Recommendations useful to individuals considering or planning the development of a computer based instruction project in higher education are given. Covers a variety of planning aspects, ranging from types of staff needed, on-the-job training, and the need for a funded planning and recruitment phase. (RAO)

Clarifies often misconstrued distinctions with regard to microcomputers, minicomputers, and maxicomputers. Criteria for educational use of microcomputers are examined, including its potential for language and peripheral expansion, and its communication capabilities. (MER)

Describes the design of a management information system that has demonstrated efficacy in the operation of a research project in an educational environment. The four stages in the design of this system were information collection, information organization, information analysis, and information reporting. (RAO)

Describes a methodology for determining the extent of implementation of instructional innovations. The structural equations model used to measure the interaction among teacher, curriculum, and student, is given. (RAO)

Discussion of software engineering for computer-based instruction (CBI) focuses on a model for instructional software development. Highlights include a multidisciplinary team approach; needs analysis; feasibility study; requirement analysis; prototype construction; design phase; implementation and development; testing and evaluation; and project…

Focuses on the use of e-mail games for learning. Discusses terminology; reasons for using virtual games; promoting person-to-person interaction online; how to play an e-mail game, including three examples of specific games; player reactions; design components; the functions for facilitating an e-mail game; and the game as an excuse for debriefing.…

Based on a five-year ethnographic study of the activity of an online, international academic community of practice supported by ListServer technology, this article covers selective findings pertaining to patterns of communication deemed crucial to community building. Implications of learning and collegial support are discussed. (Author/AEF)

This article discusses the importance of private interactions, in which a student works alone with learning materials, and public interactions, in which a group of students engage in discourse around learning materials. While traditional technology requires that designers choose one type of interaction over another, the authors show how handheld…

A look at a math program at Burlington Community College designed to insure competencies and reduce the attrition rate in the program. (HB)

Addresses the problem of making appropriate use of computers in educational settings by describing use of an electronic mail package in a support role for a bachelor's degree business course at Western Australia Institute of Technology. Students' and teachers' views on use of MAIL and its benefits are discussed. (MBR)

Reviews research on effective teacher characteristics and generalizes them to effective microcomputer instruction. Characteristics discussed include allocating adequate time for academic tasks, curriculum pacing, providing supportive and efficient learning environments, use of group management procedures, teaching skills before drill and practice,…

Article discusses the utilization of the computer to enable the teacher to supply alternative activities for the student. (Author)

Author discusses the idea of using student peers as instructional managers in individualized systems for programed instruction. (Author/HB)

Educational media professionals were asked to rank-order individuals, positions, institutions, and journals in the general field of instructional technology for this survey of 350 members of the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT). Responses to the six questions designed to determine centers of influence and prestige…

A plan for a demonstration school is outlined. The design calls for a reallocation of capital and labor resulting in the heavy use of instructional technology and differentiated staffing. Comparisons with traditional schooling show the model to be potentially more cost-effective. (BD)