Nutri-Calc. Courseware Evaluation for Vocational and Technical Education.

This courseware evaluation rates the Nutri-Calc microcomputer program developed by CAMDE of Tempe, Arizona. (The program--not included in this document--consists of Nutri-Calc, which calculates total nutritional intake and Recommended Daily Allowances, and Calorie-Magic, which calculates individual ideal caloric intake.) Part A describes Nutri-Calc in terms of subject area (food and nutrition) and hardware requirements (IBM-PC or XT, Apple II, MacIntosh, or TRS80) and indicates its suitability for use with students in grade 11 and up. Listed next are accompanying materials (manual) and time estimate (30 minutes). Availability information includes cost ($99.95), policies, and contact address. Part B contains the evaluation criteria in eight categories; reviewer ratings appear as yes, somewhat, no, and not applicable, with explanatory comments. Part C summarizes the evaluation. This program could supplement a nutrition class, but classroom discussion is needed. Instructors were found to be difficult to follow and unclear. Moreover, some program commands do not work, it is difficult to exit, and the manual is not clearly written. A summary section shows that this courseware received overall ratings of "yes" for subject matter and application programs; "somewhat" for technical presentation, student interaction, and documentation; and "not applicable" for program interaction, student evaluation, and work behaviors. The program can be used to supplement class material, with help from the instructor. (SK)