This revision of the structural equation modeling (SEM) package developed by J. L. Arbuckle is a commercial product that can compete with other SEM software. The revision contains new documentation, improvements in the way the program saves files, and new drawing tools. It is a substantial improvement over earlier versions. (SLD)

Discusses quality in end-user documentation for computer applications and explains four approaches to improving quality in end-user documents. Highlights include online help, usability testing, technical writing elements, statistical approaches, and concepts relating to software quality that are also applicable to user manuals. (LRW)

Argues that Grammatik 5 for Windows software presents users with feedback that is often wrong, frequently confusing, and sometimes irrelevant. Expresses grave concerns about it both as a teaching tool and as a subtle means of propagating a political perspective. (SR)

Suggests that good software: constitutes a coherent text within a consistent theoretical framework; encourages users to take action; makes sense of complexity of information; has a consistent interface; allows connection to other programs; lets the user know what is going on; and is flexible from the teacher's and the student's points of view. (RS)

Presents a 10-step procedure for selecting the computer software needed to author and deliver online documentation. (SR)

Provides guidelines for selecting courseware and getting the best price. Lists periodicals that review computer software for remedial instruction and for improving a computer's communication ability or productivity; the kinds of information provided in software catalogs; courseware distributors; and types of available discounts. (MAB)

SOLAS is a general-purpose program for univariate statistical analysis with the ability to perform multiple imputation (MI) for dealing with missing data. Several completed data sets can be obtained and analyzed separately, and results can be combined so that extra variability due to missing data is taken into account. (SLD)

Discusses the newly-released Adobe Photoshop 6, and its use in student publications. Notes its refined text-handling capabilities, a more user-friendly interface, integrated vector functions, easier preparation of Web images, and new and more powerful layer functions. (SR)

Describes how new technical standards are allowing colleges to customize distance-learning programs by blending online-learning software from several companies. (EV)

This article begins by explaining the concepts of proprietary and open source software technology, which are now competing in the marketplace. A review of recent individual and cooperative technology development and public policy advocacy efforts, by both proponents of open source software and advocates of proprietary software, subsequently…

During the 2001-2002 school year the author was struck with the reality that their computer lab would not meet the demands of their school for another year. Greater Houlton Christian Academy (www.ghca.com) is a private school in Maine, and thus does not have access to state or federal funding. This meant that financing a new computer lab would be…

This annotated directory of existing databases, both online and print, is designed to assist in identifying available technology products for use in special education. The first section describes eight commercial software products with a special education focus, such as the "Closing the Gap Resource Directory" and "Software To…

Argues that developmentally appropriate computer software selection is a critical teacher decision. Recommends evaluation of child features, teacher features, and technical features. Provides a teacher checklist in each feature area to assist evaluation of the software's appropriateness and also a listing of children's software reviewers. (SD)

Presents a computer software review of the graphical online interface, Ovid client for Windows. Evaluates the following system options: database choices, graphical interface, index browsing, searching, topical limiting, term mapping, displaying, printing, and downloading. Sidebars display product information and feedback from Ovid Technologies in…

Selection of appropriate software plays a vital role in facilitating children's desire to use computers. The discrepancy between girls' and boys' use of computers is enhanced by the scarcity of gender bias-free software programs. Analysis of the extant literature and rating of children's software indicates that gender bias is reflected in terms of…