The director of an educational technology center, who maintains that much of today's computer courseware is of low quality, provides a checklist of points which can be used to identify educationally viable software then outlines two future scenarios for academia, illustrating the results of courseware selection. (JN)

Presents an outline for an inservice teacher training program on computer-assisted instruction that focuses on curriculum goals and identifying student problems. (MD)

Discussion of the use of computers in schools focuses on a training and support project in using microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) techniques for secondary science teachers in the state of Hawaii. Results are reported for MBL use, teachers' perceptions of the usefulness of MBL, and needs for program improvement. (20 references) (LRW)

Description of HyperCard focuses on uses for instructional designers and performance technologists. The theoretical background that includes cognitive psychology and futuristic thinking is presented, and three main uses of HyperCard are discussed: (1) as a database management program, (2) as a vehicle for implementing hypermedia, and (3) as an…

Examines the role of microcomputers in promoting oral language development. The potential for computer-assisted instruction is discussed in relation to theory and research in language development, available software is described, and the interaction of children with microcomputers to create a language learning environment is discussed. (22…

Examines implications from cognitive psychology which are important for the design of microcomputer-based instructional simulations. Topics addressed include cognitive structure, including schemata and mental models; cognitive and metacognitive strategies; automaticity of cognitive processes; and affect, or the motivational appeal. (Contains 86…

Presents two articles: "Your In-Class Communication Center" and "New Software Programs." The first suggests three ways for teachers to use their word processing program to generate standard forms, produce a class newsletter, and create a homework checklist for each student. The second presents information on software programs (grade level, focus,…

Describes desktop video production that can be used for educational and/or training needs. Recent trends in video communication are examined; desktop analog video production and relevant production products are described; and the future possibilities of desktop digital video production are considered, including digital image compression. (two…

Discussion of new technological resources available for science instruction focuses on the use of the HyperCard software for the Macintosh to design customized materials. Topics addressed include general features of HyperCard, designing HyperCard stacks, graphics, and designing buttons (i.e., links for moving through the stacks). Several sample…

Discusses issues involved with buying and using multimedia authoring programs. Six programs are compared: (1) MediaText, (2) HyperCard, (3) LinkWay Live!, (4) AmigaVision, (5) Director, and (6) Multimedia Desktop. Highlights include the use of multimedia in education, sequential versus hierarchical organization, price, system requirements, digital…

Describes the CALM (Computer Aided Learning in Mathematics) Project developed at the Heriot-Watt University (Scotland) for teaching calculus; reports on the next phase of CALM following further funding from British industry; and discusses future possibilities through the work of the United Kingdom Mathematics Courseware Consortium. (Contains eight…

Describes the Knowledge Gateway Project (KGP), a program that emphasizes intensive use of computer technology to help at-risk high school students. Teacher training in the use of Macintosh computers and appropriate software is discussed, self-paced lessons are described, and changes in student behavior are reviewed. (LRW)

Describes a study at a secondary school in Glasgow (Scotland) in which teacher-pupil and pupil-pupil pairs of users collaboratively used eight commercial educational software programs, four related to mathematics and four to English language teaching, to determine whether software style affects patterns of interactions. (23 references) (LRW)

Describes a study of undergraduates that compared three strategies for indicating links in a hypermedia system to determine their effect on learner navigation and learner perceptions of ease of use. Highlights include three linking display types; the density of links; elaboration types; time intervals; and implications for hypermedia system…

Discusses the use of microcomputer applications software in education, reviews the literature involving studies on the development of problem-solving skills and on the instructional use of spreadsheets, and describes a project for secondary school students using spreadsheets that provides cognitive support. (Contains 35 references.) (LRW)