Like any infrastructure technology, Virtual World (VW) platforms provide affordances that facilitate some activities and hinder others. Although it is theoretically possible for a VW platform to support all types of activities, designers make choices that lead technologies to be more or less suited for different learning objectives. Virtual World…

Course management systems (CMSs) are software systems designed to manage course content and course activities. These tools integrate technological and pedagogical features into a web-based system that allows instructors, even those who are unfamiliar with web-based technologies, to design, deliver, and manage an online course. However, CMSs have…

Provides a tabular listing of alumni-development software produced or sold by 56 companies. Each listing includes the vendor name, address, contact name, telephone number, electronic mail address, World Wide Web site, software name, price range, system requirements, standard reports, reporting tools, number of installed sites, and client type.…

Describes how to build a data warehouse, using the Schools Interoperability Framework (www.sifinfo.org), that supports data-driven decision making and complies with the Freedom of Information Act. Provides several suggestions for building and maintaining a data warehouse. (PKP)

Describes the Nebraska Library Commission's experiences with modem sharing on their local area network (LAN). Asynchronous communications servers (ACSs) are described, selecting software for an ACS is discussed, pricing and compatibility is considered, and two sidebars list network-compatible terminal software and companies that provide ACS…

When the Smithsonian Institution recently acquired a new financial management system, the concept of prototyping was used throughout the process, but in a broader sense than in software development. It was used to refine requirements, establish software management techniques, test a logistical system, and implement and apply the package. (MSE)

Presents criteria teachers can use when evaluating software designed to teach grammar to students of Italian-as-a-Second-Language. The importance of collaboration between programmers and academic experts is stressed in creating software and the need for teachers to choose software as carefully as they select textbooks. (CFM)

When tasked with selecting a Course Management System (CMS), the first step many responsible colleges, universities and consortia take is to name a selection committee of faculty, administration, students and possibly IT staff. They do some Web searching and talk to colleagues, friends and counterparts at other institutions. This same committee…

E-learning describes electronically delivered learning, using tools like web conferencing, web-based tutorials, message boards, online assessments, and more. The term e-learning includes self-paced learning; asynchronous facilitator-led learning, where the students and instructors interact at different times; and synchronous facilitator-led…

Presents points to consider when organizing a computer laboratory. These include the lab's overall objectives and how best to meet them; what type of students will use the lab; where the lab will be located; and what software and hardware can best meet the lab's overall objectives, population, and location requirements. Other factors include time,…

Discusses software that is used for preparing bibliographies according to particular styles. Other uses of citation databases originally created to produce bibliographies are described, guidelines to help choose a program are offered, and appendices list programs and producers as well as indicating features of the various programs. (LRW)

Offers criteria for selecting software for a computer-equipped classroom/writing lab: identifying uses, versatility, and ease of use. Concludes with advice for teachers to write their own applications programs. (RS)

Examines the design of three reading software programs to determine their ease of use, format characteristics, and managerial components. Evaluates their text presentation segmentation to determine how closely they conform with current chunking theory in reading. Suggests that teachers directly examine the programs and manuals to determine whether…

To help users develop a long-term strategy for software acquisition, this article outlines two rules: (1) "Know exactly the nature of the problem you want to solve"; and (2) "If you can't try it, don't buy it." Use the sharpest precision software tool you can find to solve your problem and keep a constant look out for something…

Discusses how libraries can gather data on the use of their Web sites. Highlights include Web server log files, including the common log file, referrer log file, and agent log file; log file limitations; privacy concerns; and choosing log analysis software, both free and commercial. (LRW)