"Cognitive Tutor[R] Algebra I," a full year course, delivers instruction in single variable data, simplifying linear expressions, mathematical modeling, solving systems with linear equations, problem solving using proportional reasoning, and powers and exponents. Students work at their own pace to develop problem-solving skills. The…

A project was conducted to offer customized software to adult basic education (ABE) programs in Pennsylvania and to train the program participants on software customization principles. The project produced an updated list of software publishers and products that can be customized for adult education students. Workshops were presented on…

This document consists of the four issues of project ACTT's newsletter issued during 1993. Issues provide articles, instructional activities, product announcements and reviews, and features on using computers and other assistive technologies with preschool children who have disabilities. Major articles include: "Preparing the Preschool…

The Connecticut Special Education Network for Software Evaluation is intended to help special educators learn about effective software. The network has developed a software evaluation model and instrument which solicits both descriptive and evaluative information on special education courseware. A needs assessment performed in the state in 1983…

This self-training package is designed to help microcomputer users select appropriate and efficient educational software packages by using a software evaluation system. It is mainly designed for school teachers and parents. The system consists of a Criteria Rating Form (CRF) and a personal evaluation. The CRF--a five-point scale from excellent to…

This brochure describes computer software available from Mindscape that is designed for use with at-risk students, i.e., those who have dropped out of school or those who are potential dropouts. An overview of the problem and school- and community-based programs responding to the problem is provided, and use of Mindscape computer software by…

Discusses the trends toward developing "spelling checkers" for word processing programs. Compares 19 different commercial dictionary programs with regard to word size, dictionary source, number of words checked, memory requirement, algorithm type, and cost. Cautions against becoming too dependent on spelling checkers, noting their shortcomings.…

The trend in school computers is toward "networking"--software controlled by a teacher from a central computer linked to student terminals. Despite rising costs, publishers are trying to meet the market's needs for word processing and database software. Guides published by software evaluation groups are listed for contact. (CJH)

Reviews several software packages that analyze text readability, check for spelling and style problems, offer desktop publishing capabilities, teach interviewing skills, and teach grammar using a computer game. (SRT)

Summer 1995 saw the release, with considerable media attention, of draft versions of Sun Microsystems' Java computer programming language and the HotJava browser. Java has been heralded as the latest "killer" technology in the Internet explosion. Sun Microsystems and numerous companies including Microsoft, IBM, and Netscape have agreed…

This digest provides practical advice on evaluating software for managing student records. An evaluation of record-keeping software should start with a process to identify all of the individual needs the software produce must meet in order to be considered for purchase. The first step toward establishing an administrative computing system is…

To restructure the language curriculum and integrate multimedia technology at the College of Staten Island of the City University of New York, instructional software was developed for a multimedia laboratory environment. This report provides information on the hardware and primary software chosen for the project, the creation of interactive…

Examines contributions of computer-assisted reading software (CARS) to current teaching practice. Presented framework for evaluating the technical and pedagogic characteristics of CARS. Described case study using proposed framework to evaluate the use of talking books software in British schools. Cognitive and affective benefits are identified.…

This review explains how agent-based software technology works, discusses features of agent-based software that make it appropriate for students with disabilities, and describes a few current applications. It highlights the benefits of allowing students to interact with a friendly animated character but still be exposed to realistic images.…

Describes the development of a model for delivering the first course in computer programming to large and diverse classes. Presents an integrated approach that emphasizes program-design skills and problem-solving skills, and motivates students to learn by active processes. Team teachers, tutors, and lab demonstrators integrate lectures, tutorials,…