Through this mixed-method evaluation study the authors investigated a pilot implementation of an open-source productivity suite for teachers in a K-12 public school district. The authors evaluated OpenOffice version 3.0 using measures identified by the technology acceptance model as predictors of acceptance and use of technology systems. During a…

Advocates of ubiquitous computing have long been documenting classroom benefits of one-to-one ratios of students to handheld or laptop computers. The recent sophisticated capabilities of the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad have encouraged further speculation on exactly how K-12 teaching and learning might be energized by such devices. This paper…

This discussion of the use of microcomputers by mentally handicapped learners focuses on software availability and selection. Criteria for evaluating software are given, including considerations of visual display, reading level, program design, drill and practice opportunities, positive reinforcement, format variety, graphics, instructional…

Discusses the findings of four studies that examined the use of microcomputers in special education classrooms. Surveys, interviews, and observations were used to discover software currently in use with handicapped learners, the instructional design limitations of software, and the potential impact of computer-assisted instruction on handicapped…

Describes four models of the psychological process of reading, and relates them to computer technology. The physiological process of reading printed text from a display screen is discussed, including spacing, the configuration of letters, vision problems, and lighting and glare. The quality of computer printouts is also discussed. (41 references)…

Presents four steps for integrating computer technology into a school district's reading and language arts curriculum for elementary and secondary schools: (1) needs assessment; (2) planning; (3) implementation; and (4) evaluation. Topics discussed include personnel, budget, facilities, government mandates, computer hardware selection, software…

Briefly examines the components of mathematical problem solving instruction, suggests seven guidelines for computer assisted instruction software in mathematical problem solving, and examines three commercially available examples of such software. (MBR)

Discusses lack of courseware for deaf and learning disabled; presents results from a survey which indicate that microcomputers are used in schools for the deaf despite lack of courseware; describes current exploratory and programed learning courseware; discusses its effectiveness; and reviews problems, weaknesses, and future potential for…

Reports on a program developed in Indiana public schools to hold software evaluation workshops that would compare teacher and student evaluations of the same software. The evaluation process is discussed; tutorials, drill and practice programs, simulations, and games are examined; and tests for correlation are described. (21 references) (LRW)

Presents a brief history of the development of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Topics discussed include programmed instruction (PI); PLATO; CAI in elementary and secondary public schools; computer-managed instruction (CMI); administrative uses of computers; the development of minicomputers and microcomputers; educational software and its…

Discusses gender bias in educational software programs and describes two studies that explored the ability of preservice and inservice teachers to detect bias in software programs. Evaluation instruments used to measure gender bias are described, and the need for instruction in equity issues is discussed. (23 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the evaluation of educational software highlights two evaluation methods: (1) the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES), a criterion-based evaluation, and (2) a field-testing approach developed at York University. Guidelines for the field-testing approach include an emphasis on the observation of students. (22…

Discusses problems and misconceptions concerning the appropriate use of computers in K-12 classrooms. The use of software to support computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is described, teacher-written software is discussed, telecommunications issues are considered, and the role of administrators and teachers is examined. (two references) (LRW)

Five articles describe improvements in instructional software designed to enhance problem solving skills. Issues addressed include problem solving software to implement curriculum goals; problem solving theory and writing theory; software for elementary and secondary school science instruction; software for mathematics instruction; and cognitive…

Discusses hypermedia as presentation, representation, and construction tools. Emphasizes the importance of technologies that can be adapted to individual needs in a global context; and promotes hypermedia as a construction tool in the education of second-language learners. (JKP)