Describes a comprehensive food service computer needs assessment conducted in Minnesota. Includes three phases: (1) defining the needs of the food service; (2) evaluating vendors and their systems; and (3) system selection and contract negotiations. Cites availability of two documents published in the process.(MLF)

Application of computer-assisted testing (CAT) to measurement in the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools is described. Focus is on MicroCAT's developmental subsystem, which allows creation of items and test design specifications. Changes in CAT procedures allowing MicroCAT to function in existing testing systems and uses/limitations of MicroCAT…

Four articles on computer-assisted testing in schools at local and state levels are reviewed. Trends in the application of and limitations/advantages of microcomputerized testing packages are described. (SLD)

Hearing-impaired clients of vocational rehabilitation center used computer-based guidance system CHOICES with the assistance of interpreters. Evaluators found guidebook and software were not usable with deaf without significant modifications; CHOICES channels hearing-impaired users into unskilled, low-paying occupations; and complexity of…

Evaluates the effectiveness of multimedia instruction by comparing student performance in two computer science classes at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. One class was taught using multimedia instruction and the other was taught using traditional instruction. Results suggest that multimedia courseware enhances computer science instruction and…

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)

Describes the powerful graphing ability of computer algebra systems (CAS) to create three-dimensional graphs or surface graphics of electric potentials. Provides equations along with examples of the printouts. Lists the programs Mathematica, Maple, Derive, Theorist, MathCad, and MATLAB as promising CAS systems. (MVL)

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)

Describes some of the characteristics of Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) technology. Reviews two CD-ROM products: (1) "Sammy's Science House," which introduces fundamental processes in science; and (2) "Dangerous Creatures," which allows exploration of a world of more than 250 endangered species. (TM)

Describes a microcomputer-based digital video course that uses virtual reality to teach the code inspection (i.e., formal software technical review) process. Use of virtual reality for group process activities that involve interpersonal and group dynamic skills is discussed, and research indicating that realism improves course effectiveness is…

Presents the geometric, software-ergonomic, and educative standards for interactive graphics systems envisioned for planimetric constructions and calculations in secondary mathematics instruction. Describes the geometric-didactic potentials of the MS DOS-Version 1.6 of CABRI-Gomtre which is an Intelligent Tutoring System with the possibilities for…

Lists and compares specifications, properties, and test results of eight microcomputer software programs for information storage and retrieval by endusers. This is one of a series of articles that have reported the results of a software evaluation project conducted by The Netherlands Association of Users of Online Information Systems (VOGIN). (22…

Discusses bias in educational computer software by using examples of database programs to illustrate their cultural selection and amplification functions. Forms of knowledge control are examined, and results of a study that analyzed how gender, ethnicity, and the global perspective are portrayed in educational computer software are reported.…

Discusses resources and strategies that libraries can use to evaluate competing database management software for purchase. Needs assessments, types of software available, features of good software, evaluation aids, shareware, and marketing and product trends are covered. (KRN)

Some commercially available software tools that have potential applications in the analytical chemistry curriculum are surveyed and evaluated. Tools for instruction, analysis and research, and courseware development are described. A list of the software packages, the compatible hardware, and the vendor's address is included. (KR)