Describes studies conducted at a French university to evaluate microcomputer software used in computer assisted instruction. Results of questionnaires completed by a sample of 150 students in beginning computing courses are analyzed to determine how such courseware can be improved, and evaluation versus validation is discussed. (LRW)

Telesoftware provides the transmission of computer programs from one computer to another by either broadcast radio or television via telephone lines and offers a national electronic system for the distribution of computer programs. Telephone based telesoftware can be based on any viewdata system or locally established telephone lines between…

Discusses the role of Local Education Authorities (LEAs) in creating policies for the use of microcomputers in education, and presents a comparative analysis of four case studies in the United Kingdom to explain why LEAs have varied in their policy response to the new technology. (Author/LRW)

Describes the design of a microcomputer-based system at the University of Ottawa which provides teachers with the capabilities of computerized slides and transparencies. The slides are texts created with word processors which are presented to the class via a large screen video projector, and software provides regular overhead projector functions.…

Reviews a computerized monitoring system for distance education students at Athabasca University designed to solve the problems of tracking student performance. A pilot project for tutors is described which includes an electronic conferencing system and electronic mail, and an evaluation currently in progress is briefly discussed. (LRW)

Reviews a criterion-based evaluation of educational software at York University, Ontario, using the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES). Concern over the quality of available courseware is expressed, and the response of students and teachers is highlighted as the most important criterion for evaluation. (LRW)

Reviews developments in the use of computer systems in libraries in Great Britain, North America, and other countries from 1966 to date. Highlights include MARC developments, cooperative cataloging services, use of microcomputers and minicomputers, turnkey systems, and online public access catalogs; 102 references are provided. (Author/LRW)

Describes methods used to evaluate software for microcomputers in Japanese elementary and middle schools. Completion of an evaluation checklist by experienced teachers is described, the cluster analysis used is reviewed, and characteristics of available software are discussed and analyzed to assess their learning and teaching efficiency.…

Reports results of a survey of the use of computers in Canadian elementary school classrooms. Questionnaires and interviews were used to determine the availability of hardware and software, teachers' backgrounds, student access to computers, and teachers' perceptions on the role of computer-assisted learning. (LRW)

Describes study which investigated peer interaction in relation to microcomputer use with 11- and 12-year-old children in a comprehensive secondary school in England. Highlights include the use of micro-PROLOG, a questionnaire to test students' attitudes towards computers, gender differences, and pretest and posttest results. (LRW)

Discussion of teachers' acceptance of educational innovations focuses on a study of primary teachers which was conducted in London to determine their use of microcomputers in the classroom. Topics discussed include attribution theory, causal structures, differences between competence and confidence, curricular implementation, and implications for…

This brief overview of the state of the art in computer education in schools in the Federal Republic of Germany covers both the extent and areas of use and research and development, and frequent comparisons are made with educational computer usage in other countries, including the United States, Japan, France, Great Britain, and Norway. The…

Examines potential of computer communications in distance education based on trials of electronic mail and computer conferencing at British Open University. Highlights include descriptions of two courses that experimented with MAIL MANAGER electronic mail software, and a discussion of the role of tutors as potential moderators of conferences.…

Presents results of a survey of British secondary school students which was conducted to obtain information about microcomputer use both in school and at home. Highlights include gender differences, students' attitudes toward computers, experience with computers, assessment of programming ability, and characteristics of competent programmers. (LRW)

This paper first provides a brief overview of the Italian educational system and the diffusion of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) within the schools and industry, and then it reviews the activities of the Laboratory of Interactive Educational Technologies (LIET) in the Department of Production Engineering at the University of Naples (Italy).…