Discusses electronic bulletin boards that have been created by U.S. government agencies and suggests a method to make the information they contain more accessible to libraries and the public. Costs and technological issues are considered, and an appendix describes networks and computer programs that would facilitate access to government…

A guide to the use of microcomputer statistical analysis packages for loglinear analysis describes the application of one popular package to a straightforward problem and critically surveys features available in four of the leading packages. Survey findings and suggestions for further development are included. (Author/MSE)

A weight management program utilized the participant's own data for the participant to (1) understand energy balance; (2) compare his/her diet with U.S. dietary codes; (3) know which food selections were high in calories, fat, and cholesterol, and low in complex carbohydrates and fiber; and (4) understand weight management. (JD)

Microcomputer-based imaging technology reestablishes the direct link between evaluation and environmental design by allowing evaluators and urban designers to visually explore and evaluate alternative simulations of design proposals. Microcomputer hardware and software requirements and the use of imaging technology at the university level are…

Discusses the following issues associated with designing ideal university microcomputer classrooms: (1) campus vs. departmental classrooms; (2) finding space; (3) furnishings; (4) classroom layout; (5) selecting hardware; (6) selecting software; and (7) funding. (MM)

Description of HyperCard, a software package that runs on Macintosh microcomputers, focuses on its use in the Apple Computer, Inc., Library as a user guide to the library. Examples of screen displays are given, and a list of resources is included to help use and understand HyperCard more completely. (LRW)

Clarifies the definition of hypertext by contrasting traditional database management systems and associative information management systems software. Relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed, and useful applications of hypertext on personal computers are described. A glossary and a directory of product information are…

Shares insights concerning preparation needed for using Computer Management of Instruction (CMI), the general structure of a CMI system, and some system features a user might encounter. Describes the development of Arkansas' Computer-Assisted Instructional Management system for mathematics instruction. (RH)

Describes trends in CD-ROM retrieval software design and discusses the need to evaluate such software in terms of the specific requirements of the purchaser. A checklist of general evaluation criteria for five aspects of access software--hardware/software dependencies, interface features, search and retrieval functions, output functions and…

Pseudo-Bayesian and joint maximum likelihood procedures were compared for their ability to estimate item parameters for item response theory's (IRT's) three-parameter logistic model. Item responses were generated for sample sizes of 2,000 and 500; test lengths of 35 and 15; and examinees of high, medium, and low ability. (TJH)

The characteristics of unidimensional ability estimates obtained from data generated using multidimensional compensatory models were compared with estimates from non-compensatory item response theory (IRT) models. The least squares matching procedures used represent a good method of matching the two multidimensional IRT models. (TJH)

Reports an interview with Peter Kelman of Scholastic Software. Describes several developments in writing software for elementary and secondary level students. (MM)

This article describes: (a) a model of behavioral events likely to occur during team sport coaching practice; (b) three interrelated systematic observation instruments, microcomputer-based, used to record behaviors. Collected data can be analyzed and processed to assess coaching effectiveness. Model and instruments have been tested on basketball…

Describes CD-ROM and its use as a new form of instructional technology. Topics discussed include the role of software in searching databases; benefits of CD-ROM over traditional materials; the need for adequate instruction on searching, including examples of necessary skills for effective searching; and guidelines for search strategies. (LRW)

Describes some of the problems encountered in full text searching and suggests ways to overcome them. Areas discussed include differences between online and offline versions of full text; lack of precise and flexible indexing; software inadequacies; record displays; typographical errors; and problems with both global and source searching. (six…