Sixty-three undergraduates who used both the System of Interactive Guidance and Information and SIGI PLUS rated them comparably in terms of the dimensions of analysis, synthesis of options, and general helpfulness. Ratings were not influenced by career choice, vocational education, information needs, or year in school. Thirty-nine preferred SIGI…

Describes the Space Shuttle Commander software package, which utilizes the dynaturtle microworld to teach elementary and middle school students about Newton's laws of motion. Design considerations for computer-based microworlds that represent a compromise between the philosophies of constructivism and direct instruction are presented. (91…

Reviews the development of authoring systems from those present in mainframe computers to the newest versions in desktop training systems. Advances in microcomputers and the corresponding authoring systems are described, programing languages are discussed, and computer-based instructional development that includes graphical user interfaces and…

Continues a description of the Usenet computer network that began in the previous issue. The effective use of Usenet is discussed, including how to screen out unwanted information, the most helpful newsgroups to access, and setting up news reader software. Ideas for library outreach services via Usenet are also suggested. (LRW)

Describes a custom authoring system that was developed for use by multinational corporations who use computer-based training (CBT) that must be adaptable to diverse individual markets. Criteria for multinational CBT programs are discussed, the use of BASIC programing language is explained, and the author interface is described. (nine references)…

Discusses methods of textual documentation that can be used for software documentation. Highlights include measurement of text comprehensibility; methods for the measurement of documentation quality, including readability and the Cloze Procedure; tools for the measurement of text readability; and the development of the Reading Measurability…

Discusses children's ability to distinguish fantasy from reality in video games and suggests that there is potential for creative innovative software and graphics. Virtual reality is described and compared to books, and learning about all new electronic genres in addition to the best existing ones is advocated. (EAM)

Provides answers to nine common questions that day-care providers ask about computers and young children, such as (1) what can children learn with computers? (2) what are the advantages and disadvantages of having computers? (3) what types of affordably priced computers are best? and (4) what are the best software programs for young children? (MDM)

Provides highlights of a report describing research conducted to analyze and compare publishers' and developers' current and planned involvement in electronic publishing. Topics include acceptance of new media, licensing issues, costs and other perceived obstacles, and CD-ROMs platforms. (EAM)

Describes the Association of Research Libraries Geographic Information System (GIS) Literacy Project and the experiences of several libraries involved in electronic mapping. An in-depth description of the University of Connecticut's map library is provided. Sidebars include information about GIS business applications and sources of products…

Reviews recent developments in three areas of law which, one way or the other, have an impact on information professionals: copyright, data protection, and liability. This discussion focuses on recent developments that are likely to be of significance to information professionals, including those emanating from the Commission of the European…

Presents a description and evaluation of a microcomputer-based system designed to diagnose errors in basic algorithmic procedures made by students in a college remedial mathematics class. The paper-and-pencil diagnostic test is described, and results of pretests and posttests for the computer group and control group are discussed. (five…

Describes a method that writing instructors can use for evaluating and commenting on college students' composition papers that uses a stand-alone word processor. Software is discussed, the instructor's role is explained, methods of evaluation and marking papers are suggested, and electronic grading is described. (three references) (LRW)

Research and practice in detecting and controlling for cheating on objective tests are reviewed and a small survey of attitudes and practices is reported. Potential of two computer programs to detect error similarities and use of multiple answer-sheet forms to control cheating are discussed. Teacher cheating is also addressed. (Author/MSE)

IBM has more than 750 partnerships benefiting K-12 schools. Those with a vocational focus include (1) testing of LinkWay, a multimedia instructional system, in technical schools; (2) Vocational and Technical Schools Series, software developed for vocational schools; and (3) High School Cooperative Program, paid work experience at IBM for business…