Presents two articles: "Your In-Class Communication Center" and "New Software Programs." The first suggests three ways for teachers to use their word processing program to generate standard forms, produce a class newsletter, and create a homework checklist for each student. The second presents information on software programs (grade level, focus,…

Open systems are computer systems designed to meet vendor-neutral international standards. Significant characteristics of open systems are portability (software will run on dozens of hardware programs) and interoperability (computers of different brands can be connected and share resources). Discusses options available to switch to an open system.…

This article discusses studies supporting the use of computer-managed Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and potential deterrents using such software, and summarizes software evaluation criteria. A checklist/rating scale is presented and applied to two software programs: the "Talley Goals and Objectives Writer" and "IEPs…

The Healthy Meals for Healthy American Act of 1994 requires that a variety of meal-planning approaches be available for schools to plan menus. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulation "School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children," published in 1995, implements the provisions of the 1994 legislation and incorporates…

This catalog lists the holdings of the Software To Go software lending library and clearinghouse for programs and agencies serving students or clients who are deaf or hard of hearing. An introduction describes the clearinghouse and its collection of software, much of it commercial and copyrighted material, for Apple, Macintosh, and IBM (MS-DOS)…

This digest provides practical advice on evaluating software for managing student records. An evaluation of record-keeping software should start with a process to identify all of the individual needs the software produce must meet in order to be considered for purchase. The first step toward establishing an administrative computing system is…

This annual guide provides information on recommended software programs and multimedia applications for K-12 use. An introductory section describes the evaluation process and lists the highest-rated programs for 1998-99. The program entries are organized by the following subject areas: the arts, early childhood, health, language arts, mathematics,…

Discusses the use of electronic portfolios by school library media specialists for professional development as a resume, an evaluation instrument, or other types of credential documentation. Includes guidelines for building a successful portfolio, including appropriate software selection; audience considerations; and technology skill…

Argues that questions about hardware, software, and teacher training are no longer the most important topics in educational technology. Today the major issues are related to instructional strategies, instructionally appropriate software, training and support as a process, and facilitative organizational structures. (Contains 16 references.) (KRN)

Discusses three computer programs which students can use to develop practical skills: (1) "The Little Shoppers Kit," which teaches children about shopping, grocery stores, and nutrition; (2) "UltraKey," a typing skills program for elementary school students; and (3) "All the Right Type," a typing program for grades 4…

Suggestions for incorporating the computer into remedial reading programs are offered, focusing on student motivation, criteria for selecting good computer programs, and methods for involving students in nonthreatening ways. Thirteen software programs are recommended. (DB)

This document outlines a workshop for media specialists--"School Library Automation: Solving the Puzzle"--that is designed to reduce automation anxiety and give a broad overview of the concerns confronting school library media centers planning for or involved in automation. Issues are addressed under the following headings: (1) Levels of School…

This practicum report describes an instructional program designed to increase teacher awareness of the technological applications of musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) in the classroom. The primary goal of the study was to assist music teachers in becoming more informed about MIDI, and to enable them to effectively select the appropriate…

"Only the Best" is an Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) annual reference containing information on software programs and multimedia applications that have met stringent criteria for excellence. The purpose of this reference is to provide a quick and easy way for curriculum directors, technology coordinators, librarians,…

The article addresses use of microcomputer-based word processing for students with writing disabilities. The research is briefly reviewed, and four guidelines for choosing word processing software are offered, as are principles for teaching keyboarding. (DB)