Observations in Australian classrooms suggest that for most teachers the content and method of curriculum has changed little as a result of the proliferation of new information technologies. In many instances there has been considerable resistance and reluctance to embrace the use of new technologies to support the teaching and learning process.…

Five computer programs for the Macintosh that are geared for Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) are described. All five programs allow the teacher to input material. The first program allows entry of new vocabulary lists including definition, a sentence in which the exact word is used, a fill-in-the-blank exercise, and the word's phonetics…

Designed to assist the educator in making informed decisions about the quality and selection of instructional microcomputer software, this annotated bibliography examines literature dealing with the need for software evaluation, evaluation criteria, and the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction. Introductory materials provide a brief…

Instructional designers who are asked to convert existing training materials into computer-based training (CBT) must take special precautions to avoid making the product into a sophisticated page turner. Although conversion may save considerable time on subject research and analysis, courses to be delivered through microcomputers may require…

Arguing that the production system for computer courseware has a strong impact on quality courseware development, this report offers an introduction into the relationships between instructional system design and software engineering, and investigates courseware quality as a means of identifying quality enhancement factors that can make the…

This description of the use of "probeware," i.e., hardware which connects to a microcomputer and works with the software to measure factors such as temperature, light, or motion in science laboratory experiments, uses as an example an experiment which would involve the measurement of pendulum motion using the "Precision Timer…

This paper presents examples of effective uses of microcomputers to support basic statistics instruction. All programs are written in Applesoft BASIC for Apple II Plus microcomputers and compatible equipment. They have been field tested in statistics courses at the University of Maryland. Microcomputers can be used with color monitors for…

This report provides a general overview of available courseware for computer assisted instruction by examining the distribution of these packages across grade level, hardware type, instructional mode, and subject areas, including art, business education, computer science, language arts, foreign language, mathematics, science, social studies,…

A case study discusses factors influencing the selection of microcomputer instructional software for a cerebral palsied 6-year-old boy. Complete descriptive information is provided for 25 software programs selected in language arts, mathematics, problem solving, communication, and music. (JW)

Teachers often have difficulty finding the time to develop or find quality software for classroom use. One solution to this problem is to have advanced microcomputer students produce software. Suggestions for teachers to use in implementing microcomputers into the classroom are offered. (DF)

Examines characteristics of the successful computer assisted instruction (CAI) author, including knowledge required and time for planning, developing, and testing. Obstacles to successful teacher-author are described, including need for extensive training and uninterrupted free time. An alternative approach of teamwork between computer…

The characteristics of videodisc technology are outlined, and a project undertaken to create an interactive videodisc for French language instruction is described, including the efforts to eliminate physical barriers between the computer and the user, pedagogical strategy and material, programing technicalities, and other details of production.…

Effectiveness of microcomputer-assisted instruction is based on availability of quality instructional programs. Important characteristics of high quality instructional software is offered for health educators. (Author/DF)

Describes a computer-assisted instructional (CAI) program to accompany a 15-week, college-level, introductory lecture course on the scientific principles of mammalian nutrition. The nature of the program is discussed, and examples of how it operates are provided. Comments on the evaluation of the program are also provided. (JN)

Many current software systems for authoring interactive microcomputer/video instructional materials have noticeable drawbacks. Advantages of interactive software systems are examined and a research project to develop interactive video authoring tools without the drawbacks is described. (JN)