This paper discusses educational technology and the structural changes that society must make to accommodate it. The paper begins by examining technology trends, including the exponential rate of change in the information industry, the growing ubiquitousness of computers, inequities in U.S. schools, and technology characteristics (e.g., the open…

This paper describes the creation and evaluation of a World Wide Web-based courseware module, using conceptual models based on constructivism, that teaches novices how to use the Internet for searching. Questionnaires and interviews were used to understand the difficulties of a group of novices. The conceptual model of the experts for the task was…

Describes a multimedia course in engineering developed to serve course materials to students in a more realistic form so that they will better understand the relevance of the material. Defines multimedia, discusses the advantages of multimedia presentation of course material, and provides details of the tools used in this project. (DDR)

Reviews and compares two CD-ROMs designed to teach sign language skills: "The American Sign Language Dictionary on CD-ROM" and "Sign Language for Everyone." The first is seen to be the better reference tool whereas the second is judged the better choice for computer users wanting to learn sign language in a structured way. (DB)

Presents a critical review of "The Oregon Trail" CD-ROMs. Argues that "The Oregon Trail" is sexist, racist, culturally insensitive, and contemptuous of the earth, imparting bad values and wrong history. Suggests questions teachers can ask before choosing to use these materials, and offers classroom activities to develop students' critical computer…

Process-centered and problem-solving software can help students develop the skills and strategies needed for independent thought. Different categories of process-centered software are described, with examples of appropriate innovative packages, as well as several classroom activities which illustrate one teacher's use of the computer to promote…

Reviews the state-of-the-art in Macintosh microcomputers for the college-level physics laboratory. Discusses the availability of software and software development including programing languages and HyperCard. Describes application softwares including the area of simulations, data sampling and analysis, and instructional lessons. (YP)

Reviews the performance of computer programs for writing poetry and prose, including MARK V. SHANEY, MELL, POETRY GENERATOR, THUNDER THOUGHT, and ORPHEUS. Discusses the writing principles of the programs. Provides additional information on computer magnification techniques. (YP)

Discusses computer simulations for chemistry courses. Reviews a simulation program, "Evaluation of Bonding Theory: The Werner Jorgensen Controversy," and provides information regarding hardware requirements for the program. Presents the idea of an expert system including simulation modules and counselor modules. Describes some chemical examples, a…

Evaluates five courseware packages covering the topics of Newton's laws and seven courseware packages for work, energy, momentum, and conservation laws. Discusses the price, sub-topics, program type, interaction, time, calculus required, graphics, and comments of each courseware. Selects some packages based on the criteria. (YP)

Shows how style and usage checkers can be used in writing exercises that encourage a recursive pattern of student revision. Looks at several instructional design ideas that can create "process-centered" revision software that appears heuristic, contextual, and interactive. (RS)

Reviews three educational computer software products: (1) a compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM) bundle of five mathematics programs from the Apple Education Series; (2) "Sammy's Science House," with science activities for preschool through second grade (Edmark); and (3) "The Cat Came Back," an interactive CD-ROM game designed to build language…

Discusses a new paradigm for choosing educational software, based on the perspectives of the teacher, student, and designer; describes a study of the use of this paradigm by a group of teachers. Results indicated the paradigm helped assessors to articulate a holistic awareness of educational issues, enabling a coherent review of pedagogical,…

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,…

Describes and compares several exchange/transfer formats used to upload records into software host programs, including unstructured or plain ASCII; fixed field; delimited ASCII; tagged; MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging); and graphic. It is concluded that CD-ROM producers should strengthen the built-in output management of programs and offer…