Analyzes the responses to a questionnaire survey conducted at Liverpool University to determine the state of courseware development and the use of computer-based teaching (CBT) throughout the university. Highlights include the need for technical support; the need for collaboration and better communication to prevent duplication of effort; and time…

Describes the development of a hypertext-based library instruction program at Algonquin College (Ottawa) that used a shareware program called Simply Help! for developing help screens. Topics include a prototype program; pilot testing the library instruction, including faculty response and student surveys; and evaluation after full implementation.…

Describes a preliminary evaluation of classroom use of compact disc interactive (CD-I) and Commodore Dynamic Total Vision (CDTV) interactive media systems. Information is provided on the pedagogical, operational, and logistical characteristics of these media compared to interactive video. Problems of poorly designed or inappropriate software and…

Argues that a mix of quantitative and qualitative measures is most efficacious in library collection analysis. Cases drawn from the literature in which a combination of these measures was profitably applied are considered, and the types of software packages for purposes of data manipulation are discussed. (Contains 15 references.) (KRN)

Describes a study of 647 preservice teachers in Ontario that used the Computer Ability Survey (CAS) to assess 4 components of computer literacy: software ability, awareness, programming skill, and perceived control. Correlations and validity for the CAS are discussed, and results of a principal-components factor analysis are reported. (Contains 39…

Describes policies formulated by the Chinese government that use information technology to facilitate the development of scientific and technical information activities. Highlights include online information retrieval; the construction of databases, including Chinese language, numeric, and Chinese trade and technology databases; the development of…

Provides a methodology for selection of an expert support system (ESS) in an emergency management training environment. A decision matrix construct for selection of an ESS for casualty disposition training at Emergency Preparedness Canada is presented, and four system options of simulation models that deal with emergency management are described.…

Outlines the development of a strategy that applies quality management techniques to a training development program based on experiences at Lloyds Bank (United Kingdom). Topics discussed include computer-based training and software development; environmental influences affecting standards development; quality control; assessment against the…

Investigates the applicability of Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) to non-English speakers. The GDDS described may be the first to provide automatic translation among languages. Although the translations are not perfect, the system provides a beginning step into the electronic support of multilingual groups. (16 references) (Author/CK)

BUDCAT/MEDIT software mounted on Digital Equipment Corporation VAX equipment at the University of Saskatchewan Library has proven to be effective for rapidly creating a database for the collection of government publications. Simplified records and the ease of using this system have made it possible to create a database with only minimal additional…

English teachers developed several activities for their ninth- and tenth-grade students using basic word processing capabilities. The materials described include guided writing (a job application form); passages involving cloze and pair work; relating details from a story; and work with a song and its written text. (CNP)

Offers some strategies for enabling science teachers to make better use of data-logging methods. These ideas are grounded in the belief that science teachers are expert lesson planners. Benefits gained for students using data-logging techniques are more likely to be secured through teachers re-interpreting their planning approaches in the new…

Presents the key design concepts of a software project whose objective is to provide a simple, cheap, and efficient solution for showing slides during lessons in computer labs. Contains 26 references. (DDR)

Introduces a computer-assisted language-learning system called L2tutor that is designed to provide an immersion experience to travelers before they leave on a trip to a country where a different language is spoken. The learner takes part in a fully mixed-initiative dialog with the system to gain fluency and hone vocabulary and grammatical skills.…

Recent interest in computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has been accompanied by an expansion in the demand for CALL centers. The planning and creation of these facilities present educators and administrators with a unique set of challenges. This article highlights these factors and illustrates how a CALL center can be successfully…