This paper provides generalizations and ideas on what to look for when previewing software products designed for teaching or improving the keyboarding skills of elementary school students, a list of nine products that the MicroSIFT (Microcomputer Software and Information for Teachers) staff recommends for preview, and a table of features comparing…

Discussion of the history and development of artificial intelligence (AI) highlights a bibliography of introductory books on various aspects of AI, including AI programing; problem solving; automated reasoning; game playing; natural language; expert systems; machine learning; robotics and vision; critics of AI; and representative software. (LRW)

Based on interviews with instructors Breece and Polak who state that the benefits of implementing FAIRMODEL in the classroom (usually intermediate macroeconomics and the first course in graduate macroeconomics) greatly outweigh the costs. Concludes that students benefit from the use of FAIRMODEL by gaining marketable skills currently in demand by…

Contains articles which review communications software. Includes "Crosstalk Mark 4,""ProComm,""Freeway Advanced,""Windows InTalk,""Relay Silver," and "Smartcom III." Compares in terms of text proprietary, MCI upload, Test ASCII, Spreadsheet Proprietary, Text XMODEM, Spreadsheet XMODEM, MCI Download, Documentation, Support and Service, ease of use,…

Lists general purpose communication programs for personal computers along with manufacturers' names and addresses, key data on each product, and comments. Includes memory requirements, price, BAUD rates, terminals, and protocols. Sixty-four manufacturers are listed. (CW)

Test Pac, a test scoring and analysis computer program for moderate-sized sample designs using dichotomous response items, performs comprehensive item analyses and multiple reliability estimates. It also performs single-facet generalizability analysis of variance, single-parameter item response theory analyses, test score reporting, and computer…

Described is a microcomputer software program NUCLEAR REACTIONS designed for college level students and in use at Sweet Briar College (Sweet Briar, VA). The program is written in Microsoft Basic Version 2.1 for the Apple Macintosh Microcomputer. It introduces two conservation principles: (1) conservation of charge; and (2) conservation of nucleon…

Reviewed are three computer software programs: the Astronomer (astronomy program for middle school students and older); Hands-on-Statistics: Explorations with a Microcomputer (statistics program for secondary school students and older); and CATGEN (a genetics program for secondary school students and older). Each review provides information on:…

This paper describes and evaluates the instructional uses of the Claris Works and Ultimedia Tools Series authoring programs and the following titled software programs: CNN Time Capsule: 100 Defining Moments of 1993; Windows Magazine: 1994; Ultimate Digital Studio; Data Trek Manager Series; and Cinemania '95. (AEF)

A program designed to administer questionnaires on IBM and IBM-compatible personal computers is described. The program prompts subjects to indicate responses by clicking on a graphic line segment or entering a numeric value. The program enhances accuracy in estimating moderating effects by overcoming transcriptional errors and scale coarseness.…

Provides guidance on making decisions regarding the selection of foreign language instructional software. Identifies sources of foreign language software, indicates sources of foreign language software reviews, and outlines essential procedures of software evaluation. (Author/VWL)

Examines and evaluates microcomputer software designed to assist in diagnosing students' reading abilities and making instructional decisions. Claims that existing software shows valuable potential when used sensibly and critically by trained reading clinicians. (MM)

Provides guidelines for schools choosing a media retrieval system. Topics include broadband, baseband, coaxial cable, or fiber optic decisions; the control network; selecting scheduling software; presentation software; device control; control from the classroom; and a comparison of systems offered by five companies. (LRW)

Describes steps involved in developing and producing multimedia CD-ROMs. Topics discussed include planning; incorporating a variety of types of data; selecting data formats; selecting software; problems; replication issues; data preparation; and CD-ROM as an alternative to paper copies of conference proceedings. (LRW)

Describes VERONICA (Very Easy Rodent-Oriented Net-Wide Index to Computerized Archives), an Internet navigation tool developed at the University of Nevada as an index and access tool to gopher servers on the network. Highlights include connecting to VERONICA; availability of VERONICA server software; and difficulties. (Contains three references.)…