This article provides a rationale for educators to use multimedia computer technologies to create individualized computer-based instructional materials for students with autism. Software design guidelines based on empirical research are presented, along with detailed descriptions of two multimedia authoring systems for educators. Suggestions focus…

Reviews the potential relationship between visualization and effective instruction. Highlights include the use of graphical user interfaces for enhancing visual communication, integrating visual communication into courseware design, theoretical principles of visual communication, empirical research needs, AIME (amount of invested mental effort),…

Emphasizes that the introduction of new technologies in the learning process of second languages should entail more didactic efficiency, educational effectiveness and pedagogical efficacy. Describes the Didascalia framework of criteria for added value. This framework requires an accurate, objective and adaptable specification of the added value of…

To determine whether online training courses are effective, companies should evaluate training software when considering its purchase or development. Author describes the development and use of an instrument for evaluating online courses created by AT&T's Network Operations Education and Training organization. Also includes the On-Line…

Reports on the exploratory phase of a computer assisted language learning project designed to provide a package enabling students of German as a second language to develop their reading and writing skills, learn new vocabulary and syntactical structure, and enhance their competence in the production of text commentary. (Six references) (Author/CK)

Computer-based teaching is ineffective when instructional systems are designed emphasizing technology rather than course information. In view of this, the development of NEAT (Integrated Environment for Authoring in ToolBook) at Acadia University (Nova Scotia) is discussed. Other topics include intelligent tutoring systems, a question repository…

Examines student-computer dialog specification and management, an aspect of learning environment design tasks, and shows that it is possible to define decisional latitude intervals in which students may work. Dialog specification is made with a design method, "Diane+," that allows simulation of the evolution of the student's level and evaluation…

This special section explains the latest developments in networking technologies, profiles school districts benefiting from successful implementations, and reviews new products for building networks. Highlights include ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), cable modems, networking switches, Internet screening software, file servers, network management…

This guide is meant to help educators assess elementary schools' technology programs and determine their needs in this area. A list of questions and guidelines for conducting a needs assessment is provided to ensure enough classroom up-to-date computer workstations and to evaluate the need for a technology resource center. A catalog with…

Presents a multimedia software package for teaching Indonesian listening comprehension and culture and reports the findings of an evaluative study of learner use of the software package. Asserts that there was a clear increase in comfort and confidence levels among learners using technology and high proficiency learners showed higher awareness of…

Randomly assigned first-year chemical engineering students to a treatment group using R.E.S.U.L.T.S. [copyright] study skills software and a comparison group. Examined pre-university and first-term academic performance, student goals, use of time, self assessments, and feedback. Although improvements in post-treatment performance were observed,…

Six students in a teacher preparation program for students with visual impairments were taught via an interactive video, audio, and data network system and a Web-based course-management software package. Students were positive about the interactive video system, and those with moderate/high technology skills reported positive outcomes from the…

Describes three encyclopedias available on CD-ROM: (1) Grolier's Electronic Encyclopedia; (2) World Book's Information Finder; and (3) Compton's Multimedia Encyclopedia. Ideas for how they might be used in the classroom are suggested, information retrieval versus motivation is discussed, learning processes are examined, and stand-alone versus…

Surveyed 800 randomly selected classroom teachers who were members of the National Council for the Social Studies on the following questions: Are computers available for use in social studies classes? If available, are they used? How are they used? and What are teachers' attitudes regarding computers and the training to use them? Tables of…

The word processor is an effective tool for students composing poetry because of the formatting features and the ease of revision. This article includes several poetry writing activities and identifies software which can be utilized in teaching students to write poetry. (IAH)