Describes clientele who could benefit from software being developed at University of Iowa for writing effective prose; what these authoring tools do and how they work; and design standards likely to produce a successful product. The software's design scheme, general design principles and objectives, and educational potential are discussed. (MBR)

Ten different methods of using computer administered tests in college level biology are described: evaluation (or posttest), student self-evaluation, student self-remediation, class remediation, individual student remediation, pretesting, identification of problem areas, immediate feedback, group testing, and remote site testing. (Author/MBR)

Investigates 75 college students' opinions of computer-based melodic dictation instruction versus similar classroom instruction. A 35-item questionnaire assessed hardware, software, pacing, and instructional other variables. Results showed problems with PLATO hardware and the Melodic Dictation Computerized Instruction (MEDICI) software. Instrument…

In 1982, Minneapolis Public Schools adopted a plan to provide students with equal access to excellent educational programs within a racially integrated school environment. Describes the role computers, software, and scanners play in Minneapolis' instructional management system, and the planning process was used to make computer-managed instruction…

Examines a variety of computer software uses and possible effects they can have on social studies instruction, using programs as mediating devices and tools. Concludes that the computer can assist implementation of essential objectives in the social studies curriculum. (TRS)

One hundred twenty-four college business communication students who were already familiar with word processing software were taught how to use a writing-analysis program. Although the writing-analysis group performed higher on all criterion measures, their scores were not significantly different from the group that edited their letters without the…

Description of a general purpose microcomputer database management package covers assist and program mode; performance (set-up and loading, data entry, editing, ease of use, report generators, data manipulation, searching a database, file handling utilities, user interface, memo fields, date operations, multi-file processing, command files, error…

This chart comparing communications software packages focuses on features important to novice users. Less obvious features covered in the chart are defined, including file transfer, protocols, baud rates, file types, capture methods, file editing, macro, tutorial unattended operation, document reading, and prices. A list of manufacturers of…

Describes features of five new software programs--Songwriter, Musical Ideas, Musicalc I, Musical Construction Set, Musicland, and Music Designer II--which facilitate musical composition and musical creativity in a variety of ways. Shortcomings are briefly discussed, and sources for further information are given. (MBR)

Reviews the functions that should be included in an analytical workstation. Also discusses the common data file structures and the techniques of data interchange between software modules and presents a brief overview of commercial products and their interfacing characteristics. These software include word processors, spreadsheets, database…

Provides extensive reviews of computer software, examining documentation, ease of use, performance, error handling, special features, and system requirements. Includes statistics, problem-solving (TK Solver), label printing, database management, experimental psychology, Encyclopedia Britannica biology, and DNA-sequencing programs. A program for…

Discusses the use of computer adventure games and simulations to teach children critical thinking. Provides lists of mid-elementary to adult-level adventure games (with manufacturer and current price) and software helpful in teaching critical thinking (indicating name of package, manufacturer, age level, and current price for each entry). (JN)

Discusses a computer calculus game which follows the path of a parabola in stepwise progression. The educational value of the game is a simple example of nonlinearity, a subject which is just beginning to earn some attention in the mathematical community. The Applesoft program listing is included. (JN)

Teachers often have difficulty finding the time to develop or find quality software for classroom use. One solution to this problem is to have advanced microcomputer students produce software. Suggestions for teachers to use in implementing microcomputers into the classroom are offered. (DF)

Examines relationship between popular computer games and their players to discern how games motivate their players and general outcomes of popular computer game play in terms of substantive learning. The computer game environment, game economics and software, player characteristics, and how new and familiar games are played are described. (MBR)