Discusses the movement toward digital-based platforms including full-motion video for multimedia products. Hardware- and software-based compression techniques for digital data storage are considered, and a chart summarizes features of Digital Video Interactive, Moving Pictures Experts Group, P x 64, Joint Photographic Experts Group, Apple…

Found that a preschool girls' microcomputer group did not show more positive gender-role attitudes toward computers on a posttest when compared with a girls' control group. With equivalent instruction designed to hold the interest of girls, boys completed a significantly greater number of LOGO tasks than girls after the intervention. (Author/KS)

Discusses the interrelationships of the concepts of adaptability and portability of educational software. A conceptual framework for adaptable educational software is offered, a seven-stage model of adaptation is presented, and the research approach of the USE project in the Netherlands--which is concerned with the development and use of adaptable…

Explains flexible cognition theory and the use of hypertext to encourage multiple representations. Describes a prototypical hypertext/multimedia computer program using flexible cognition to help learners apply principles, interpret relationships, state inferences, test hypotheses, and formulate conclusions. (SK)

Presents results of CAMCE (Computer-Aided Multimedia Courseware Engineering) project research concerned with definition of a methodology to describe a systematic approach for multimedia courseware development. Discussion covers the CAMCE methodology, requirements of an advanced authoring environment, use of an object-based model in the CAMCE…

Outlines seven factors that should be considered in the selection of an integrated learning system (ILS): the vendor's educational philosophy; provision of courseware updates; courseware offerings, management systems, customization, and online tools; availability and cost of maintenance support; reasonable terms of procurement; the personnel and…

This article discusses the use and value of text reconstruction (TR) programs in second-language instruction. TR involves the complete, on-screen replacement of a short text by dashes, with the learner restoring the original text by typing in missing letters and words. TR may assist learners gain language competence as part of a sequence of…

Discusses instructional design and describes the development of a support system for course design called AGD (French acronym for Didactic Engineering Workbench). Highlights include categories of computer tools that support course design, including computer-assisted instruction, instructional design expert systems, and job aids; knowledge modeling…

A literature review identified strengths and weaknesses of the Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System, a computerized adult literacy program, concluding that it showed no consistent achievement effects. Far less expensive technologies that could achieve the same goals with greater flexibility are available. (SK)

A brief overview considers the main issues of computer use in the English-as-a-Second-Language class--getting started with an appropriate program, modifying the programs for students, planning lessons, and future possibilities. (six references) (CNP)

Some practical suggestions for using Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) are presented to help teachers overcome difficulties with jargon and logistics. They cover selecting hardware, obtaining software (commercial and authoring), organizing resources, training, and implementation. (17 references) (LB)

Defines courseware engineering (CE) and discusses how it differs from software engineering. Topics addressed include the goals of courseware engineering; a classification of tasks; costs; aspects of knowledge representation; the structure of knowledge in CE; processes in knowledge acquisition; and knowledge base validation. (Contains 48…

Before buying an integrated learning system, DeKalb (Georgia) County Schools developed a one-year pilot program to evaluate available products and select the best system. Performance assessment was based on three factors: student achievement, teachers' classroom management experiences, and district personnel's experiences in implementing and…

Describes the features, advantages, and disadvantages of current hypermedia systems, and discusses types of systems, development environments, desirable features, and library and media center uses. An annotated list of hypermedia products, a list of associations and services for further information, a 36-item bibliography, and historical notes on…

Describes a hypercard stackware program called "Towards the Metapersonal Essay," produced collaboratively by a writing instructor and a professional computer analyst. Explains what the stackware does and how it might be used in the classroom. Concludes with some thoughts on the meeting of educational theory and computer technology…