This study suggests a new model for the evaluation of educational software authoring systems and applies this model to a particular authoring system, CSR Trainer 4000. The model used is based on an integrated set of software engineering and instructional design principles. (Author/LRW)

Discusses difficulties of producing computer assisted learning (CAL) software economically. Proposed as a solution, modular programing is illustrated by describing production of a matrix algebra package. Use of special CAL modules and facilities provided by subroutine libraries are cited, and development of a package to teach matrix theory is…

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)

Arguing that the production system for computer courseware has a strong impact on quality courseware development, this report offers an introduction into the relationships between instructional system design and software engineering, and investigates courseware quality as a means of identifying quality enhancement factors that can make the…

The videodisc, audiodisc, overlapping instruction, mapping, adaptive testing strategies, intricate instructional branching, and complex media selection models are common expectations for quality courseware today. A two team development structure, consisting of an instructional development team and a test development team, is proposed. This paper…

Discussion of intelligent computer assisted learning (CAL) systems considers both those that offer natural language communication to the user and those that are adaptive, generative, or self-improving. Current interest in student-built learning environments (exemplified by work with LOGO and PROLOG) is examined, and obstacles to future intelligent…

Focuses on the first of three stages of the path evaluation procedure for instructional software, performing the preliminary evaluation. The three main steps involved in preliminary evaluation are (1) a program is chosen for evaluation; (2) information is exchanged with the faculty developer; and (3) the instructional designer reviews the software…

This study investigated the effectiveness of LOGO's turtle graphics in both providing a model of systematic thought and in teaching simple geometry to young children in the second grade. The treatment given to 25 second grade students in the experimental group consisted of programming with LOGO's turtle graphics using four Apple II+…

Analyzes three major approaches to the use of computers in education: (1) drill and practice; (2) tutorial, and (3) simulation and programing. Courseware for each approach is discussed, educational philosophy and types of knowledge are described, the effect of computers on learning processes is examined, and 114 references are provided. (LRW)

This paper reviews briefly the essential characteristics of both invitational education and computer assisted instruction (CAI) and the ways in which coordination of these two models can produce stimulating and valuable educational experiences for students. A matrix illustrates the characteristics of CAI which can support the major values of…

Suggests programming structures of computer assisted instruction for teaching severely learning disabled students be related to an established educational model. Use of performance contoured programming (PCP), based upon behavioral model of precision teaching, is discussed and contrasted with cognitive programming approaches. PCP applications and…

TAIGA (Twente Advanced Interactive Graphic Authoring system) is a system which can be used to develop instructional software. It is written in MS-PASCAL, and runs on computers that support MS-DOS. Designed to support the production of structured software, TAIGA has a hierarchical structure of three layers, each with a specific function, and each…

This analysis of the relationship between science education and technology over the past 15 years focuses on lessons learned from research on learning and instruction, the relationship between the teacher and technology, and the influence of technological advances on educational practice. Five conclusions are drawn: (1) courseware authoring…

A research program was undertaken to study the functional learning environment (FLE) in which computers operate, i.e., those environments in which learning activities have a function or purpose from the child's viewpoint. Results of three projects illustrate the importance of teachers in creating and interpreting children's learning environments.…

A validated instructional model generated on a large mainframe computer by the military was modified to a microcomputer format for use in programming tutorial computer assisted instruction (CAI) materials, and a simplified, compatible system of generating programs was identified--CP/M and MP/M from Digital Research Corporation. In order to…