Describes factors involved in designing print support materials for computer-based instruction (CBI) or independent learning. Basic principles of effective instructional design based on principles promoted by Gagne and Briggs are discussed, and a format for organizing a course manual that was developed at Grant MacEwan Community College (Alberta)…

A presentation of a model showing how computers can be used in correspondence study. (HB)

Examines three aspects of computer technology that allow learners to develop cognitive and metacognitive skills and that facilitate learner autonomy: database organization in a self-access facility, computer-assisted language learning, and the use of menus to organize programs and files. An argument is made that technology should neither control…

This research study compared the effects of three instructional methods--collaborative synchronous online communication, asynchronous online communication, and independent study as traditional in grammar translation method--in English reading comprehension. A quasi-experimental research design included pre and post reading comprehension tests for…

AUTOQUEST is a computer aid to independent study. It presents ordinary text to a student at a computer terminal, a paragraph at a time. Using a pattern-matching approach, the system generates a question based on one of the sentences of the text and grades the student's answer. If the student's answer does not match the words of the text, the…

Discusses the potential impact of microcomputers on physics computer-assisted learning in the United Kingdom. Explains some available systems, their requirements, advantages, problems, and the cost involved. (GA)

The Computerized Braille Tutor is an interactive software tutorial that sighted persons can use to learn the literary braille code. The software presents 15 lessons that address different aspects of the literary braille code and include braille-translation exercises, proofreading exercises, and graded self-evaluation proficiency tests. (Author)

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…

The Center for Distance Learning of Empire State College (New York) is piloting online study by offering a course in contemporary American diplomacy entirely through the use of computer conferencing and electronic mail. The computer is used to create a learning environment where course participants can interact with each other and with the…

Appeared originally in "This Magazine Is about Schools, vol. 2, no. 3.

This catalog lists materials useful in teaching patrons how to use the library. The materials were prepared by librarians, by state departments of education, and by commercial firms. Many of them are introductions to specific libraries, but some cover general topics like use of the card catalog and bibliographies. Although some of the materials…

This program offers a collection of interactive lessons and examples designed to help students learn to spell 2000 words. The program's multimedia tutorial style provides a challenging and enjoyable way to improve spelling skills. In the quizzes, exercises, and games in the program, the student can both hear how the words are pronounced and see…

The first of three successive classes of beginning physical therapy students (n=17) completed traditional cadaver anatomy lecture/lab; the next 17 a self-study computerized anatomy lab, and the next 20 both lectures and computer lab. No differences in study times and course or licensure exam performance appeared. Computerized self-study is a…

Computer-assisted language-learning literature points to a need for experimentation with innovative learning structures to realize the full potential of recent technological developments. Reports on a research project that addresses these concerns by exploring the experiences of 23 French second-language learners as they worked independently with…

A description is provided of Los Angeles Valley College's Life Science Learning Center (LSLC), which provides: (1) a resource center addressed to the individualized learning needs of students served by the Biology Department; (2) a learning environment enabling students to proceed in self-paced, activity-centered, concept-oriented experiences in…