Presents how the computer program "Strip-Charter" assists communication research by quantifying the pen-trace data of psychophysiological and other strip-chart records. Describes the program's basic components and capabilities, including how it (1) allows the user to employ the Macintosh "mouse" to trace strip-chart pen…

Reviews basic principles of effective instructional design, then evaluates instructional computer programs in relation to how well the characteristics critical for effective self-instruction are incorporated into educational software. Includes a checklist for use in evaluating the design of educational software. (MD)

Numerous Web-based phone and address directories provide advantages over the white and yellow pages. Although many share a common database, each has features that set it apart: maps, suggested driving directions, and phone dialing. This article examines eight (Bigfoot, BigBook, BigYellow, Switchboard, Infospace, Contractjobs, InterNIC)…

Summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of using computers in adult literacy instruction. Presents a matrix which permits teachers to see at a glance how any one of 112 specific software programs may be used. (RS)

Standardization procedures in discriminant analysis are discussed. Three leading software packages--SPSSX, BMDP, and SAS--are compared in terms of their calculations of unstandardized and standardized discriminant coefficients. Estimation procedures are described for each. Arguments are presented for within-group, rather than total, variance…

Examines HotJava and Java, World Wide Web technology for use on the Internet. HotJava, an interactive, animated Web browser, based on the object-oriented Java programming language, is different from HTML-based browsers such as Netscape. Its client/server design does not understand Internet protocols but can dynamically find what it needs to know.…

Reviews four software programs and describes features that illustrate their creative and utility value: (1) "ClarisWorks" for presentation purposes; (2) "Easy Book" for putting books together; (3) "Nutribase Personal Nutrition Manager" for nutrition education, and (4) "Digital Chisel" for interactive…

Reviews educational software for children ranging in age from 3 to 12. Contains descriptions, recommended age levels, and contact information for 16 software packages selected based on entertainment and educational value. Topics include spelling and alphabet, science, math, geography, and reading. (JW)

Describes the Jostens Learning Writing Program, which integrates reading, writing, and thinking instruction in realistic literacy tasks, using real-life experiences and everyday applications. (SR)

Voluntary negotiation is a way for parties to school disputes to take control of both the process of dispute settlement and its solutions. A software package, "Negotiator Pro," synthesizes the theory and practice incorporated in 30 books on negotiation. The software helps develop and organize a negotiation plan and a profile of the other…

Over 37 firms have listed more than 90 software applications that can be used by schools. Each listing includes the name of the software and a general description of its utility. Tables provide detailed listings of the software's functions, the type of support the company provides, and the hardware on which the software can be run. (MLF)

Describes a recently developed computer and videodisc technology for remedial reading instruction called Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS). Discusses how the system works, characteristics of the target population. Notes the system's success and students' enthusiasm in the classroom. (SR)

Evaluates three computer software programs designed to help writing teachers to respond to and comment on student papers. Asserts that these programs do not actually assist teachers in writing comments, but help them to avoid writing comments. Argues that teachers expect too much of the computer as an aid to response. (PRA)

Describes and reviews a software package called "Writers Network," a writing program that contains teacher tools to minimize the difficulty in evaluating student writing and gives student tools to improve their writing. Notes that this program fosters enthusiastic interest in writing across the curriculum in teachers who might have not used…

Reviews two software programs: "The Graph Club" which makes learning graphs "magical and exciting"; and "WiggleWorks," an "exciting" reading curriculum on CD-ROM. (SR)