Reports an analysis of a 10-hour collection of conversations in a New Zealand factory office. Computer software was used to determine the content and vocabulary of the conversations. Discusses possible applications of the study for teachers of pre-employment English for specific purposes courses. (Author/VWL)

Discusses models of home educational computing that are linked to learning in school and recommends the need for research that addresses the home as a computer-based learning environment. Topics include a history of research on educational computing at home; technological infrastructure, including software and compatibility; Internet access;…

Considers issues relating to children's access to information on the Internet in public libraries. Topics include censorship versus selection; First Amendment rights; the American Library Association's challenge to the Communications Decency Act; filtering software; and the role of the public library. (LRW)

Based on the idea that the current framework for organizing electronic data does not take advantage of the mind's ability to make connections among disparate pieces of information, several projects at universities around the country are taking new approaches to classification and storage of vast amounts of computerized data. The new systems take…

Results from two Monte Carlo studies in item response theory (comparisons of computer item analysis programs and Bayes estimation procedures) are analyzed with inferential methods to illustrate the procedures' strengths. It is recommended that researchers in item response theory use both descriptive and inferential methods to analyze Monte Carlo…

Basic chemical thermodynamics usually treats non-p,T reactions in a stepmotherly fashion. This paper covers the main aspects of the theoretical principles of reactions (p,T; V,T; p,H; and V,U) and offers results from the ABC computer program, which was designed to show the validity of the equilibrium theory to all types of reaction modes. (PVD)

Describes a project at SUNY (State University of New York) colleges that was designed to deliver wide area network access to CD-ROM-mounted databases to share library resources. Discusses the need for unsaturated telecommunications lines of sufficient bandwidth; CD-ROM applications software; and stable, proven network software. (LRW)

Describes how technological capabilities such as calculation, imaging, networking, and portability support a range of pedagogical approaches, such as inquiry-based science and dynamic modeling. Includes as examples software products created at Apple Computer and others available in the marketplace. (KDFB)

This column describes several commercial Web sites seen to be helpful in special education and disability services programs and personnel preparation. These include sites of the Laureate Learning Company, the Slater Software Company, the Intellitools Company, the Attainment Company, and the Don Johnston Company. Potential uses for these sites are…

Examined the accessibility of two Web-based abstracting and indexing services by blind users using screen-reading programs based on guidelines from the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Web Content Accessibility Guidelines by the WWW Consortium. Suggests Web developers need to conduct usability testing and librarians need to be aware of accessibility…

Discussion of mapping and visualizing in scholarly literature focuses on the development of software called HistCite for generating chronological maps of collections, where all cited references for source documents are captured, using scientific literature as an example. Generates tables of the most-cited works to help searchers identify the most…

Poses four important questions relevant to error diagnosis and correction in computer assisted language learning (CALL). These questions relate to the diagnosis of persistent second language (L2) learner grammar errors, whether these can be corrected, what types of feedback from the computer are most efficient for focusing the students' attention…

Explains the digital reference service AskNSDL that was developed for the National Science Digital Library (NSDL). Discusses tools used to design the service, including QABuilder software; QuIP (Question Interchange Profile) metadata format standard; GEM (Gateway to Educational Materials) cataloging tool; and the AskERIC question and answer…

Describes a Middlebury College second language vocabulary learning database that goes well beyond flashcards, because it keeps track of what students learn. Discusses further expansion of the system through collaborative filtering software to establish learner profiles. A learner profile could then be used to create instructional materials just…

Considers the current trend in libraries toward live, or digital, reference services. Highlights include models for reference, including synchronous versus asynchronous; benefits for users; software packages; user expectations; suitability of the technology; and determining the best service for users and their information needs. (LRW)