Describes types of software including system software, application software, spreadsheets, accounting software, graphics packages, desktop publishing software, database, desktop and personal information management software, project and records management software, groupware, and shareware. (JOW)

Discusses three approaches to building intelligent systems: artificial intelligence, neural networks, and behavior analysis. BANKET, an object-oriented software system, is explained; a commercial application of BANKET is described; and a collaborative effort between the academic and business communities for the use of BANKET is discussed.…

Describes the design and development of EmbARK, a computer application designed to handle art collections management for use by museums, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals, which links together various facets of managing objects in an easy-to-use client server application. Topics discussed include digital imaging; museum…

Discusses the evaluation of instructional computer software. Groups who evaluate software are described, including EPIE (Educational Products Information Exchange); the evaluation process is discussed, including formal and informal software reviews; criteria for software evaluation are considered; and the importance of participation in the review…

Successful introduction of major new software applications requires worker commitment, inservice training, and communication. Cost justification considers the cost of computer purchase, installation, inservice training, salary, time lost due to "bugs," plus the cost of modifications. (MLF)

Discusses the design debate in instructional technology among behaviorists, cognitivists, and constructivists as they design computer software programs for education. (SR)

The test proposed by Brien, Venables, and Mayo (1984), endorsed by Silver and Dunlap, and supported by computer software that they developed is not a proper test for multivariate independence. A revised appraisal is suggested for the Silver and Dunlap results. (SLD)

Describes the development of Java-based software to use controlled vocabularies and subject headings in the cataloging of Web-based HTML articles on a subject-specific legal resources Web site. Topics include requirements for cataloging and for searching; data structure; software required; and metadata with Dublin Core requirements. (LRW)

Shows how adult learning and situated learning principles can be applied to classroom-based software training. Argues that these techniques create instructional strategies that incorporate context-rich activities for work-oriented instruction. (SR)

Discusses 12 questions that teachers and administrators should ask when evaluating educational software. Considers points such as the consistency with the curriculum, the appropriateness of media and activities, the opportunity for practice and review, the allowance for social interaction, and the accessibility to students. (SR)

Synthesizes information that is available on software evaluation and provides a software evaluation checklist to help educators examine software based on linguistic and pedagogical criteria. The checklist allows educators to compare and contrast software products, enabling them to select software that is best suited to their classrooms.…

Presents a study undertaken to determine what types of visuals are being used for presentations in different business organizations. Discusses findings in terms of: description of respondents; creating and using visual aids for presentations; presentation software used; using special software features; and presenting the visual aids. Includes…

Discusses online help systems in application software design and describes two experiments in which adult computer novices learned to use experimental graphics software by task-based exploration. Topics include operative help; function-oriented help; effects on learning performance; schemata; mental models; and implications for the design of…

Outlines the generic features of enterprise information portal applications, or corporate portals, which provide users with access to internal and external information resources through a customizable Web browser interface. Examines approaches being taken by vendors, many of whom are adapting software developed for document management and…

As Internet use becomes integral to the life of institutions, awareness of what it takes to make Web sites accessible to each and every user is crucial. Successful Web sites are easy to access and navigate, including software designed to help people with disabilities. This article presents guidelines for building sites that are truly accessible.…