Discussion of courseware for use with microcomputers focuses on criteria for selecting the appropriate authoring tool. Criteria are specified from the perspective of: (1) the content specialist or instructor; (2) the instructional designer or analyst; (3) the programer; and (4) the administrator of the instructional software. (42 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of pre-Logo microworlds for elementary school children and describes developments that are being made to alleviate problems encountered in classroom implementation of the microworlds. Highlights include tutorial support; a menu-driven user interface appropriate for young children; effectiveness of new learner support features;…

Describes the theory and operation of a computer program which was written to balance chemical equations. Software consists of a compiled file of 46K for use under MS-DOS 2.0 or later on IBM PC or compatible computers. Additional specifications of courseware and availability information are included. (Author/RT)

Describes laboratory-oriented software programs that are short, time-saving, eliminate computational errors, and not found in public domain courseware. Program availability for IBM and Apple microcomputers is included. (RT)

Reports on a study that investigated the effectiveness and efficiency of computer classroom drill for learning bass clef notes. Compared posttest results among students with differing cognitive styles. Concludes that computer assisted instruction is an effective way to teach music skills, allowing teachers to focus on teaching aesthetic aspects of…

Outlines an approach to teaching management control activities via the use of case study material, microcomputer technology, and commercially available software. A case study for use by an undergraduate class is described; it includes a single regression analysis, a spreadsheet model, and a description of the man/machine decision process.…

Discusses a case study in which dyads of students and teachers using a microcomputer-based computer assisted learning (CAL) program are videotaped to analyze the interactions. Results from the dialogue analysis are related to learning outcomes and evaluating the educational efficacy of CAL software is discussed. (24 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of educational technology for science and math instruction in elementary and secondary schools through conversations with six curriculum specialists and administrators. Highlights include the use of IBM and Macintosh hardware and software; hand-held computers; integrated learning systems; math workstations; computer simulations;…

Discussion of the development of multimedia courseware for medical education focuses on repurposing or reusing data from multiple sources. Issues addressed include designing courseware with repurposing in mind; the format of the content and the intended microcomputer format; and content indexing for storage and retrieval. (18 references) (LRW)

Two articles discuss changes that are making technology useful to teachers. After examining computer uses in education, the articles describe new research and educational technology trends, and products and projects that got three teachers hooked on technology. (SM)

Results of a national survey of teachers, authors, administrators, distributors, and publishers reveal their perceptions of current needs and opportunities for development of microcomputer courseware for foreign language instruction. The study, which consisted of a literature review, a database review, a series of seven workshops, and consultation…

An introduction to using word processing in writing instruction, this report first describes the basic terms and tools used in word processing and then lists the four characteristics of a good word processing program. They are the options to: (1) edit and insert; (2) cut and paste; (3) find and correct; and (4) store and save documents of between…

This report provides an analysis of microcomputer software available for elementary and secondary level instruction in 1989 as compared to 1984. Data from the Resources in Computer Education (RICE) database are used to compare distribution of software programs by grade level; hardware manufacturer; application type (drill, tutorial, simulation,…

Two papers describe the roles of the Software Development Group (SDG) and the Software Review Center (SRC) at Drexel University. The first paper covers the primary role of the SDG, which is designed to assist Drexel faculty with the technical design and programming of courseware for the Apple Macintosh microcomputer; the relationship of the SDG…

One way for foreign language teachers to evaluate computer software, or courseware, for computer-assisted instruction is to look at it from the point of view of the roles of the courseware author as production manager, curriculum developer, learning specialist, instructional designer, and evaluator. In assessing courseware, teachers should decide…