This paper provides a comprehensive review on the use of help options (HOs) in the multimedia listening context to aid listening comprehension (LC) and improve incidental vocabulary learning. The paper also aims to synthesize the research findings obtained from the use of HOs in Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) literature and reveals the…

Computer users need not form a mental model to describe what is happening during a tutorial. Rather, users need to form text schemas, and tutorials should be thought of as a communication medium. Tutorials should be considered to be like books, and hypertext may be the best structure for them. (Contains 40 references.) (JLB)

This article reviews self-study programs that teach braille to sighted people. Programs include "Just Enough to Know Better,""Braille Reading for Family Members,""Handbook for Learning to Read Braille by Sight,""New Programmed Instruction in Braille,""Braille Codes and Calculations,""Literary Braille Refresher Course for Teachers and…

Dynamic instructional planning was explored as a control mechanism for intelligent tutoring systems through the development of the Blackboard Instructional Planner--a blackboard software-based dynamic planner for computerized intelligent tutoring systems. The planner, designed to be generic to tutors teaching troubleshooting for complex physical…

Critiques current second language courseware in view of recent trends increasing emphasis on oral proficiency. Suggests changes in the content of instructional computer programs that could be used to improve conversational proficiency. (LMO)

Argues that sufficient adaptivity in computer-assisted language learning materials for individual study can be achieved only if such programs are able to perform meaningful error analysis and fit the needs of individual learners. Other effective elements of the program include collecting information on learning and performance histories of…

The techniques and effectiveness of systems for adjusting the pace, content, sequence, and style of instruction to fit the needs of individual learners are briefly reviewed. These systems are all designed to function in group instructional settings. They may be separated into print-oriented approaches (programmed instruction, personalized system…

To determine how much electronic writing-analysis programs can offer college students and how valuable computerized text actually is, nine college student essays and nine professional essays were analyzed using text editors. The student essays (three each rated "superior,""average," and "failed") and the professional…

This booklet is the second of three sequels to "A Guide to the Selection of Instructional Methods." Following a brief introduction, the characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses of five individualized learning techniques are examined: (1) directed study of material in textbooks; (2) study of specially-prepared hand-out notes or…