Discusses two factors to consider in relation to the use of color and the design of computerized instructional materials: the purpose of using color in instruction and how the microcomputer, with its limitations, affects color use. Principles for the use of color are suggested. (Author/MBR)

Describes a study conducted to determine prevalence of educational software field testing by producers, number of teachers and students participating, evaluation criteria used, whether documentation includes field test results, field test value, and other evaluation methods utilized during product development. Textbook versus software evaluation,…

The pre-math computer program for preschool children that is described is divided into subprograms representing different basic numerical concepts--discrimination, recognition, and recall--and presents research design used to test the program's effectiveness with Head Start preschool children. Results indicate the program was ineffective…

This document presents a discussion of the development of a set of software tools to assist in the construction of interfaces to simulations and real-time systems. Presuppositions to the approach to interface design that was used are surveyed, the tools are described, and the conclusions drawn from these experiences in graphical interface design…

This study investigated the effectiveness of LOGO's turtle graphics in both providing a model of systematic thought and in teaching simple geometry to young children in the second grade. The treatment given to 25 second grade students in the experimental group consisted of programming with LOGO's turtle graphics using four Apple II+…

This analysis of a research and development program conducted in the Brighton Polytechnic Department of Librarianship between 1975 and 1980 to explore the use of computer-related education in all areas of the librarianship curriculum focuses on the use of computer-based teaching packages integrated into the core curriculum, the nature and content…

A project was conducted to design a system for evaluating microcomputer courseware for vocational and technical education. Through a literature review and contacts with organizations and individuals involved in courseware evaluation and use, project staff identified and acquired for review documents pertaining to courseware evaulation, vocational…

This newsletter presents the results of a National Governors' Association (NGA) survey, conducted November 1986 through January 1987, on state responses to the recommendations of the NGA Task Force on Technology regarding new ways to acquire and use educational technology. The following topics covered by the survey are discussed: (1) hardware…

The performance of two groups of 24 third-grade students practicing division problems was used to assess the effect of microcomputer drill programs on learning. An experimental group that used computer drill programs from the Milliken Math Sequences package was compared with a similar group that learned division using the traditional print drill…

Describes a computer program that allows undergraduate students to undertake nomenclature tutorials in organic chemistry, where user response is evaluated based on a set of rules that determine appropriate feedback. Design of the software is described, including the use of computer graphics, and results of students' evaluations are briefly…

Discusses highlights of a literature review on guidelines for formative evaluation of courseware and the development of a formative evaluation instrument by the Kanata High Technology Training Association (Ottawa). The eight dimensions of the resultant questionnaire are listed and a copy of the evaluation instrument is included. (MBR)

Discusses educational software under development at the University of Oregon which enables architecture students to consider energy conservation ideas early in the design process. The role of the computer in design-oriented software is described, with emphasis on creative experimentation that allows synthesis and analysis. (Author/LRW)

Analyzes three major approaches to the use of computers in education: (1) drill and practice; (2) tutorial, and (3) simulation and programing. Courseware for each approach is discussed, educational philosophy and types of knowledge are described, the effect of computers on learning processes is examined, and 114 references are provided. (LRW)

Describes adoption of microcomputer tutorial for library orientation at state-owned school of approximately 2,800 students. Highlights include advantages and disadvantages of microcomputer-assisted instruction, production of tutorial software, the program, evaluation, and revisions. Goals for library instruction and sampling of questions used to…

Presents an experiment which assessed the effectiveness of teaching written French to university students with computer assisted instruction (CAI). Results indicate that the CAI drill and practice lessons didn't effect any greater achievement improvement than ordinary instruction, but students had favorable attitudes toward CAI. (MBR)