Presents a set of guidelines for the display features and content of information that should be given to the learner in a computer-generated error message. Examples of common errors and suggested message displays are given. (8 references) (CLB)

This computer software program bibliography available from the National Collegiate Software Clearinghouse (NCSC) includes programs for college students and researchers in anthropology, economics and business, education, English and text analysis, foreign language, general interest, history, management, philosophy and religion, political science,…

The relative worth of any evaluation instrument depends on user needs and the material being evaluated. Potential users of a good computer assisted instruction (CAI) instrument include purchasers, authors, reviewers, and publishers of CAI materials. Although each user has unique needs, a good instrument will serve both to educate and discriminate,…

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…

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…

This conference collection presents 40 complete papers and abstracts of 33 project reports and 19 poster sessions, representing discussions of a variety of issues in the applications of computers to learning in business, industry, education, government, and the military services. A presentation on the conference topic "Courseware…

Reviews the concepts and techniques used in developing textual materials that teach, focusing on those that have evolved during the trend toward programmed instruction. The possible application of cognitive psychology concepts to instructional material design is discussed. (21 references) (CLB)

Argues that software for electronic boards should address a variety of teaching styles, student abilities and ages, class textbooks, teaching objectives, and learning environments for flexibility of use. The software features that contribute to flexibility include frequent stops, options for going backwards, inter- and intra-unit jumps, and…

This document, the second of two volumes, completes the report of a Lilly Endowment, Inc. funded project whose major objective was to establish a process for both teachers and students to be involved in the field testing or evaluation of microcomputer software. Workshops were held in nine Indiana school corporations where more than 2,300 students…

Describes a methodology for student involvement in courseware evaluation and for utilizing student reactions in purchasing and implementation decisions. The evaluation forms used in a survey of 2,308 Indiana students are presented, and the results of that survey are discussed. (18 references) (CLB)

Developed to share information presented at a Southwest Educational Development Laboratory Regional Exchange (SEDL/RX) conference, this document includes reports and related materials on educational computing applications in southwestern school districts and states. Basic computer terminology is defined, and software evaluation instruments are…

This microcomputer courseware evaluation form and guide are intended for vocational and technical educators who determine the quality of courseware, professional reviewers who conduct and publish reviews of courseware, and developers who seek to produce high quality courseware for vocational and technical education. The guide includes a brief…

Describes a study that examined the effects of various computer reinforcement responses, including graphics and/or sound, on students' attentiveness to the program. Implications for educational software design are discussed. (CLB)

Presents a model for instructional software design as a collaborative effort involving computer scientists and educators, which stresses the process of design through documentation. The documentation used to exchange information at each phase of the process is described, and the advantages of this model are discussed. (CLB)