As most educators know, there is a lot more to addressing the so-called "digital divide" than having enough working machines in classrooms. Effective information technology (IT) in schools requires useful software, reliable and speedy Internet access, effective teacher training, and well-considered goals with transformative outcomes. Educators who…

A key problem in developing a virtual community for co-constructing learning resources is the need to have people volunteer to share their expertise. In this paper, we introduce the first phase of our research in which we examine strategies for encouraging participants to share in the system. We began by designing an intervention model based on…

In this paper we investigate the value of collaboration scripts for promoting metacognitive knowledge in a project-based e-learning context. In an empirical study, 82 students worked individually and in groups on a project using the e-learning environment MyProject, in which the life cycle of a project is inherent. Students followed a particular…

A major strand of science and technology studies in recent decades has related to the social construction of technology (SCOT) movement, whose adherents maintain that technological systems are determined just as much by social forces as by technological ones. Taking this SCOT notion as a starting point, and putting a focus on the user, this paper…

Object-oriented analysis and design (OOAD) is not an easy subject to learn. There are many challenges confronting students when studying OOAD. Students have particular difficulty abstracting real-world problems within the context of OOAD. They are unable to effectively build object-oriented (OO) models from the problem domain because they…

The rapid evolution of System-on-Chip (SoC) challenges academic curricula to keep pace with multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary system thinking. This paper presents a curricular prototype that cuts across artificial course boundaries and provides a meaningful exploration of diverse facets of SoC design. Specifically, experimental contents of a…

This paper describes a framework which was developed for carers (teachers and parents) to help them create personalised social stories for children with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). It explores the social challenges experienced by individuals with ASDs and outlines an intervention aimed at revealing the hidden code that underpins social…

Outcomes of a project designed to develop the knowledge base necessary for creating an expert system that would help nonprofit organizations select fund-raising software are presented in this paper. When the system is completed, its components will ask the user for information that will assist in determining the organization's administrative needs…

This article describes a set of 11 menu-driven procedures written in BASICA for MS-DOS based microcomputers for constructing several types of rating scales, attitude scales, and checklists, and for scoring responses to the constructed instruments. The uses of the program are described in detail. (SLD)

Reviews five computer software programs for students 3 to 14 years old: (1) The Graph Club (Tom Snyder Productions); (2) Kid Cad (Davidson Associates); (3) Kid Keys (Davidson Associates); (4) Math Ace (Magic Quest); and (5) Busytown (Computer Curriculum Corporation). Prices, supplier addresses, and hardware requirements are provided. (MDM)

This article offers guidelines for evaluating and selecting appropriate software for use with gifted children and examines the advantages and limitations of computer-assisted instruction with this population. (DB)

Discusses the challenge of teachers having limited instruction with choosing appropriate software packages for classroom instruction. Discusses generating a review form that can guide teachers in the selection of educational software. Presents a list of criteria for evaluating software. (SC)

This article discusses the use of IEP software applications from the perspectives of form (i.e., legally correct documents) and function (i.e., educationally appropriate individualized programs). The article provides an overview of the basic components of two fairly comprehensive IEP software programs and discusses the general strengths and…

The structures within which software evaluation is carried out vary widely. Three broad types of evaluation methodologies offer models that capitalize on important aspects of evaluation: (1) product review; (2) checklist procedure; and (3) user observation. Structures and methodologies for software evaluation have evolved together and have…

Compares and evaluates three CD-ROM products for the ERIC database: (1) DIALOG OnDISC; (2) OCLC's Search CD450; and (3) SilverPlatter. The focus is on search capabilities and features. (1 reference) (MES)