Criteria for software resource centers drafted by the International Council for Computers in Education focus on the responsibilities of: (1) centers, which should serve as links between publishers and educators; (2) software publishers, who should assist educators in previewing instructional software before purchase; and (3) schools, which should…

Raises critical management issues and proposes guidelines for technical management of large-scale development of courseware with complex content. Discussion covers the technical management of such a project as it relates to organizational structure; leadership shifts throughout the design process; prototype development; and the systematic process…

Reviews basic principles of effective instructional design, then evaluates instructional computer programs in relation to how well the characteristics critical for effective self-instruction are incorporated into educational software. Includes a checklist for use in evaluating the design of educational software. (MD)

Critiques the Henry Levin and Gail Meister article on cost effectiveness, pointing out that differences in computing the costs of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) yield different results. Also describes problems with other data in the study. Includes two tables. (MD)

The use of modern technology in education has reached a turning point. Equipment found in schools is increasing, and computer-assisted instruction has been shown to achieve positive results. Learning to use computer utilities and databases should be given high priority. (MD)

The decisions principals make about the uses of technology are critical to the improvement of schools. But school effectiveness won't just happen because technology is used. Technology is a tool that can lead to school improvement if it is effectively combined with productive leadership and management. (MD)

Before schools purchase computer hardware and software, the district should set goals for their use, establish effective teacher training, and determine a realistic schoolwide implementation plan.(MD)

Reviews possible sources of reinforcement in computer assisted instruction and systematic utilization of these sources in courseware design. Sources reviewed include reinforcement from the machine itself; from the content of the instructional modules and its arrangement in a learning sequence; and from sources external to the modules. (MBR)

Interactive multimedia is finding favor as a time-saving training tool. This article discusses how organizations could justify investing in instructional multimedia by quantifying: (1) productivity lost through lack of training; (2) costs of time spent in other types of training, particularly those conducted offsite; and (3) savings represented by…

Discusses the ideological dimensions of writing instruction software. Discusses errors and assumptions of choosing software for writing instruction. Suggests that all software decisions must be tested against the instructor's own self-conscious and informed understanding of the goals of writing instruction. (RS)

Instructional projects are balanced when the pieces come together at one time with the concurrent approval of all interested parties. The physical analogy of a tripod can serve to illustrate the interaction among three dimensions of all projects: content, or what the course will contain; form, or what the course will look like; and process, or how…

Instructional designers who are asked to convert existing training materials into computer-based training (CBT) must take special precautions to avoid making the product into a sophisticated page turner. Although conversion may save considerable time on subject research and analysis, courses to be delivered through microcomputers may require…

This handbook is intended to guide the vocational educator through the task of selecting and evaluating software for the vocational curriculum. Section 1 focuses on computer-based education. Chapter 1 defines computer-based education and the hardware and software required when the computer is used as an educational delivery system. Chapter 2…

This description of existing hardware and software configurations for integrating computing into higher education instruction emphasizes practical applications for use in the classroom/laboratory setting. Three basic components of a "Computerized Instructional Materials Tool Kit" are discussed: (1) graphic and text generation; (2)…

This description of the use of "probeware," i.e., hardware which connects to a microcomputer and works with the software to measure factors such as temperature, light, or motion in science laboratory experiments, uses as an example an experiment which would involve the measurement of pendulum motion using the "Precision Timer…