Recent research and current trends in the field of computers and education are reflected in this collection of reviewed papers, tutorials, panels, project presentations and other sessions. More than 80 papers are grouped in the following topic areas: administrative applications, composition and literature, computing for the learning disabled or…

Based on the premise that the production strategy and the production approach have a strong impact on quality courseware development, a survey was conducted in 1987 to evaluate the development processes used for computer-assisted instruction curriculum materials. Questionnaires were sent to 64 institutions of higher education in England, the…

Weaknesses in educational software currently available in the domain of mathematics are discussed. A technique that was used for the design and production of mathematics software aimed at improving problem-solving skills which combines sound pedagogy and innovative programming is presented. To illustrate the design portion of this technique, a…

With the introduction of computers into education, learning is becoming a student-centered process actively directed by the students themselves, rather than a teacher-centered process in which students receive information passively. This situation requires a substantial reassessment of concepts of curriculum and courseware development. This…

This study investigated short term information retention of college biology students who used computer assisted instruction (CAI) with students who studied the same subject matter in printed form. An introductory computer program on photophosphorylation (the light reactions of photosynthesis) was written in Applesoft Basic for the Apple II…

This guide gives step-by-step directions for authoring computer-assisted instruction materials as well as advice on planning, designing, coding, documenting, and evaluating computer assisted courseware. The importance of prospective courseware designers having a sound background in both educational theory and practice is also discussed, and…

The teacher inservice training manual described here focuses on teacher training in sequential development of individualized learning modules for computer-assisted instruction. The intent of the manual is to help the teacher recognize, design, develop, and assess individualized learning materials. This descriptive report provides information on…

Describes the development of a microcomputer simulation program that uses a fictional country to teach students about societal processes in developing nations. The discussion covers design objectives, the design process, and further possibilities for this type of simulation. (CLB)

This discussion of the use of microcomputers by mentally handicapped learners focuses on software availability and selection. Criteria for evaluating software are given, including considerations of visual display, reading level, program design, drill and practice opportunities, positive reinforcement, format variety, graphics, instructional…

Discusses the findings of four studies that examined the use of microcomputers in special education classrooms. Surveys, interviews, and observations were used to discover software currently in use with handicapped learners, the instructional design limitations of software, and the potential impact of computer-assisted instruction on handicapped…

Discusses LITTRE, a series of computer programs for learning translation (English and French) at the university level by encouraging an investigative approach. The programs were most effective when the computer stood in a "triangular" relationship with teacher and class: a relationship which allows the teacher, not the computer, to…

Describes and compares 12 microcomputer-based authority languages and systems that are being marketed to elementary and secondary school teachers to assist them in developing their own courseware for computer-assisted instruction. Evaluation criteria are reviewed, and future development and research needs are discussed. (Author/LRW)

Describes design and production of the award-winning software used to control Great Britain's Open University Materials Science videodisc, the Teddy Bear Disc, which is used to teach undergraduate students about materials engineering. The disc is designed for use in one-week sessions, which students attend in July or August. (MBR)

This program for the 1994 Association for Learning Technology Conference provides a conference schedule and summarizes the presentations of the discussion workshops, hands-on workshops, live demonstrations, and poster sessions. Abstracts of the following papers presented at the conference are included: "The Conceptualisation Cycle" (J.…

The purpose of this research is to tailor the design of information and communications technology (ICT) training material to the needs of Chinese language arts teachers such that the training they receive will be conducive to effective integration of ICT into instruction. Eighteen experienced teachers participated in a Delphi-like survey that…