This document consists of 24 microcomputer software package evaluations prepared by the MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers) Clearinghouse at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Each software review lists source, cost, ability level, subject, topic, medium of transfer, required hardware, required software,…

The background and results of an effort to use dBASE II, a microcomputer database management package, to establish, maintain, and update an item bank useful in a complex test development process are presented. The paper explores some of the perspectives and considerations in designing such a database which make the test development process easier,…

Designed to aid teachers, school administrators, and parents in selecting educational software for grades K-12, this guide lists 226 programs chosen form 8,000 evaluations conducted by 32 evaluation services in the United States and Canada. Following the introduction, which provides a detailed explanation of how the programs were selected, the…

This digest describes how to use a microcomputer as a terminal to access ERIC online. Hardware and software requirements are explained, configuring the software is described, and basic requirements for specific microcomputers are listed. One diagram is included. (EW)

Designed to assist in identifying printed material, support groups, and instructional aids related to the Logo programming language, this bibliography is divided into nine sections: (1) books about Logo, and books with significant Logo references or helpful general information; (2) periodicals dedicated to Logo and periodicals with regular Logo…

This evaluation of the DIALOG Medical Connection, a new user-friendly system that provides access to several online health sciences databases, describes searching, changing databases, documentation, online help, access, costs, and training, and compares the features of this system with those of other systems that are currently available. Three…

Provides an overview of the educational software market by listing and describing representative software packages from 54 manufacturers. The descriptions (based on information supplied by the manufacturers) covers all subject areas and educational levels. (JN)

Analyzes a large sample of spelling errors taken from free writing to assess how great a challenge such errors present for automatic checking and correction. Analysis of results reveals a high proportion of errors that match dictionary works, necessitating the use of the word in context to detect errors. (Author/LRW)

Describes a variety of computer software. The packages reviewed include a variety of simulations, a spread sheet, a printer driver and an alternative operating system for DBM.PCs and compatible programs. (BSR)

The study compared effects of two direct-mail educational software marketing strategies: (1) brochure only and (2) brochure and sample program provided by a journal. Those responding to Strategy 1 rated the programs higher because of less knowledge. However, those responding to Strategy 2 exhibited more respect for the journal. (CH)

Presents criteria in the following areas for evaluation and selection of software for storage, management, and retrieval of text information: (1) input of information; (2) indexing; (3) interactive searching for information; (4) output; (5) selective dissemination of information; (6) security; (7) availability of cheaper, limited versions; and (8)…

Summary of the findings of a critical overview of more than 200 microcomputer programs using PC-DOS/MS-DOS for online information management discusses software for telecommunications, conversion/reformatting, storage and retrieval of text information, and word processing. (6 references) (MES)

Describes development, hardware requirements, and features of the MultiLIS integrated library software package. A system profile provides pricing information, operational characteristics, and technical specifications. Sidebars discuss MultiLIS integration structure, incremental architecture, and NCR Tower Computers. (4 references) (MES)

An overview of hypertext and hypermedia is followed by a description of the Intermedia system, and possibilities for using hypertext in the information industry are explored. A sidebar discusses information retrieval in the humanities using hypertext, and a 58-item annotated bibliography on hypertext is presented. (7 references) (MES)

Discusses how to evaluate computer software for studying literature. Concludes that the best literature software encourages personal, divergent responses as well as formal analysis of the text. Briefly reviews six literature study programs. (MM)