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)

Suggests 10 questions teachers should ask themselves before buying materials to teach reading skills. (FL)

Offers guidelines for evaluating basal reading series when two series are to be adopted. (HTH)

Reviews formative evaluation and presents a model for instructional material development and revision. The model can be used for curriculum development efforts and is designed to be helpful in a variety of instructional efforts. (CT)

Inflatable swim rings are inexpensive, familiar, compact, and facilitate appropriate positioning for the educational programing of severely motorically involved infants and preschoolers. Case studies of two infants illustrate use of the inflatables. (DB)

Suggestions are given for analyzing the language used in reading texts for hearing impaired students, and for using the reading text analysis in experience charts, language activities, and speech materials. (CL)

An inquiry model of material development and selection for special education teachers is presented. The following selection guidelines are described: identify the target population; define the purpose of the material; consider the format, methodology, and construction of the material; and determine how the material is to be used. An example of an…

Discussion of the development of written instructional materials for distance education focuses on the transformation of existing materials into good teaching materials by course teams. Changes in the course as a whole are considered as well as changes in the materials; checklists are provided; and examples are given of transformed materials.…

Educators alone cannot solve youth's complex problems, but can contribute to their solution by increasing others' awareness and being more responsive to students. This 11-item directory of organizations, projects, and curricular materials is a step in this direction. Organizations include Action for Children's Television, Children's Defense Fund,…

Describes three types of visual materials that may be used in an educational setting and presents four rules for the effective use of visuals. Topics discussed include working with visual artists; what effective instructional visuals should do; and coordinating the use of visuals with words, either verbal or written. (LRW)

An important use of multimedia as a learning tool in academia is the process of designing and developing a multimedia project. The design and development process empowers students to explore, discuss, evaluate, and articulate their knowledge in a richer medium. A journalistic approach to examining the virtues, limitations, and components of the…

This paper describes a video selection process that will assure educational practitioners of getting the most for their money; examines the steps necessary in an effective evaluation; and explains how to implement those steps. Teachers and librarians are advised to have more than one person evaluate a program, perhaps another teacher or students…

One of nine brief guides on using computer technology, this guide is directed to parents of children with disabilities and provides an overview of computer use with handicapped children and suggestions for ways parents can learn more about the potential of technology to aid their children. Instructional software for classroom or home use generally…

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,…

This publication is designed to assist administrators, teachers, and library personnel in selecting materials to support instruction in physical education. Information is included on: (1) physical education resources for student learning; (2) physical education curricular framework goals--comprehensive bibliography; (3) professional resources for…