Provides an overview of developments in computer-based training (CBT) authoring software and reviews the following products: Macromedia's Authorware, Aimtech's CBT Express, Iprax CourseWorks, Intersystem Concepts' Everest, Aimtech's IconAuthor, Innovus Multimedia, Allen Communication's QuestNet+, and Asymetrix's ToolBook II Instructor. A sidebar…

Describes recent offerings in math software for fractions lessons that provide instruction and interactivity not previously available in electronic formats. Compares three products, including selection criteria for multimedia supplemental materials. A table provides specific information on the products, including grade level, format, system…

Discusses the conversion of fragile library materials to computer storage and retrieval to extend the life of the items and to improve accessibility through the World Wide Web. Highlights include entering the images, including scanning; optical character recognition; full text and manual indexing; and available document- and image-management…

Discusses cooperative learning and considers the use of interactive group software. Highlights include students' roles in groups; group accountability and peer pressure; the use of strong narrative; and characteristics to look for when reviewing software for interactive group use, including opportunity and context for group interaction and social…

Describes the effectiveness of censoring software, the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program, virtual book reports, technology uses in language-arts instruction, the latest school-technology information, and strategies for dealing with kids who send threats on the Internet. (LMI)

Describes a computer program developed for students learning Korean as a foreign language and reports on a small study concerned with the evaluation of the program. Presents practical considerations for the development and use of the program called "Reading & Dragging" and attempts to answer questions about students' behavior during the computer…

The in-house development at Iowa State University of 30 scientific animations for biology instruction is described, from conceptual drawing board to actual use in lecture halls and computer labs. Recommendations for the design, creation, and implementation of animations are outlined. Production is guided by practical technical considerations as…

The evolution of Internet Technology has influenced the basis of education by introducing new methodologies in to teaching and giving a new dimension to distance learning. On the other hand, there is an emerging need on the users part to define some standards that will be used for judging the quality and effectiveness of the educational Websites.…

In the K-12 education sector, learning objects are seen as important in providing quality resources for teachers and learners but there has been little formal research on the assessment of learning objects based on the qualities that would be important for K-12 teachers. In this paper we describe the developments in the K-12 sector, the arguments…

A method for comparing the cross-validated classification accuracy of Fisher's linear classification functions (FLCFs) and the least absolute deviation is presented under varying data conditions for the two-group classification problem. With this method, separate-group as well as total-sample proportions of current classifications can be compared…

The Outdoor Resource Library Cataloging System is a computer software program designed primarily for outdoor programs with small to medium-sized resource centers. The software is free to nonprofit organizations and is available from the Idaho State University Outdoor Program. The software is used to construct a database of library materials, which…

Item and test analyses can be used to revise and improve both test items and the test as a whole. Recommendations for item and test analysis practices as they are reported in commonly used measurement textbooks are summarized. A heuristic data set is used to illustrate test and item analysis practices. Techniques developed in this paper are…

Dealing with missing data is frequently necessary in social sciences research. There are many statistical methods for dealing with missing data. This paper focuses on four of the more basic methods: (1) listwise deletion; (2) pairwise deletion; (3) total mean substitution; and (4) variable mean substitution. Each of the methods is discussed, and…

A modification of the usual graphical representation of heterogeneous regressions is described that can aid in interpreting significant regions for linear or quadratic surfaces. The standard Johnson-Neyman graph is a bivariate plot with the criterion variable on the ordinate and the predictor variable on the abscissa. Regression surfaces are drawn…

A guide to the use of a computer program for discourse analysis is presented. The program, which derives root-words from other word forms, performs an automated, interactive analysis of words in their immediate context, using a previously developed dictionary program. The program is hierarchically menu-driven. The guide outlines the program's…