Differences in sets of criteria for evaluating microcomputer software are discussed. They are set against the results of three studies in which teachers in the United Kingdom evaluated five programs which were used in reading or English lessons. A comparison of the checklist criteria with the case study data was made using Stake's (1967) matrix of…

This courseware evaluation rates the Nutri-Calc microcomputer program developed by CAMDE of Tempe, Arizona. (The program--not included in this document--consists of Nutri-Calc, which calculates total nutritional intake and Recommended Daily Allowances, and Calorie-Magic, which calculates individual ideal caloric intake.) Part A describes…

This paper describes a demonstration of an instructional package consisting of original, interactive microcomputer-based simulations and accompanying faculty and student guides designed to assist in teaching introductory psychology. An Apple IIe computer and color monitor were used. The paper contains: (1) a purpose statement; (2) a brief summary…

To determine which elements of courseware are and are not effective in computer-based education, 59 learning disabled students were observed during a 5 1/2-month period using over 20 commercial courseware packages. Additional elements of the naturalistic study included interviews with teachers, students, and administrators; and analysis of the…

Examination of how teachers use computers in second-language instruction leads to the suggestion that designers need to take a wider view of the computer's role in language learning and more strongly consider the teacher's presence; and that teachers have to contribute more to computer-assisted language learning sessions, using their skills and…

The study evaluated the role of instructional design in the field test and revision process for a computer-assisted instructional program with 26 secondary resource room students. Scores significantly favored students receiving the revised program. (Author/DB)

Criteria for software resource centers drafted by the International Council for Computers in Education focus on the responsibilities of: (1) centers, which should serve as links between publishers and educators; (2) software publishers, who should assist educators in previewing instructional software before purchase; and (3) schools, which should…

Five guidelines are presented for selecting educational courseware. Student behavioral objectives should be stated. Motivational and informative feedback should be provided. The type of student control should be appropriate to the learner and the task. The content should be accurate, and the pedagogical approach should be acceptable to the school…

Describes the inadequacies of the current software for computer-based instruction, and presents a framework of instructional components to guide the design of such software. A taxonomy of design considerations is then discussed, including instructional context, strategies, and technical capabilities that can be used to enhance instruction. (4…

Reviews the principles of the behavioral model of learning and discusses the need to incorporate these principles in the development of educational software programs. Criteria for evaluating software programs based on their inclusion of behavioral principles are provided, and the evaluations of six available programs based on these criteria are…

Suggests international cooperation for educational software development could be achieved by adoption of a common operating system; international definition and development of an educational shell; common development language acceptance; and development of an educational dissemination and cooperative framework. Rationale for common operating…

Education must become more productive in its work and more responsive in its programs without losing its perspective. The development of good teachers and good teaching technology must be enhanced. Examples of teaching with technology are included, and problems of software development and constraints on use are discussed. (MT)

Raises critical management issues and proposes guidelines for technical management of large-scale development of courseware with complex content. Discussion covers the technical management of such a project as it relates to organizational structure; leadership shifts throughout the design process; prototype development; and the systematic process…

The goal of excellence in subject matter applications of computers is still distant. More often than not, the computer becomes the object of study rather than a tool for the in-depth study of a subject. Discussed is what needs to be done to have knowledge-based systems of pedagogically excellent software. (MT)

Reviews instructional design research and theory and relates it to the design of computer-based instructional materials. Instructional design guidelines are offered to aid software developers in making design decisions on three macrolevel and four microlevel of instruction. (Author/LRW)