Provides an overview of developments in authoring tools and describes ways to categorize products by platform, type of end-product, sophistication of end-product, and authoring metaphor. Discusses products from AimTech, Allegiant, Allen Communication, Asymetrix, Corel, Discovery Systems International, Enigma, Harrow Media, Horizons, Innovus,…

Research questions that test the interaction between either categorical variables or multiplicative expressions are commonly found in multiple regression and analysis of variance applications. In contract, research questions posing an interaction between observed variables in a path analytic model are not commonly found in the literature. This is…

RESGEN is a computer program designed to generate simulated latent trait distributions and then dichotomous or polytomous item responses based on item response models. The latent trait distributions can be univariate or multivariate normal, log-normal, uniform, or gamma. The item response models utilized in this program may have characteristics…

This paper identifies three ways that computers are used in educational contexts. The first and most widespread use is as a tutor, i.e., as a delivery system for programmed instruction and drill-and-practice activities. The second use is as a programming environment to teach programming languages such as BASIC, LOGO, or PASCAL. The third use is as…

This edition of "Only the Best" identifies 183 of the most recent education software programs that have met the high standards of 37 software evaluator services since the 1990 edition was published. The purpose of this document is to provide a quick, easy way for computer coordinators, librarians, curriculum directors, teachers, school…

Reviews two databases: "Questions & Answers," and "Ask Sam;" two history simulations: "Europe Ablaze," and "At the Brink;" and a decision-making aid called "Policy/Goal Percentaging." (BSR)

Classifies types of electronic books: archival, informational, instructional, and interrogational; evaluates five commercially, available examples and two in-house examples; and describes software tools for creating and delivering electronic books. Identifies crucial design considerations: interactive end-user interfaces; use of hypermedia;…

Evaluates CorrecText, Houghton-Mifflin's computer-based grammar checker that fully parses sentences and finds errors in grammar, style, and usage. Argues that, while CorrecText is an improvement over similar programs, it still cannot accommodate the syntactically ambiguous nature of English. Limits current design's usefulness to unedited prose.…

A review of the APPLE MACINTOSH-compatible software "Conjugate! Spanish," intended to drill Spanish verb forms, points out its strengths (error feedback, user manual, user interface, and feature control) and its weaknesses (pedagogical approach). (CB)

Describes "Point of View" software which combines a database with an authoring program and the option of multimedia. Notes that the program is useful for teaching U.S. history, computer literacy, research, and writing. (SR)

Describes "Let's Write!" a writing package for the MS-DOS network which combines five software programs to define a new collaborative dynamic for writing, reading, and thinking on computer networks. (SR)

Description of the automation of the technical library of the City of Los Angeles Department of Information Services provides background information on the department and its library; lists the automation project goals and objectives; and describes the two software programs--ObjectVision and Paradox Engine--used as applications development tools…

Offers advice on the selection of child care administrative software. Directors should consider needs, computer experience, budget, time, and temperament, and should also ask lots of questions and test demo versions. Choices range from custom programs and existing business products to child care administrative software packages. Includes directory…

Discusses a three-year research project in which a virtual environment to teach radioactivity in secondary schools in the United Kingdom was developed and tested. Emphasizes the importance of involving teachers through the development process and confirms the importance of school-based evaluation studies in the development and evaluation of…

This article offers a discussion of the past, present, and future of children's interactive media. Here, lead author Warren Buckleitner, the editor of "Children's Software Revue" shares some of his book's findings, and answers a few questions pertaining to the current state of children's software. These include the following: (1) What is the…