In this article, the author looks to the past for trends in hardware, software, networking, and education and attempt to extrapolate where they are going and what their broad implications might be. However, there are many different ways that trends can be interpreted, and it is easy to pick trends that support one's thesis and ignore ones that…

The TICCIT command language is a synthesis between work in instructional psychology and cybernetics, and broadens the degrees of control available to students well beyond the capabilities of existing CAI systems. Student control commands manipulate important instructional variables and information is provided to guide the student's choice of…

A full investigation into how and why the expression of potential benefits of computers in schools is hindered would need to consider many aspects, but one point that should be considered is the ever-tightening integration of educational institutions into the global economy. Evidence of the accelerating assimilation of schools into the economy…

A colloquium, held by the New England Education Data Systems (NEEDS), resulted in five papers which explore some underdeveloped aspects of computer use in education. Gifted children are sometimes described as having an awareness of the learning process itself. Computers, with their capability to do multivariate analysis and simulate environments,…

It has been claimed that in the near future computers and their accompanying new technology will solve the outstanding problems of education. The authors believe that the problems of implementation, costs, and reliability may slow if not prevent the rapid assimilation of the new educational technology into the average school system. They also…

A classification scheme for multimedia interaction is described based on the degree of control and type of cognitive engagement experienced by learners in prescriptive, democratic, and cybernetic independent learning environments. Reactive, proactive, and mutual levels of interaction and their associated functions and transactions are discussed.…

Examines the ways that hypertext technology is changing the understanding and teaching of literature. Hypertext routinely provides links from the literary text to critical commentary, graphic material, and biographical information. Includes a brief example of hypertext experimental fiction. (MJP)

Describes an interactive computer simulation where the student assumes the role of a reporter searching for a missing biologist in Columbia. The search involves simulated news broadcasts, documentary footage, and interviews with Colombians, all in Spanish. The student accesses help via electronic archives (translated words) and faxing the editor.…

An issue of "Soviet Cybernetics: Recent News Items" consists of English translations of the leading recent Soviet contributions to the study of cybernetics. Articles deal with cybernetics in the 21st Century; the Soviet State Committee on Science and Technology; economic reforms in Rudnev's ministry; an interview with Rudnev; Dnepr-2; Dnepr-2…

A set of 31 articles has been organized to provide a basis for understanding instructional technology--the use of instructional methods as they are integrated into the total program system. Several major areas are examined: the social and cultural implications of technology; the characteristics of readily available audiovisual media and their…