This study examined the perceptions of basic education school teachers in Turkey to the educational software evaluation criteria, developed for the acquisition of multimedia instructional software by the Turkish Ministry of National Education, from the viewpoint of actual users. Data were collected through structured interviews, group discussions,…

Examines a family-centered approach to the prescription and delivery of computers to children with disabilities. Discusses effective team decision making regarding computers in the home environment, and the relevance of family and cultural factors, such as family routines, stress, cultural value systems, and time constraints. Considers…

Reviews three computer software programs that can enhance children's story writing: (1) Sunbuddy Writer; (2) Sierra's School House; and (3) Snoopy's Campfire Stories. Describes the capabilities and features of each program as well as the possibilities for expansion. (AA)

Discusses the use of technology--cassette players, television, videotapes, and computers--to support learning in early childhood settings. Maintains that technology can engage children as active learners and support skill development in several areas. Discusses placement and positioning of computers in early childhood classrooms, computer software…

Describes results of a survey of teachers belonging to the Texas Computer Education Association that was conducted to determine whether authoring tools were being used to develop software for computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Teachers' prior computer education and experience are examined, and the selection of authoring tools is addressed. (six…

Discusses issues that school librarians need to consider when updating and automating their libraries based on examples of experiences in several high schools. Topics addressed include planning; problems; needs assessment; software compatibility and selection; CD-ROMs; and training needs. (LRW)

Discusses the benefits of establishing computer centers in early childhood classrooms to enhance cognitive learning, develop self-esteem, and stimulate divergent thinking. Outlines steps necessary for setting up a classroom computer center, such as defining procedures and rules and choosing appropriate activities and software. Suggests ways to…

Explains how the Arlington Independent School District (Texas) complied with the mandates of the Local Government Records Act. Topics include evaluation and needs, software selection, inventory and retention schedules, managing forms and records, standardized identification systems, finding specific records, costs and destroying obsolete records.…

A model computer learning center with hardware, software, training, and support components was established to serve as an integral part of the instructional process in Head Start classrooms. The center was found to be a positive force in promoting computer activities, but long-term training and curriculum modifications are needed. (LB)

The relationship between computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and computer numerical control (CNC) computer applications is described. Tips for helping educate the CAM buyer on what to look for and what to avoid when searching for the most appropriate instructional CAM package are provided. (KR)

Describes the advantages and disadvantages of using CD-ROM in the school library media center. Complaints about hardware, software, user problems, staffing, and funding reported by 67 library media specialists responding to a survey are included; and 15 steps for implementing CD-ROM technology are provided. (KRN)

Provides a brief description of the Z39.50 information retrieval standard and reviews evaluation criteria and questions that should be asked when selecting a Z39.50 client. Areas for consideration include whether to buy or build a Z39.50 client, the end-user's requirements, connecting to a remote server, searching, managing the search response,…

Highlights multimedia CD-ROMs that can describe pictures aloud for blind users and turn sound into text for the deaf. Outlines barriers confronting blind users. Discusses software programs designed to significantly improve access to multimedia software for users with disabilities and presents evaluation criteria for purchasing the most accessible…

Guides librarians in evaluating "filtering" software which schools may purchase for restricting access to potentially inappropriate Internet sites. This article discusses the workings of filtering programs and practical and ethical questions such as: how sites are restricted, who decides, and whether transactions are monitored.…

Israel's Software Evaluation Project sets national standards for hardware and software that is used in schools. All courseware must be approved for technical requirements and pedagogical content. After approval, the courseware is certified for use within Israel's school system for 2 years. Three times each year, schools, inspectorates, and…