A comparative evaluation of two computerized reference retrieval systems, INSTRUCT (a statistically-based system) and PLEXUS (a knowledge-based system) examined their retrieval effectiveness for a set of 19 queries and 512 documents on gardening. Best results were obtained by using terms suggested by PLEXUS as the basis for an INSTRUCT search. (36…

Discusses the potential of using microcomputer-generated thematic maps as data presentation and research tools. Attempts to provide an understanding of map types used for research, the process of creating maps on microcomputers, and the capabilities of available software. Presents graphic images of five thematic maps types. (Author/ GEA)

Presents a framework for using spreadsheet software (Lotus 1 2 3) on a microcomputer to develop statistical procedure templates for teaching statistical concepts. Provides an overview of traditional computer-based statistical applications, an outline for teaching-oriented statistical applications with illustrations, and suggestions for integrating…

The 50 top computer programs and the 25 top publishers of educational software are listed and reviewed. Manufacturers' addresses and list prices are given. Eight teachers describe their experiences with computers in the classroom. Seven new programs and products are reviewed. (JL)

Explains types of computers, components of the computer, and basic computing terminology. Reviews 12 types of software packages. Suggests uses for the computer in a camp setting. (CS)

Lists key topics considered in four discussion groups at a working conference sponsored by the International Federation for Information Processing (IFIP) in 1987. Topics include effective teacher education; introducing new technology; teacher behavior; lack of software; simulation programs; program evaluations; and the information and…

Describes the design and operation of two macros written in the programming language of Microsoft's EXCEL for educational research applications. The first macro determines the frequency of responses to a Likert-type questionnaire or multiple-choice test; the second performs a one-way analysis of variance test. (Author/LRW)

Explains how a high school literary magazine staff accessed the journalism department's Apple Macintosh computers to typeset its publication. Provides examples of magazine layouts designed partially or completely by "Pagemaker" software on a Macintosh. (MM)

Categorizes software packages for microcomputer database creation by their typical features and strengths, and discusses appropriate applications of each category. A directory of vendors for each type of software--text retrieval, file managers, database management, information storage and retrieval, integrated bibliographic systems, and library…

Outlines an approach to develop a computer program that can parse beginner-level English in BASIC through input processing, word matching, and phrase structure parsing. (CB)

Describes a parsing program called "Analyzing Language" (AL). The Augmented Transition Network was modified to incorporate case grammar analysis. Turbo PASCAL is the program's language. (Author/LMO)

Question and answer column about the CD ROM medium discusses: (1) optical storage devices available; (2) language teaching applications; (3) types of courseware available; (4) costs to hook up a CD ROM drive as a peripheral to an existing system; (5) how to go about developing and mastering a disk; and (6) mastering and replication costs.…

Word processing in Portuguese on the IBM Personal Computer requires software capable of displaying, on the monitor and printouts, the special characters accessible through IBM's extended ACSII set. Among software packages which can do this are: "Alexander,""MultiMate,""Nota Bene,""Volkswriter Deluxe," and…

Describes a microcomputer-based software package, Online Search Tutor (OST), which is designed to teach users online bibliographic searching. Modeled on software previously developed for the European Space Agency Information Retrieval Services (ESA-IRS), OST includes a database of 600 bibliographic records which will simulate actual search…

The availability of micro-to-mainframe communications software has provided computer thieves with new tools. Explains how to establish and maintain proper electronic data processing controls. (MLF)