This report of a seminar on information technology (IT) and language development begins by presenting background on language skills and information technology in order to define the scope of the topic. The report then pulls together and elaborates on the output of the seminar. The first section discusses media-centered issues, including the design…

A project titled "Word of Mouth" was conducted to develop and evaluate model computer courseware to teach word attack skills to adult basic education students. The project was based on the use of multiple strategies to figure out unknown words, the importance of breaking down multisyllabic words, and the necessity of the use of audio in…

The present research addresses the issues of whether there exist certain cognitive skills that facilitate transfer, and whether such skills are themselves transferable across domains. Of primary concern is the instructability of such skills. The Systems Thinking and Curriculum Innovation Project (STACI) is a two-year research project testing the…

This newsletter issue focuses on educating the handicapped to enter the world of work. Topics addressed include legislation, assessment of vocational education programs, transitional services, employment programs, and job separation. The feature article describes provisions of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act (Public Law 98-524),…

Five part-time adult basic education instructors were trained to develop tutorials for their students by using the SuperPILOT authoring language to insert their own questions, answers, and hints in already existing generic programs. The project involved 18 hours of training and ongoing supervision and review of products. A total of 66 tutorial…

The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to outline the issues involved in designing videodisc-based instruction to meet the needs of the public high school, and (2) to describe the approach being used in one project that is developing videodisc-based courseware for high school math and science instruction. The first of two major sections…

A three-year project carried out by the Microcomputers and Reading Committee of the New Jersey Reading Association involved the collection, improvement, and distribution of free microcomputer software (public domain programs) designed to deal with reading and writing skills. Acknowledging that this free software is not without limitations (poor…

Discusses trends in educational software and the effects of new developments on publishers and on the computer industry. Marketing prospects for software are examined, and recent advances are highlighted, including integrated learning systems, skill-based software, software tied to textbooks, networking, and freeware. (LRW)

This discussion of the increasing use of computers in colleges and universities focuses on changes that are occurring as a result of such use. Highlights include library automation, the effects of microcomputers, the growth of networks, changes in software, budget considerations, administrative staffing patterns, and outlooks for the future. (LRW)

Discusses the use of computer assisted instruction in the medical education program of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (Missouri). Describes the animation techniques used in a series of simulations for microbiology. (TW)

Describes the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) Program, which replaces drill and practice with thinking skills activities for grades three through six. The HOTS curriculum, which is built around commercially available software, is reviewed; special teaching techniques that emphasize teacher-student dialog are presented; and benefits for at-risk…

Systematically investigates, defines, and organizes variables related to production of internally designed and implemented computer assisted instruction (CAI) courseware: special needs of users; costs; identification and definition of realistic training needs; CAI definition and design methodology; hardware and software requirements; and general…

Describes several computer courseware packages designed to teach about the 200th anniversary of the United States Constitution. Lists the title, publisher, required hardware, suggested grade level, type of program, price, and description of nine such programs. (TW)

Describes a statics course developed at Texas A&M University in the engineering curriculum which utilizes computer-assisted instruction. Discusses the organization and management of the team that developed the course, the selection of the hardware and software used, and the implementation model and lesson prototype developed for the course.…

Discusses the use of computerized databases in instructional settings. Provides examples of how such instructional databases could be accessed directly by students. Lists some commercially available databases, distinguishing between their type, computer compatability, price, grade level, and their general searching abilities. (TW)