Describes two interactive computer programs that simulate abstract relationships and require students to use inductive reasoning, form and test hypotheses, and analyze functions of systems and the reasoning processes required to understand them. Their development and use in college philosophy of science courses is outlined, and possible future…

Describes how Logo has been used to introduce primary children to mathematical concepts often considered to be too difficult for them. Outlines how Logo has been used to introduce the estimation of distance, the estimation of angles, symmetry, rules of precedence, the concepts of random, and the use of variables. (TW)

Describes a project designed to teach elementary students to write interactive stories using an authoring system called Story Tree. Benefits of the project are discussed, including the development of oral language, listening, reading, and writing skills; and problems with the authoring system, the writing process, and the curriculum integration…

Discusses the trends in education toward computer equipment and computer assisted learning in England. Surveys some of the attitudes of educators and students toward home-based, computer-aided learning, hardware and software. Anticipates future developments in technology for education. (CW)

Discusses the use of a computer program designed to solve the mathematical model associated with soil nutrient uptake by plant roots and to predict the nutrient uptake. Describes a user-friendly personal computer version of this program. (TW)

Discussion of educational applications of new information technologies in Japan highlights the use of microcomputers. Surveys of elementary and secondary schools are reported; inservice teacher training is described; and government involvement in educational policy is discussed, focusing on two appended reports on microcomputers and software…

This special theme issue is dedicated to topics related to courseware in higher education. Aspects addressed include faculty development of software; new technologies and their effects on knowledge; microcomputer-based software; courseware publishing; information sharing and software distribution; and future teaching and research projects. (LRW)

Discusses the need for quality computer software for science instruction. Argues that very little software is currently available that uses the computer's capabilities to provide quality science instruction. Describes microcomputer tutoring systems under development at the University of Pittsburgh that are intended to significantly add to the…

Faculty members who write computer software for teaching often find that their chances of getting credit for it during promotion-and-tenure reviews are slim. Software development needs to be considered scholarship just like research. (MLW)

Presents examples of didactic computer software developed in a college of engineering, along with a discussion of pedagogical and systems considerations. Discusses the use of the computer in relation to Bloom's Taxonomy. Describes the system approach, which is used to sequentially develop valid and relevant software. (TW)

Explores the decision-making process that went into producing the Blossom computer-assisted instruction (CAI) materials for French instruction at Pennsylvania State University. Some of the attributes, limitations, and questions concerning the user, validity, and usefulness of CAI materials are also discussed. (Author/SED)

Professional educators demand that their methods and instructional resources be soundly based on research and theory. From its origins nearly 40 years ago, the PLATO[R] system has built the largest base of basic research on computer-based learning in the field. Beginning with research funded by the National Science Foundation and conducted at the…

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of electronic books for teaching vocabulary with and without specific supplemental vocabulary building activities. Twenty-two third grade children were divided evenly into an experimental group and a control group. Children in the control group listened as a computer read a page of the…

This paper describes the authors' experiences in developing an all-in-one virtual university. The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) is a consortium of Department of Defense education and training institutions and organizations that provides mandatory and assignment-specific courses for military and civilian personnel serving in 11 acquisition…

This paper reports on the evolution of a software environment called ClassACT (Class Annotation and Collaboration Tool) from a simple multimedia annotation program to a multi-domain archival database management system. ClassACT was developed at Northwestern University (Illinois) for instructional use, and, although its original goal was to solve a…