The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) is a distance education university with about 22,500 students. In fulfilling its mission, the university has adopted various Web-based and electronic means to support distance learning. For instance, OUHK uses a Web-based course management system (CMS) to provide students with a flexible way to obtain course…

As the quality of authoring software increases, online course developers become less reliant on proprietary learning management systems, and develop skills in the design of original, in-house materials and the delivery platforms for them. This report examines the capabilities of digital authoring software tools for the development of learning…

This paper explores the Web 2.0 ethos with respect to the application of pedagogy within 3D online virtual environments. 3D worlds can create a synthetic experience capturing the essence of "being" in a particular world or context. The AliveX3D platform adopts the Web 2.0 ethos and applies it to online 3D virtual environment forming a Web…

The INVEST learning system is a computer-based program offering developmental courses in reading, mathematics, writing, life skills, and learning skills. As part of a joint project sponsored by the League for Innovation in the Community College (LICC), the American College Testing Program, and the INVEST Corporation, California's San Diego Miramar…

There are two major concerns about the teaching of high school biology. One is the degree to which students memorize laws, facts, and principles, and the second involves the role of the classroom teacher. These aspects result in a discrepancy between the theory and practice of science education. The purpose of this report is to provide: (1) a…

A survey of 173 Canadian modern language departments concerning the extent of computer use for teaching, the kinds of hardware and software used, and instructor and student satisfaction with computer-assisted language instruction is reported. Canadian-developed authoring systems are also discussed. A table of CALL CALL courseware and the…

Describes the design and delivery of a college course for information system students utilizing a Computer-Aided Software Engineering program. Discusses class assignments, cooperative learning, student attitudes, and the advantages of using this software in the course. (CW)

The "PLATO[R] Math Expeditions" and "PLATO[R] Projects for the Real World" curricula are designed to implement effective, research-based instructional practices. "Math Expeditions" is designed to give elementary grade users the mathematics skills and practice needed to solve real-life problems. Across the eight…

This Technical Paper focuses on the new PLATO[R] reading curricula which represent an innovation in the computer-based teaching of basic reading skills and advanced reading comprehension strategies for adults and young adults in secondary and postsecondary academic settings, as well as adult/job skills training. The first section is divided into…

This paper provides a balanced set of guidelines for reviewing educational software, and offers a simple and practical procedure that can be used to select software for instructional purposes. The procedure applies equally well to individual "titles" or to large-scale curriculum-based systems. It applies to software delivered on a CD-ROM, through…

This British guide contains reviews of software available for Basic Skills, including English for Speakers of Other Languages, in both education and training for employment. In addition, it offers guidance on how to use software effectively to develop basic skills. Section 1 provides information about the following aspects of the guide: computers…

Notes muMATH is a powerful computer algebra systems assistant for performing symbol manipulation in algebra and calculus. Provides several examples and program listings for calculus tutoring, differentiation drill problems, and integration drill problems. (MVL)

Describes a database courseware using the HyperCard program on the subject of human reproductive endocrinology and feedback mechanisms. Discusses some issues concerning database courseware development. Presents several examples of the courseware display. (Author/YP)

Reviews a software planetarium package called "Sky Travel." Includes two audiovisuals: "Conquest of Space" and "Windows on Science: Earth Science"; and four books: "Small Energy Sources: Choices that Work,""Stonehenge Complete,""Uneasy Careers and Intimate Lives: Women in Science…

Provides a short BASIC program, RANVAR, which generates random variates for various theoretical probability distributions. The seven variates include: uniform, exponential, normal, binomial, Poisson, Pascal, and triangular. (MVL)