Disclaimer: I have been an active "free" user of LinkedIn for 5.463 years with more than 3000 (1st degree) connections from all over the world. I have no vested interest in LinkedIn other than as a user of the services it provides. Despite the fact that LinkedIn was originally designed as a network for business professionals, not…

This article presents an interview with Tim Collins, president of EBSCO Publishing. The amiable Collins put EBSCO Publishing (EP) on the map through a combination of first-rate search and user-friendly interfaces, a long list of strategic acquisitions, and a dedicated, stable staff. Now, the company Collins has nurtured for over two decades ranks…

Evaluates WordCruncher, a "text indexing and retrieval" system aimed at manipulating large bodies of text. States that it offers an intriguing method of organizing and analyzing text on a large scale. Concludes that this IBM PC/AT compatible product is, with minor exceptions, well designed. (GEA)

Factors to consider when selecting software include (1) current use in business, (2) curriculum needs, (3) availability, and (4) cost. Evaluation criteria include (1) copyright, (2) documentation, (3) compatibility, (4) vendor support, and (5) ease of use. (JOW)

The secondary accounting curriculum must be modified to include computers and software. Educators must be aware of the computer skills needed on the job and of the accounting software that is available. Software selection must be tailored to fit the curriculum and the time available. (JOW)

Argues that Grammatik 5 for Windows software presents users with feedback that is often wrong, frequently confusing, and sometimes irrelevant. Expresses grave concerns about it both as a teaching tool and as a subtle means of propagating a political perspective. (SR)

A brief discussion and description of one commercially available software package ("Pour Ecrire un Mot") for writing letters of various types uses the love letter as an example of the software's functioning. Answers to the prompting questions on the screen determine the few variable parameters of the text to be generated. (four…

One size does not fit all. For anyone who has ever tried to make something fit (especially when it won't), it's best to realize that the word "all" does not really mean "everyone." The same thing is true for subscription databases. While it might seem that all students in grades K-12 can benefit from the use of the database contents, in reality,…

Describes one professor's problems in learning how to use a computer. Reviews several types of computer software and their functions. Calls for college professors to discover how a computer can help them utilize their time more efficiently. (BSR)

Although many of the criteria used to evaluate traditional instructional materials can be applied to the instructional aspects of computer-assisted instruction, additional criteria must be considered. These include interactivity, individualized feedback, rapid calculation, graphics, and cost-effectiveness. (JOW)

Provides guidelines for evaluating SCSI Express Novell 386, a new product allowing CD-ROM drives to be attached to a Netware 3.11 file server, increasing CD-ROM networking capability. Specific limitations concerning software, hardware, and human resources are outlined, as well as its unique features and potential for future networking uses. (EA)

"Innovate" editorial board member William H. Graves talks with Carol A. Twigg, president and CEO of the National Center for Academic Transformation (NCAT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging course redesign at both the state and system levels, about NCAT's groundbreaking Program in Course Redesign (PCR). PCR demonstrated that…

Illustrates different types of opportunities for using computer assisted instruction (CAI) on personal computers in the teaching of economics with four examples of currently available software. Describes the difficulties in providing and supporting CAI, and concludes with an analysis of the difficulties caused by the "public goods character" of…

Reviews fourteen econometric and forecasting programs for the IBM PC family of computers. The comparison is based on analytical capabilities, cost, operating characteristics, and user-friendliness. Concludes that the programs do not differ enough to provide grounds for rejection of one program in favor of another. Includes names and addresses for…

This brief planning guide for library automation incorporates needs assessment and evaluation of options to meet those needs. A bibliography of materials on automation planning and software reviews, library software directories, and library automation journals is included. (CLB)