This guide addresses the challenge of inaccessible digital learning resources by providing K-12 education stakeholders with actionable information about EPUB, a digital file format. EPUB is a widely adopted format for many digital books and is specifically designed to display text, audio, images and, in some cases, video in a manner usable by all…

The guide is intended to clarify and define a renewed vision for high-quality, coherent, and rigorous instruction for English Language Learners (ELLs)--focusing on the areas of English language arts (ELA) and English language development (ELD)--and to provide guidance in evaluating and selecting appropriate ELA/ELD instructional materials. It is…

"A Framework for K-12 Science Education and Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS) describe a new vision for science learning and teaching that is catalyzing improvements in science classrooms across the United States. Achieving this new vision will require time, resources, and ongoing commitment from state, district, and school…

How can the average educator who teaches online, without experience in evaluating emerging technologies, build on what is successful and modify what is not? Written for educators who feel ill-prepared when required to evaluate e-learning initiatives, "Evaluating e-Learning" offers step-by-step guidance for conducting an evaluation plan of…

This pamphlet presents guidelines that have been developed to help business sponsors make the most effective use of available resources in the development of materials for consumer education and information to help consumers become better decision makers in the marketplace and to become more participatory citizens. The guide outlines the steps…

Describes the production of master instructional materials as one step in a project management model for instructional development. Maintaining a balance between instructional integrity and production values is discussed; the manager's role is described; and guidelines for involving subject matter experts and the sponsors in production are…

This introductory module is one of 17 modules designed for individualized instruction in health occupations education programs at both the secondary and postsecondary levels. Aimed to aid the course teacher, this module explains the organization of the 16 modules that follow (i.e., each module contains an overview and a series of learning…

Describes practical guidelines constructed by the staff of a large-scale self-access English language instruction project in Malaysia, focusing on the production of self-access materials in a situation where staff have limited resources, where both quantity and quality are required, and where there is a need to provide an in-house look to the…

Provides suggestions for the purchase of equipment and materials through early childhood catalogs. Suggestions concern reading catalogs; keeping careful records; deciding on backordering; being aware of shipping charges; checking for damage; and expecting satisfaction. Lists ordering information for 15 early childhood catalog companies. (RJC)

Lists 10 tips on successful buying from early childhood catalogs. Tips concern current catalogs, quantity discounts, price comparison, cooperative or consortium purchases, competitive bids, protection of credit, sources for ordering, service, availability, and the best time to place orders. (RJC)

Briefly discusses the important criteria by which microcomputer programs intended for instructional use should be evaluated, presents a series of guidelines for submitting reviews of computer programs developed for instructional purposes (courseware), and provides a copy of the Curriculum Review Courseware Evaluation Form. (JL)

Because parents-to-be in Santa Barbara needed hands-on, practical assistance prior to the birth of their child, Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) volunteers organized the Baby Basics program. Like all PEP services, Baby Basics is a supplement to, but not a substitute for, medical advice. Part 1 of this guide describes the history, philosophy,…

The home computer must be outfitted with high quality software to be a valuable educational tool. Suggestions on where to look for software and standards to use in evaluating materials are offered. (DF)

Presents user orientation and instruction guidelines for online search systems, including a sample reference manual outline in five parts: (1) introduction, (2) summary of services, (3) system descriptions, (4) principles of searching, and (5) operating instructions. Harmonization of search instructions is advocated, in order to eliminate user…

There is an abundance of educational software available, the quality of which ranges from invaluable to a waste of money. The following guidelines should make shopping for software as painless as possible: (1) know your objectives; (2) be sure the software fits your equipment; (3) consider dealer support; (4) consider brand names first; (5) check…