Guide to Submissions of Software and Video to JCE Software
JCE Software is the computer software and video publishing division of the Journal of Chemical Education. JCE Software publishes instructional media for the enhancement of chemistry education. Materials submitted for publication in JCE Software are programs for Windows and Mac OS computers and video on videotape, CD-ROM, or DVD.
JCE Software is not about software, it is software. JCE Software has published more than 100 high-quality, peer-reviewed, instructional programs.
As technology changes, JCE Software will change to provide you the best materials developed by chemistry instructors for use in chemistry education at reasonable prices. Our submission criteria include all forms of electronic media.
JCE Software's Editorial Objectives
Our goal is twofold:
To provide electronic media to chemistry teachers who want to enhance the classroom experience.
To give professional recognition to chemistry teachers who have spent long hours creating and testing high-quality instructional media.
What to Submit
Software programs for Mac OS and Windows compatible computers
Digital documents (HTML pages, spreadsheets, presentations, symbolic algebra files for popular applications, etc.)
Original video
Multimedia presentations
All submissions must have a strong pedagogical component. Resources intended primarily for use by chemistry instructors or research applications are not appropriate for submission unless they aid in the development of instructional presentations.
Our Submission Expectations
A submission to JCE Software should be an effective, innovative use of the medium. Preference
will be given to topics that cannot be presented as effectively using print or other nonelectronic
media. Authors should strive for scientific accuracy and sound pedagogy appropriate to the level of
the intended audience. Materials should be attractive, engaging, and invite participation by the
user. They should be tools useful in the classroom, laboratory, or computer/media room, aimed at
enhancing the learning of chemistry.
Preference will be given to materials that have been used successfully in instructional settings.
Descriptions of use and sample lessons are especially welcome.
As a way to help you evaluate the content and presentation of your submission,
we suggest that you consult our Reviewers Guidelines
to get a better idea of what is expected.
Unlike most journals, including the Journal of Chemical Education, we do not require
or expect that every submission will be a finished product. We are interested in advising and
assisting you with your works-in-progress and ideas for future projects, as well as distributing
the finished product.
JCE Software Submission Form (3 pages; included in the Submission Packet) completed and signed, with any necessary attachments.
Copyright Assignment (1 page; included in the Submission Packet) completed and signed.
Two copies of the submission on clearly labeled media. Please inquire before sending media not listed below:
3.5-in. floppy disks, 100 MB ZIP disks, or CD-ROMs formatted for Mac OS or Windows.
VHS Videocassettes
Written documentation (printed and as a computer text or word processing file) including all of the following that are appropriate to the submission: installation instructions, user directions (operation instructions), any exercises, lessons, or handout sheets for students using the submission, and notes or comments for instructors using the submission.
An abstract suitable for publication in the Journal of Chemical Education (printed and as a computer text or word processing file), about one page in length, describing the submission, its features, suggestions for use, acknowledgments, and literature citations.
Items 1 and 2, the Submission Form and Copyright Assignment must be signed and sent by mail or fax. Software, documentation and abstract (items 3, 4, and 5) may be sent by mail or electronically. To submit electronically, contact JCE Software by email to make arrangements. Our mailing address and fax number are given below.
What Happens Next?
Your submission will be evaluated by members of the JCE Software staff and sent for peer review, if appropriate. In six to eight weeks you should receive a report advising you of the suitability of the submission for publication by JCE Software, any revisions required to meet JCE Software publication guidelines, and any other comments. The entire publication process can take a year or more, depending on state of completion at the time of submission, needed revisions, and number of submissions awaiting publication. We are willing to work with you for as long as necessary to complete your submission and prepare it for publication.
The Publication Path illustrates the routes followed by JCE Software's submissions.
Additional Information
For more information about submissions to JCE Software contact our office.
JCE Software
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Department of Chemistry
209 N. Brooks Street
Madison, WI 53715-1116
Telephone: 800-991-5534 or 608-262-7917
FAX: 608-262-7145
Email: jcesoft@chem.wisc.edu
The following titles feature video from our Chemistry Comes Alive! series.