Title Microcomputersoftware in Special Education: 0 Selectioft and Management. Infin Schoolsimplementation-in Special Education

The report describes-a project assessing the torganizational issues surrounding microcomputers in special education, with special emphasis on software selectiob and use. 'Twelve districts were visited, and both administrative and instructional applications of microcomputers we're observed. Two`major types of software--applications and .systems software--are described, , and the principle applicatifins of microcomputers in special education instruction (computer assisted instruction, computer managed instruction, computer literacy, and, computer science) and administration '(word prOcessing, financial, statistical, and graphic systems, and file management systems) are reviewed. .A discussion on selecting and acquiringsoftware addresses difficulties facing many districts in identifying appropriate software and in increasing . teachers' knowledge about educational software. Evaluation criteria for special education software is suggested, including flexibility, and availability and distribution of educational software. A final note emphasizes the need to adopt more appropriate CAI software for special education and to develop more authoring and computer managed instructional systems. (CL)