Administrators at Bowdoin College (Maine) have translated lessons learned from the process of administrative software conversion into ten commandments for other small colleges undertaking such changes. Three approaches to management information systems are outlined, with advantages and limitations highlighted, as well as the ten recommendations,…

Multi-user Object Oriented Internet activities (MOOs) permit real time interaction in a text-based virtual reality via the Internet. This article explains EduMOOs (educational MOOs) and provides brief descriptions, World Wide Web addresses, and telnet addresses for selected EduMOOs. Instructions for connecting to a MOO and a list of related Web…

The Optimizer in Quattro Pro and the Solver in Excel software programs make solving linear and nonlinear optimization problems feasible for business mathematics students. Proposes ways in which the Optimizer or Solver can be coaxed into solving systems of linear equations. (ASK)

Explains why metaphors are important design elements in multimedia learning environments. Describes a model developed for levels of metaphor mapping which is oriented toward a cognitive engineering approach for describing aspects of user interfaces. Shows the extent that the didactic dimensions of width and depth of metaphors be taken into account…

Presents six principles for building and evaluating Web-based information retrieval interfaces: help the user develop an understanding of the interface and search process, judge the value of continuing search paths, and refine search queries or search topics; avoid complex navigation; make system actions explicit; and provide verbal labels…

Presents the Executive Summary of a report commissioned by the Software Publishers Association to summarize educational technology research conducted from 1990 through 1997. Conclusions are discussed in terms of general findings, effect on student achievement and motivation/self-concept, and effectiveness of interactions involving educators and…

Proposes a framework for commercial Web application development based on prior research in hypermedia and human-computer interfaces. First, its social acceptability is investigated. Next, economic, technical, operational, and organizational viability are examined. For Web-page design, the functionality and usability of Web pages are considered.…

Offers free software for timing experiments, instructions for making a timing interface and a variety of switch sensors for any IBM-compatible computer, and suggestions for experiments. (AIM)

Reports on a study of grammar checker usage that surveys the steps taken to successfully integrate it into the curriculum of an advanced level French course. Identifies the pedagogical limits of computer-based grammar checking, explores practical applications, measures short- and long-term effectiveness, and considers the role of self monitoring…

Assessed MedEthEx Online, a computer-based learning program, in improving communication skills as part of a required bioethics course for medical students. Exam scores of users were comparable with non-users, although computerized-learning students scored higher in specific exam areas, felt somewhat more clinically prepared, and rated the course…

Describes the creation of a digital music library at Pennsylvania State University. Highlights include infrastructure, including hardware, software, and streaming technology; the digitization of library collections, including copyright considerations, long-term preservation of audio, and access through the library's online catalog; staffing; and…

Evaluates a new version of software explicitly designed to make links with several external factors, in particular with another software application for supporting investigative work in practical science. Explores the contributions to the learning process made by the teacher, the student, and the software itself. (Author/SAH)

Surveys grade 8 mathematics, special education, and proficiency intervention teachers in 35 middle schools to address the question of whether software use has made any difference on students' passing of the mathematics portion of the Ohio Ninth Grade Proficiency Test. (Contains 22 references.) (ASK)

This annotated subject guide to Web sites and additional resources focuses on Black History month. Specifies age levels for resources that include Web sites, CD-ROMs and software, videos, books, audios, magazines; includes professional resources; and presents a relevant class activity. (LRW)

States that sequencing and printing software eliminates the barriers to students composing music. Describes "Master Tracks Pro," a sequencing program, and "Rhapsody," a printing program. Includes a lesson plan for setting pentatonic music to a poem. (CMK)