One of the most perplexing tasks in producing computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is the authoring process. Authoring is generally defined as the process of turning the flowcharts, control algorithms, format sheets, and other documentation of a CAI program's design into computer code that will operationalize the simulation on the delivery system.…

Thirty-four papers from a 1983 conference on the use of microcomputers in special education focus on specific applications of the new technology. An overview section, section 1, includes papers on computer literacy and daily living skills, considerations for marketing software, and the role of special educators in the information age. Section 2…

Distinguishes between computer assisted instruction and computer managed instruction and relates some of their applications to the reading classroom. (FL)

This digest discusses the nature of interactive videodiscs and their educational applications, provides information about educational uses of videodisc technology, and presents lists of videodisc-related organizations, books, and periodicals. A general description of a reflective optical laser videodisc is presented, as well as the equipment…

This Brief first summarizes research findings regarding computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and its effectiveness in adult literacy education programs. The following findings are given: CAI is effective for a significant number of adult learners; CAI is effective because it provides the adult learner with flexibility, control, individualization,…

Intended for administrators and policy makers as well as teachers, this digest identifies for prospective purchasers various sources that offer reviews of educational computer software for English and the language arts. Following an introduction, the first section of the digest discusses content-specific as well as general educational computing…

Intended for administrators and policy makers as well as teachers, this digest offers selection strategies for consumers of English/language arts computer software. Following the introduction, the digest discusses initial considerations when evaluating software, including examining both the accompanying documentation and the actual program. It…

Integrating computer-based learning tools into the curriculum has been slow, and the results of actual usage have been inconclusive; however, the potential for effective instruction should increase use by teachers and students. This ERIC Digest discusses three topics: (1) computer use in the classroom; (2) what is known about the effects of…

This fact sheet covers the possible uses of microcomputers in second language classrooms, addressing skills needed by instructors, types and uses of the available software, steps for program implementation and future applications. Published resources which can aid second language teachers in locating and evaluating applicable courseware,…

Intended for teachers, this digest shows that the computer can offer many efficient tools for expression, student control of writing, and instruction beyond the grammar and spelling drills most commonly associated with computers. The digest discusses the goals of the language arts curriculum, the role of the computer in the language arts…

More than 10,000 instructional software packages have been published for elementary and secondary schools--thousands in each discipline. Unfortunately, not all sources of courseware evaluations are equally reliable; therefore, it is important to determine that evaluations include: (1) critical appraisal of content accuracy; (2) in-depth…

This digest summarizes diverse viewpoints in the controversy over the meaning and practice of "computer literacy." The issue of whether being able to read and write computer programs should be a a computer literacy requirement for teachers is specifically addressed. Attempts to define computer literacy goals for teachers are noted,…

Focusing on how teachers can integrate computers into reading/writing instruction, this ERIC digest presents guidelines for helping language arts teachers match their use of computers with what is known about the reading/writing process. The guidelines for computers and reading presented in the digest point out that computer instruction in reading…

This bulletin focuses on the role of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in environmental education programs. The utility of this approach in helping students learn in the cognitive, affective, and/or psychomotor domains is examined and its effectiveness is compared to other instructional devices and methods. Major topics are organized and…

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is becoming more important to vocational education, since at least 2 million schools now have computers, and by the year 2000, 75 percent of jobs may require computer knowledge. A review of the literature about CAI in vocational education produced the following findings: (1) although CAI can be effective in…