To explore whether different balances of fiction/non-fiction reading and challenge might help explain differences in reading achievement between genders, data on 45,670 pupils who independently read over 3 million books were analysed. Moderate (rather than high or low) levels of challenge were positively associated with achievement gain, but…

Discusses the advantages of using computer managed instruction (CMI) at all grade levels for record keeping, testing, and providing pupils with formative evaluation and diagnostic feedback. Several CMI software packages for use on different microcomputers, including authoring systems, are described and their prices are given. (EAO)

Discusses the four components of the computer based instructional support program of a Texas school district: (1) computer managed instruction; (2) computer assisted instruction; (3) computer augmented learning; (4) student data computer input. (EKN)

An investigation of the potential for computer-based instructional support (CBIS) for classroom support in the province of Alberta, this study identified three major CBIS applications which would relieve the teacher of some of the administrative workload associated with requirements to provide individualized student instruction: (1) accessibility…

Discusses some of the attributes of microcomputer-based school administration packages that are currently available that can provide small- to medium-size schools with full function computing capabilities for much less cost than mini and mainframe computer systems. (TW)

A brief description of computer managed instruction (CMI), including its applications and capabilities, introduces case studies of schools in the United States that are using three different CMI systems. The first system discussed is the Comprehensive Achievement Monitoring (CAM) Program, which was developed by a small school district (Hopkins,…

Project Impact, a support system for the administrative and instructional staff in the Onondaga-Madison BOCES schools, was designed to support a diagnostic-prescriptive approach in the classroom by providing the information the teacher needs in order to make instructional decisions. It consists of a series of computer programs with a large storage…

Computer-managed instruction (CMI) has potential for helping solve research and instructional management problems. Computer-managed individualized instruction involves the scoring of diagnostic tests, generation of study prescriptions, and record keeping. (JN)

The Learning Outcome Testing Program of the West Virginia Department of Education is designed to provide public school teachers/administrators with test questions matching learning outcomes. The approach, software selection, results of pilot tests with teachers in 13 sites, and development of test items for item banks are described. (SLD)

Microcomputers are influencing the field of school psychology. Current uses include test administration, scoring and interpretation, report writing, data management, statistics, research, time management, telecommunications networks, computer managed and computer assisted instruction, career guidance and large databases. This article reviews…

Presents results of a survey that was conducted to examine the use of computers in the instructional process of Australian distance education. Highlights include computer-managed learning; computer-marked tests; computer-aided learning; expert systems; and relationships between the type of computer usage, the instructors' expectations, and…

Designed to introduce social studies teachers to computers and to suggest ideas for their potential applications in social studies classrooms, this booklet is arranged in various sections. One section describes the origins of the modern computer, another defines computer terminology, and two sections explain computer hardware and computer…

Microcomputer applications for four areas of special education are discussed: (1) information management and decision making for administrators; (2) characteristics of quality second generation computer assisted instructional programs for teachers; (3) communications and early prostheses advances for educators of the severely and multiply…

A teacher's manual for operating the DX System, a software package for use in diagnostic testing programs, is presented. The DX System is constructed to present test items based on the individual student's pattern of responses. Described are: (1) system components designed to run on an Apple II computer; (2) program options allowing the user to…

Indicators of current issues and concerns in the assessment of science teaching and learning outcomes are discussed. The greatest public attention to science test scores is devoted to scores from assessments that are external to schools, including national assessments such as the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), international…