Presents an instructional development model that incorporates formative evaluation techniques, and explores the possible application of the model in developing computer-assisted instruction courseware. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are identified and implications for research on formative evaluation are discussed. (31 references)…

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…

A recent survey of 60 commercial computer assisted instruction (CAI) programs found that most of the programmed lessons used few or no graphics to communicate the main points. An Instructional Graphics Checklist was developed to reflect the research findings about the use of pictures in instruction and to serve as an informal evaluation instrument…

This report summarizes the activities of the first year of a 2-year Lilly Endowment, Inc. sponsored project, which funded nine Indiana school corporations to select and field test current microcomputer software, and presents 53 critical software evaluations based on information gathered from teachers and students. Information provided by the…

Examination of how far research work on the design of printed text can inform research on the design of electronic text centers on three areas: the layout of instructional text, the role of typographic cueing, and the presentation of graphic materials. Future research needs are discussed, and 101 references are provided. (LRW)

The performance of two groups of 24 third-grade students practicing division problems was used to assess the effect of microcomputer drill programs on learning. An experimental group that used computer drill programs from the Milliken Math Sequences package was compared with a similar group that learned division using the traditional print drill…

This paper summarizes research in modern cognitive theory that relates to the role of computer drill and practice programs in learning and describes a prototype program that exemplifies recommended characteristics. Focus is on four major issues that are relevant to the design and optimization of computer drills: interference, spaced practice,…

Describes a project that investigated the potential effectiveness of multimedia education packages incorporating broadcast television, computer software, and other media. Suggested guidelines for the creation and evaluation of broadcast-linked software are presented. (3 references) (CLB)

Describes a study of 31 undergraduate students that explored their preferences for and the relationships among text format variables in computer screen layouts. The design of 64 computer text types for the study is explained, results are analyzed, and further research questions related to learning strategies are suggested. (LRW)

This review focuses on microcomputer software designed to improve the writing skills of students of English as a Second Language (ESL) at the college level. It presents a case for the use of computers in teaching ESL, provides guidelines and suggestions for evaluating or creating software and programs, and reviews representative software,…

There are two major concerns about the teaching of high school biology. One is the degree to which students memorize laws, facts, and principles, and the second involves the role of the classroom teacher. These aspects result in a discrepancy between the theory and practice of science education. The purpose of this report is to provide: (1) a…

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the contributions of computerized health risk appraisal when used as a supplement to the traditional methods of health instruction. Subjects were a convenience sample of 26 students enrolled in a university level, personal health course. Using a one group pretest posttest design, these subjects were…

Compares academic performance between two groups of students in a statistics course. One group was given homework generated by computer software that provided feedback concerning incorrect answers. The other relied on the textbook without benefit of the feedback. The group using the software performed better on homework and tests. (MJP)

Examines the potential role for Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) when teaching courses as functions, calculus, and linear algebra to students with low prerequisite algebra skills. A study reports the rationale, planning, and implementation of a functions course integrating Maple CAS into instruction. (MDH)