Describes the implementation of a trajectory-plotting program for a microcomputer; shows how it may be used to demonstrate the focusing effect of a simple electrostatic lens. The computer program is listed and diagrams are included that show comparisons of trajectories of negative charges in the vicinity of positive charges. (TW)

Presents examples of didactic computer software developed in a college of engineering, along with a discussion of pedagogical and systems considerations. Discusses the use of the computer in relation to Bloom's Taxonomy. Describes the system approach, which is used to sequentially develop valid and relevant software. (TW)

Describes the content and structure of a computer-assisted reading instruction program for intermediate level adults learning English in a business environment. The program focuses on the three reading subskills of skimming, scanning, and guessing. Suggestions for teachers on how to evaluate effective courseware are provided. (Author/SED)

Explores the decision-making process that went into producing the Blossom computer-assisted instruction (CAI) materials for French instruction at Pennsylvania State University. Some of the attributes, limitations, and questions concerning the user, validity, and usefulness of CAI materials are also discussed. (Author/SED)

The DAPPOR software, a drill and practice program for learning the command languages of major vendors of bibliographic databases, was tested in a classroom environment at two library schools. Statistically significant positive learning differences were observed with DAPPOR use, particularly with the DIALOG language. (21 references) (Author/EJS)

Describes development of a causal model to test effects of scholastic ability, computing attitudes, and computing background of university undergraduates on use of a computer-assisted instructional system, PLATO-LDEC; on attitudes toward PLATO-LDEC; on computing attitudes after students' PLATO-LDEC experience; and on course grade. (Author/MBR)

An experimental program for university summer students of French as a second language that provided a computer resource center and a variety of courseware, authoring aids, and other software for student use is described and the problems and advantages are discussed. (MSE)

Describes a computer-based education project in which PLATO terminals were used to facilitate education of disadvantaged South African adult Blacks. South Africa's socioeconomic and political background, problems of adult learners, reasons for using a computer-based solution, and project funding are discussed, and project observations and…

Professional educators demand that their methods and instructional resources be soundly based on research and theory. From its origins nearly 40 years ago, the PLATO[R] system has built the largest base of basic research on computer-based learning in the field. Beginning with research funded by the National Science Foundation and conducted at the…

At Canada's University of New Brunswick (UNB), adult educators and computer experts jointly identified criteria for designing UNB's new Internet-based distance education delivery system called PSyCo (Presentation System for Courses). The 10 criteria that became the PSyCo blueprint were based on principles from three areas: architecture and design,…

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of electronic books for teaching vocabulary with and without specific supplemental vocabulary building activities. Twenty-two third grade children were divided evenly into an experimental group and a control group. Children in the control group listened as a computer read a page of the…

Microcomputers in schools contribute significantly to the learning process, and software selection is taken as seriously as the selection of text books. The seven step process for responsible software selection are: (1) analyzing needs, including the differentiation between needs and objectives; (2) specification of requirements; (3) identifying…

This study addresses the issue of integrating technology into the curriculum. It explores how teachers use technology when they are given inservice training that has been customized to meet the needs of each individual for the integration of technology. The research was conducted in a school district in a suburb of Philadelphia. The three teachers…

This paper describes the authors' experiences in developing an all-in-one virtual university. The Defense Acquisition University (DAU) is a consortium of Department of Defense education and training institutions and organizations that provides mandatory and assignment-specific courses for military and civilian personnel serving in 11 acquisition…

The John Molson School of Business at Concordia University in Montreal has been addressing the need for new skills in aviation management for almost a decade through its International Aviation MBA, in partnership with the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The School set out in early 1999 to create a version of the program which could…