Web3D open standards allow the delivery of interactive 3D virtual learning environments through the Internet, reaching potentially large numbers of learners worldwide, at any time. This paper introduces the educational use of virtual reality based on Web3D technologies. After briefly presenting the main Web3D technologies, we summarize the…

Describes the construction of a model of computer-assisted instruction using a qualitative block diagram based on general systems theory (GST) as a framework. Subject matter representation is discussed, and appendices include system variables and system equations of the GST model, as well as an example of developing flexible courseware. (Contains…

Novak and Iuli [Novak, J. D. & Iuli, R. J. (1991). The use of meta-cognitive tools to facilitate knowledge production. In "A paper presented at the fourth Florida AI research symposium (FLAIRS '91)," Pensacola Beach, FL, May, 1991.] discuss the use of Concept Maps as meta-cognitive tools that help people to think about thinking. This work…

Defines the role of the instructor-user in computer-assisted learning (CAL) and discusses the need to be able to alter and adapt existing CAL software for particular teaching needs. SPELEO, an authoring system developed in France that allows the modification of courseware content, is described. (eight references) (LRW)

Anatomy teaching is undergoing significant changes due to time constraints, limited availability of cadavers and technological developments in the areas of three-dimensional modelling and computer-assisted learning. This paper gives an overview of methods used to teach anatomy to undergraduate medical students and discusses the educational…

Defines prototyping as an original version or model on which a completed software system for computer-based training is formed; examines the development process of a prototype; describes how prototyping can assist in facilitating communication between educational technology, software engineering, and project management; and discusses why…

Describes an intelligent computer-assisted learning system that is able to generate individualized courses of instruction for students with different background knowledge and different purposes. Highlights include system architecture; domain knowledge base and student model; authoring by the teacher; courseware planning; and pedagogical tuning by…

Examines the impact and achievement of the Computers in Teaching Initiative (CTI), a national program developed to foster the effective use of computers in teaching in universities in the United Kingdom. Difficulties in identifying quality software resources are discussed, and management issues that computer use generates in universities are…

Presents reasons for choosing a connected computer system for student use in secondary schools. The systems approach is discussed; two alternatives are compared, a central computer and a local area network (LAN) of microcomputers; software is described; and two scenarios of LAN use are presented. (four references) (LRW)

Discusses the evaluation of instructional computer software. Groups who evaluate software are described, including EPIE (Educational Products Information Exchange); the evaluation process is discussed, including formal and informal software reviews; criteria for software evaluation are considered; and the importance of participation in the review…

Description of Atenea, the Spanish National Project for Computers in Education, focuses on the use of computer simulation and modeling in elementary and secondary education. Highlights include system dynamics, training courses for teachers, a microcomputer-based software package called System Dynamics Simulator for Education (SDSE), and a list of…

Discusses functions of the Alberta (Canada) Computer Technology Project's courseware clearinghouse, reviews findings on instructional software quality, identifies software development trends, and discusses need for support systems to facilitate the incorporation of computer assisted instruction in Canadian schools. (MBR)

Reviews projects aimed at increasing access to software in a variety of languages and cultures, particularly the European Community project EPES (European Pool of Educational Software) that involves 12 nations and 15 languages. Translation methodology is described and possible barriers, including graphics and copyright issues, are considered.…

Discussion of the lack of quality educational software in European countries to support computer-assisted learning (CAL) focuses on a collaboration between England and West Germany to train German software authoring teams. The effectiveness of the collaboration is discussed, and implications for other international collaborations and for software…

Discusses the costs of producing durable educational software in an academic environment and describes an optimized software life cycle that has been implemented at the University of Cambridge (England) Engineering Department. Topics addressed include needs assessment; specifications; program design; implementation and testing; feedback; and…