Considers the concept of virtual reality; reviews its history; describes general uses of virtual reality, including entertainment, medicine, and design applications; discusses classroom uses of virtual reality, including a software program called Virtus WalkThrough for use with a computer monitor; and suggests future possibilities. (34 references)…

Examines the current status and short-term future of computer software development in higher education. Topics discussed include educational advantages of software; current program development techniques, including object oriented programming; and market trends, including IBM versus Macintosh and multimedia programs. (LRW)

Reviews the current status of educational software. Only a small percentage of programs available is of high quality. The potential of educational computing is at a crucial juncture during the next two years. (MD)

Discusses present and future developments in the educational software industry for elementary and secondary schools. Topics discussed include problems with making software work on a variety of hardware; planning future development; the widespread use of Apple computers; MS-DOS machines; computer networks; and multimedia. (LRW)

Describes integrated learning systems (ILSs) and their impact on education. Topics discussed include courseware; curriculum areas; instructional strategies; ILS management systems; and future trends, including IBM versus Macintosh, multimedia, networked software, and curriculum design. (LRW)

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)

Explains the University of Minnesota Learning Software Design Competition, focusing on its goals and emphasis on innovation. Describes the review process to evaluate and judge the software, lists the winners, identifies a new class of educational software, and outlines plans for future competitions. (Author/LRW)

Examines the history, characteristics, and value of designed instruction that is grounded in behaviorist, cognitive science, and constructivist theory. Changes that have allowed developmental phases of instructional design are considered, including instructional design methodology, physical technology, and programing mechanisms used to develop…

Describes a study that analyzed the evolution of microcomputer-based instructional software for grades K-12 published from 1981-88. Four companies identified their most popular software and their most technically advanced software. Products in each category were analyzed to develop a chronology of the evolution of instructional software and to…

Examines the current state of computer-based music instruction and the sophistication of available courseware. Discusses the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), speculating on the effects it might have upon the arts, education, and culture. Explores the potential that new technology holds for helping all people realize their artistic…

Argues that a special type of software (i.e., mindware) is needed to prepare students for life and work in the knowledge-based society of the 21st Century. Sees mindware as enabling students to experience the full range of inquiry skills, from data gathering to analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. (DMM)

Discusses differences between computer-enhanced learning (CEL) and computer-aided learning (CAL), and describes a microcomputer-based graph-plotting program called Capgraph that was developed for use in a college calculus course. Results of a course evaluation are presented; student attitudes are described; and future considerations are discussed.…

Discussion of artificial intelligence (AI) and expert systems focuses on their use in education. Characteristics of good expert systems are explained; computer software programs that contain applications of AI are described, highlighting one used to help educators identify learning-disabled students; and the future of AI is discussed. (LRW)

Reports on the results of a 1985 survey of two-year community colleges that was conducted to determine the use of personal computers in accounting courses. Types of hardware and software used are discussed, planned purchases are indicated, courses using microcomputers are described, and future use is explored. (four references) (LRW)

Examines the use of small-scale databases for introductory economic and social science statistics in higher education. The results of a research project at Portsmouth Polytechnic that used a specially written database are reported, the use of spreadsheets is discussed, and future considerations are suggested. (17 references) (LRW)