This article describes a setup smart access card that enables users with visual impairments to customize magnifiers and screen readers on computers by loading the floppy disk into the computer and finding and pressing two successive keys. A trial with four elderly users found instruction took about 15 minutes. (Contains 3 references.) (CR)

Describes an assignment for an introductory computer science class that requires the student to write a software program that simulates an automated teller machine. Highlights include an algorithm for the assignment; sample file contents; language features used; assignment variations; and discussion points. (LRW)

Describes a three-phase process model for interface design, drawing on practices developed in the software industry and adapting them for computer-based languages tests. Describes good practice in initial design, emphasizes the importance of usability testing, and argues that only through following a principled approach to interface design can the…

Reports the results of an evaluation of Distance Interactive Learning in Obstetrics and Gynecology (DIALOG) which is an electronic program for continuing education. Presents 10 golden rules for designing software for medical practitioners. (Contains 26 references.) (Author/YDS)

Discusses qualitatively enhanced access to data collections, requiring a more meaningful interface which endows the users with personal agents that are adaptable to the users' individual retrieval preferences. Users are given recommendations derived from best practice in information search processes to perform successful retrieval activities via…

Discusses how to use technology to enhance literacy skills. Highlights include defining literacy, including information literacy; research to support reading and writing instruction; literacy software; thinking skills; organizational strategies for writing and reading; how technology can individualize literacy instruction; and a new genre of…

Offers an overview of the acceptance and use of handheld personal computing devices on campus that connect wirelessly to the campus network. Considers access; present and future software applications; uses in medial education; faculty training needs; and wireless technology issues. (Author/LRW)

Proposes the use of a special purpose drop-in firewall/VPN gateway called Sieve, that can be inserted between the mobile workstation and the network to provide individualized security services for that particular station. Discusses features and advantages of the system and demonstrates how Sieve was used in various application areas such as at…

The advent of powerful, affordable output devices offers the potential for a vastly expanded landscape of computationally-enriched mathematical craft activities in education. Craft activities have both intellectual and emotional affordances that are relatively lacking in "traditional" computer-based education. Describes three software applications…

Observes the use of educational technology in four middle-school classes at the Ameritech Electronic University School Classroom located on the campus of Kent State University. Draws implications for the effective use of educational technology (both hardware and software) in the classroom. (PKP)

Integrates concept mapping into the chemistry laboratory and requires students to construct a concept map for each experiment. Reports a decrease in student questions concerning set up and procedure. Recommends using computer software such as Chem Sketch 5.0 which is free and available from the Internet. (Contains 15 references.) (YDS)

Describes an international interlibrary loan (ILL) protocol that was developed by the National Library of Canada to permit the exchange of ILL messages between bibliographic institutions that use different computers, systems, and communications services. Standardization is discussed, protocol testing is described, and international ILL protocol…

Expert systems offer school possibilities beyond relieving employees of routine work. In the future, expert systems will become tools for budgeting, staff training, and teaching. Describes a system developed at Utah State University, "Mandate Consultant," that helps school staff review the legally mandated steps in developing individualized…

The paper describes computer programs which can present the results of individualized assessment in a graphical form readily understood by persons unfamiliar with research methodology. A study evaluating an Australian deinstitutionalization project has also produced individual data providing graphical feedback to primary caregivers of the mentally…

Suggests the use of computers for the administrative tasks of departments and individual faculty members. Outlines the advantages of integrated software computer use. Details the strengths and weaknesses of specific computer programs. Provides examples of the application of computers to particular tasks. (RW)