Focuses on the first of three stages of the path evaluation procedure for instructional software, performing the preliminary evaluation. The three main steps involved in preliminary evaluation are (1) a program is chosen for evaluation; (2) information is exchanged with the faculty developer; and (3) the instructional designer reviews the software…

Presents a list of recommended practices for designing computer-based instruction courseware based on principles derived from learning research. Research-based principles and the corresponding design practices are outlined for the areas of stimulus design, learner responses, feedback, and lesson control. (6 references) (CLB)

In evaluating a private school's incorporation of computers into the curriculum the researcher noted that the use of drill-and-practice programs taught students that computers are boring. They did not get any understanding of the varied uses for computers. (MD)

Presents a selection model for choosing appropriate software for special education students. The management process is described as well as the instructional process, professional journals and other sources of software reviews are discussed, and the importance of the consistent application of evaluative criteria is emphasized. (LRW)

Describes a series of evaluation criteria for self-instructional materials for adult learners that focuses on computer-assisted instruction and interactive video instruction. Five categories are included: (1) content; (2) instructional strategies; (3) instructional presentation; (4) documentation; and (5) technical aspects. (10 references) (LRW)

Describes eight conditions that facilitate the adoption, implementation, and institutionalization of educational technology innovations and suggests applications to the transfer of portable software. Applications of these conditions involving educational technology in Indonesia, Chile, and Peru are evaluated, and guidelines for successful…

Color monitors are in wide use in computer systems. Thus, it is important to understand how to apply color effectively in computer assisted instruction (CAI) and computer based training (CBT). Color can enhance learning, but it does not automatically do so. Indiscriminate application of color can mislead a student and thereby even interfere with…

The purpose of this focused newsletter is to give teachers who know little or nothing of computers some background on which to base further investigation and decisions. It begins by explaining what a computer is and defining such terms as software, hardware, memory, input/output devices, and disk drive. The newsletter then outlines four major uses…

This project report details the design of an interactive authoring system for the development of computer assisted instructional (CAI) software. This system is possible because the development of more powerful computing and software systems has facilitated authoring systems which allow the development of courseware in an interactive mode and…

A consolidated, updated edition of the microcomputer software South Carolina Basic Skills Assessment Program (BSAP) correlation books that have been published by the Office of Instructional Technology since May 1984, this book serves as a reference to available software programs which address BSAP objectives for grades 1-8 in all three BSAP…

This annotated index describes and illustrates a wide selection of public domain instructional software that may be useful in the education of deaf students and provides educators with a way to order the listed programs. The software programs are designed for use on Apple computers and their compatibles. The software descriptions are presented in…

Instructional design considerations involved in using level four videodisc systems when designing simulations are explored. Discussion of the hardware and software system characteristics notes that computer based training offers the features of text, graphics, color, animation, and highlighting techniques, while a videodisc player offers all of…

The guide presents a collection of over 200 microcomputer programs appropriate for home education. All software packages have been evaluated by at least two reviewing agencies using the following criteria: (1) emphasis on user control of the learning process; (2) usable by several age groups; (3) usable for remedial purposes as well as first-time…

The first of three sections of this handbook deals with the use of the computer in the learning resource center. A dictionary of computer terms is followed by a description of areas of computer use in the learning resource center. Information for first-time computer users is then provided, including use of the Apple microcomputer and care and use…

Description of features of integrated learning systems (ILS) compares minicomputer- and microcomputer-based systems; provides updated buyers' guide information on networked-microcomputer ILSs, ILS courseware, and minicomputer-based ILSs; and presents educators' opinions of these systems. (MBR)