines, teaching strategies, and reviews of 10 programs that have been used successfully with different age groups with a variety of…