A sample of 72 students tested manufacturing simulation software about production planning. The package enriched learning, although compared to lecture only, no clear-cut advantages were perceived. Amount of time between lecture and lab experience did not affect learning or retention. (SK)

Presents suggestions for helping students learn about probability using coins and a simple spreadsheet. The article details how to brainstorm, gather the necessary data, prepare the spreadsheet, learn from the data, and extend the learning. (SM)

Describes new methods of bibliographic instruction for the OCLC version of ERIC on CD-ROM at Lehman College of the City University of New York that were precipitated by a revision in the searching software. Librarian training is discussed and small group instruction for students is explained. (LRW)

Describes a study that analyzed the evolution of microcomputer-based instructional software for grades K-12 published from 1981-88. Four companies identified their most popular software and their most technically advanced software. Products in each category were analyzed to develop a chronology of the evolution of instructional software and to…

Introduces a new column written for the one-computer classroom and offers several perspectives for connecting software applications to trade book reading. Describes eight software packages for extending and enhancing students' reading of different genres: fairy tales, realistic fiction, science fiction, and biography and historical fiction in…

Research over the past 15 years concerning parametric and nonparametric statistics and 10 recently developed nonparametric techniques for testing interactions in experimental design are reviewed. The new nonparametric techniques are robust, powerful, versatile, and easy to compute. A fabricated dataset is used to illustrate the technique. (TJH)

Describes the implementation of CD-ROM catalogs in two secondary school media centers. Hardware, software, and network details are presented. Database building is discussed, and factors to be considered in retrospective conversion are listed. Guidelines for student and faculty training are offered. (MES)

Five articles discuss information technology in libraries: (1) "Software for Libraries" (Katharine Phenix); (2) "Online Update: European Online Services" (Martin Kesselman); (3) "Connect Time: Online Pricing Breakthroughs" (Barbara Quint); (4) "Microcomputing: Micro Biology Computer Viruses" (James LaRue);…

Discussion of courseware development focuses on a transaction shell approach that stresses flexibility and reusability of the courseware. Topics discussed include high-level programing languages, authoring languages, authoring systems, knowledge structures, and knowledge acquisition; and an example for applying the transaction shell approach to…

Selecting computer tools requires analyzing information requirements and audiences, assessing existing institutional research and computing capacities, creating or improving a planning database, using computer experts, determining software needs, obtaining sufficient resources for independent operations, acquiring quality, and insisting on…

The use of a computer software package called "Exploring Measurement, Time and Money--Level 1" to help children explore many different arrangements of data and the effects of changing that data is presented. Activities which may be used to prepare students for this instruction are described. (CW)

Seven articles address issues and concerns of parish libraries in Catholic churches. Topics discussed include the role of the pastor; budgets; video hardware and software for family faith development; strategies to be used in developing a library; promotional ideas; and resources for parish libraries, including videotapes and books. (LRW)

Expectations of what technology can contribute to language learning vary considerably. This paper discusses the interface between technology and the students and teachers using it. More specifically, it includes a report on teacher and student reactions to two HyperCard programs used at different levels of language instruction over a two-year…

Describes the development and installation of a hypermedia system for student use at the University of Texas Pan-American library that provides information about the library's resources as an alternative to existing printed materials. Highlights include selecting an authoring tool and computer hardware and the development of an icon-based system.…

Examines the relationship between intelligent agents (i.e., computer programs that carry out tasks for users) and intelligent tutoring systems and suggests implications for instructional theory and practice. A new model for instruction based on the concept of shared abilities and cooperative learning between humans and computers is discussed.…