Discusses the differences between the uses of microcomputers and minicomputers as educational tools. Outlines how a Maryland school district overcame the drawbacks it found in using microcomputers by developing a more comprehensive computer-assisted instruction program using minicomputers. (MD)

Getting real educational benefits from investments in technology requires careful planning. Based on the experience of implementing PLATO[R] at over 5,000 sites, a nine-step planning model for implementing technology was developed. The nine planning tasks are based on the understanding of the factors that are critical to the success of most…

Any educational technology is only as good as the way it is used for learning. There are many different instructional models using many different types of software, and not all models are equally effective in meeting users' needs. This Technical Paper begins with an overview of ways computer technologies can be used in instruction, and groups them…

This paper show instructors how to develop their own streaming multimedia presentations that can be loaded onto a schools' server and played by students over the Internet. Topics covered include: the use of courseware to create an online course or to complement face-to-face instruction; features of Oncourse, Indiana Universitys proprietary version…

Describes model for evaluating computer-assisted instruction (CAI) that includes training needs; instructional objectives; types of learning; organization of program content; and the design of instructional modes. Also discussed are evaluation of CAI courseware and student-oriented review of courseware, and a condensed evaluation checklist is…

Provides a checklist for troubleshooting malfunctions in classroom microcomputers and explains steps involved for each component. Areas that are addressed include tools to have available; checking computer cables; disk drives; the computer itself; the monitor, or receiver; printers; and software. (LRW)

Presents guidelines and suggestions for the use of computers with young children. Provides a checklist of attributes of good early childhood software and tips for introducing software to young children. (RJC)

Discusses the use of interactive multimedia as an effective learning environment for adults with poor reading skills. Guidelines for designing basic skills and technical training multimedia programs are suggested, including simple computer navigation, the careful use of text, and appropriate audio and visual aids. (LRW)

This article reviews technological advances in educational computer use and discusses applications for computers as tools, tutors, and tutees in mathematics education of gifted students. Computer-assisted instruction, artificial intelligence, multimedia, numeric processing, computer-aided design, LOGO, robotics, and hypercard software packages are…

Based on reviews of 10 examples of multimedia design, this paper presents an introductory framework for reflecting on the issues involved in the design of interactive multimedia instructional programs for discovery learning. High school students, junior and senior high school teachers, and Center for Technology in Education (CTE) staff reviewed…

Arguing that much of the information needed in the future will be available only online, using computers, modems, and telephone lines, this four-part guide is designed to provide the basic information on online communication that is needed by beginners. The introduction to the guide includes a definition of online communication, a rationale for…

Based on the experiences of the Boston Public Schools (BPS), this document offers guidance in the organization and development of a system-wide approach to an extensive expansion of computer technology. The following topics and steps in the process are addressed: identifying the present status of a school system's computer education program;…

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 document provides a composite index of the first five sets of software annotations produced by Project SEED. The software has been indexed by title, subject area, and grade level, and it covers sets of annotations distributed in September 1986, April 1987, September 1987, November 1987, and February 1988. The date column in the index…

This software resource directory is designed for use by teachers in the Vocational Improvement Programs (VIP)/Liaison in Kentucky who work with secondary special needs learners enrolled in a vocational education program. Section A contains a literature review of available information as it relates to microcomputers, education, and special needs…