The author presents guidelines for the selection of statistical analysis software given to graduate students to work independently. Criteria for a good teaching program are delineated. Several software programs are evaluated: STATMASTER, Statistics and Probability, Monte Carlo Simulations, Survey Sampling, KEYSTAT, CAPSAS: Computer Assisted…

Describes an Applesoft computer program which determines the shear and moment diagrams for any combination of four different load configurations on a simply supported beam. Examples of different load configurations and the diagrams produced are included. Also included is the program listing. (JN)

Discusses how using intelligent agents (sets of independent software tools designed to help a user better interact with a computer application) in a course-management software (CMS) environment can diminish some of the current limitations of the CMS systems used in distance education. (EV)

The faculty of biochemistry established an integrated teaching strategy for biotechnology specialty students, by intermeshing the case-study method, web-assistant teaching, and improved lecture format with a brief content and multimedia courseware. Teaching practice showed that the integrated teaching strategy could retain the best features of…

This paper traces the genesis of the MIT OpenCourseWare project from its initial strategic precursors in 1999 and 2000, through its launch in 2001 and its subsequent evolution. The story told here illuminates the interplay among institutional leadership, and strategic planning, and with university culture in launching major educational technology…

Distance education course designers working alone often do not have the luxury of fully developing their instruction before releasing their courses to students. The Individual Iterative Instructional Design (I3D) model is useful for educators who both develop and present their distance learning instructional units in areas ranging from higher…

There is no shortage of online learning platforms available today. Whether it is Blackboard (www.blackboard.com), Desire2Learn (www.desire2learn.com), Sakai (www.sakaiproject.org), Moodle (www.moodle.org), Angel Learning (www.angellearning.com), Datatel (projected to be a CMS player in Q4 2008; www.datatel.com, or another product, chances are that…

This bibliography lists reviews of more than 100 instructional software packages, which are arranged alphabetically by discipline. Information provided for each entry includes the topical emphasis, type of software (i.e., simulation, tutorial, analysis tool, test generator, database, writing tool, drill, plotting tool, videodisc), the journal…

Formulated as questions, these guidelines set forth criteria for use in determining the adequacy of an instructional software product. These questions are presented as they relate to five major areas: (1) the intended purpose of the software; (2) the intended audience; (3) the content of the program; (4) the quality of the instructions; and (5)…

Explains how a microcomputer-based algebra software system, muMATH, can be used to help students understand the theory of convergence of infinite series. Examples are given to illustrate nth term test, ratio test, comparison test, integral test, and Raabe's test. (10 references) (LRW)

Discusses software that educators can use to teach about distortions associated with alternative map projections. Examines the Projection, MicroCAM, World, and Atlas-GIS software programs. Suggests using the software in either introductory or more advanced courses dealing with map design or thematic cartography. Explains how to obtain the…

The authors discuss computer-assisted instruction from the perspective of program-format and courseware users and provide examples of computer-assisted instruction in the health field. Benefits and limitations of various formats are presented. They also discuss the future of computer-assisted instruction. (Author/CH)

In an industrial technology course combining face-to-face instruction with WebCT courseware, 57 students were surveyed. The majority were first-time courseware users; 78.6% found it useful; 52.6% had no technical problems; 57.9% would enroll in a distance course using WebCT as the only contact with the instructor. (Contains 14 references.) (SK)

Describes paperless classes developed at Carleton College that augment traditional classes by giving students and faculty the ability to share digital course-related materials via the campus computer network. Presents a case study of a managerial economics course, and includes problems with various aspects of the course and solutions. (LRW)

Describes how course management software systems that ease professors' administrative workload are becoming easier to use, as well as more expensive. (EV)