Describes a custom authoring system that was developed for use by multinational corporations who use computer-based training (CBT) that must be adaptable to diverse individual markets. Criteria for multinational CBT programs are discussed, the use of BASIC programing language is explained, and the author interface is described. (nine references)…

Discusses methods of textual documentation that can be used for software documentation. Highlights include measurement of text comprehensibility; methods for the measurement of documentation quality, including readability and the Cloze Procedure; tools for the measurement of text readability; and the development of the Reading Measurability…

Discusses children's ability to distinguish fantasy from reality in video games and suggests that there is potential for creative innovative software and graphics. Virtual reality is described and compared to books, and learning about all new electronic genres in addition to the best existing ones is advocated. (EAM)

Provides answers to nine common questions that day-care providers ask about computers and young children, such as (1) what can children learn with computers? (2) what are the advantages and disadvantages of having computers? (3) what types of affordably priced computers are best? and (4) what are the best software programs for young children? (MDM)

Provides highlights of a report describing research conducted to analyze and compare publishers' and developers' current and planned involvement in electronic publishing. Topics include acceptance of new media, licensing issues, costs and other perceived obstacles, and CD-ROMs platforms. (EAM)

Describes the Association of Research Libraries Geographic Information System (GIS) Literacy Project and the experiences of several libraries involved in electronic mapping. An in-depth description of the University of Connecticut's map library is provided. Sidebars include information about GIS business applications and sources of products…

Reviews recent developments in three areas of law which, one way or the other, have an impact on information professionals: copyright, data protection, and liability. This discussion focuses on recent developments that are likely to be of significance to information professionals, including those emanating from the Commission of the European…

Presents a description and evaluation of a microcomputer-based system designed to diagnose errors in basic algorithmic procedures made by students in a college remedial mathematics class. The paper-and-pencil diagnostic test is described, and results of pretests and posttests for the computer group and control group are discussed. (five…

Describes a method that writing instructors can use for evaluating and commenting on college students' composition papers that uses a stand-alone word processor. Software is discussed, the instructor's role is explained, methods of evaluation and marking papers are suggested, and electronic grading is described. (three references) (LRW)

Research and practice in detecting and controlling for cheating on objective tests are reviewed and a small survey of attitudes and practices is reported. Potential of two computer programs to detect error similarities and use of multiple answer-sheet forms to control cheating are discussed. Teacher cheating is also addressed. (Author/MSE)

IBM has more than 750 partnerships benefiting K-12 schools. Those with a vocational focus include (1) testing of LinkWay, a multimedia instructional system, in technical schools; (2) Vocational and Technical Schools Series, software developed for vocational schools; and (3) High School Cooperative Program, paid work experience at IBM for business…

Discusses students' use of HyperCard, a program for the Macintosh, to create innovative, multimedia presentations of ideas across the curriculum. Presents samples of students' presentations. (MG)

Five categories of microcomputer software for information storage and retrieval (ISR) are distinguished and characterized: classical retrieval systems; end-user software; indexing programs; full-text retrieval programs; and personal information managers. In addition, the special retrieval techniques of hypertext and best-matched searching are…

Carroll County Public Schools (Maryland) implemented a computerized telephone employee health insurance enrollment program. The system provides its users with personalized enrollment information prior to the call and sends immediate confirmation letters. Telephone enrollment offers an ideal pairing of available electronic technology to the…

Describes in detail many of the current computer software products with which students can improve their writing. Outlines and critiques current computer offerings, including grammar checking software, drafting and revision software, on-line writing guides, and style analysis software. (HB)