Discussion of the use of instructional videodiscs focuses on authoring tools that can change the original purpose of a disc. Ways in which videodiscs can be repurposed are described, including classroom presentations, testing, and interactive lesson design. Examples of videodisc software for each purpose are given. (LRW)

Three articles discuss the development, availability, uses, and future of authoring systems. An overview of 74 authoring software packages is provided that includes vendors and costs; Crowell describes the development of interactive software, including programing and authoring languages; and Bork describes tools for developing technology-based…

Follows the development of hypertext which is the electronic movement of large amounts of text. Probes the use of the Macintosh HyperCard and its applications in education. Notes programs are stackable in the computer. Provides tool, resource, and stack directory along with tips for using HyperCard. (MVL)

Advantages and disadvantages of word processing as a tool for teaching written self-expression to students with learning disabilities are discussed, research on its effectiveness is examined, available word-processing programs are reviewed, and guidelines for software selection are provided. (Author/MSE)

Discusses computer software as an instructional means of enhancing curricular goals associated with creativity. Theoretical literature on creativity is reviewed; LOGO is discussed as a program to improve creativity in school children; and some ways to enhance instruction to improve the creative process are suggested. (29 references) (Author/LRW)

Describes a three-dimensional computer aided design software package, CADKEY, for demonstrating orthographic orthodirectional projection theory to a classroom. Provides several figures for showing the demonstrations. (Author/YP)

Discusses the various needs of chemistry classes in community colleges. Describes a tutorial package using computers. Reports the students' verbal evaluations and a drop in the dropout rate. (YP)

Discussion of the use of computers in education focuses on the development of a fully distributed computer environment at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The software, NEOS (Networked Educational Online System) is described, and its use in an engineering and scientific writing course and in an essay course is explained. (LRW)

Computer-assisted studies (CAS) attract foreign language professionals' attention due to the reliability of personal computers, the decreasing cost of available technology, and the new generation of students for whom electronic media are a familiar habitat. This article focuses on a project of the Defense Language Institute that produced over…

Presents an approach to computer science teaching developed at the University of Warwick (England), in which students can choose different tools and techniques according to their needs and preferences; the approach allows the system to evolve with advances in technology. Describes the software designed for the automatic submission of assignments…

Discussion of the time needed to create computer-based instruction focuses on descriptive analyses of production data gathered from novice instructional designers and novice authors who used a commercial authoring system to produce computer-based lessons. Production ratios are explained, and future research plans are discussed. (Contains five…

Reports the results of a study that examined the patterns of interactions of high school student partners engaged in problem-solving activities while working through computer simulation activities in an astronomy lab. Observations, interviews with teachers and students, and a software program evaluation are discussed. (LRW)

Reviews the current literature and describes a study of computer-based training (CBT) effectiveness for teaching microcomputer software in a college-level business class. Students were divided into an experimental class (using CBT) and a control group (using traditional lectures). Results indicated experimental students perform as well as control…

One teacher's experiences with second-language instructional technology are recounted, including language labs, computer-assisted instruction, videotapes, personal computers, laser discs, and compact discs. The value of and potential uses for interactive multimedia are outlined. (LB)

Asserts that a new generation of software authoring applications has led to improvements in the development of economics education software. Describes new software development applications and discusses how to use them. Concludes that object-oriented programming helps economists develop their own courseware. (CFR)