This study describes a set of real-time interactive experiments that address system identification and model reference adaptive control (MRAC) techniques. In constructing laboratory experiments that contribute to efficient teaching, experimental design and instructional strategy are crucial, but a process for doing this has yet to be defined. This…

Writing and the teaching of writing is changing at a rapid pace. How can educators understand writing assessment "as" and "with" technology in the 21st-century classroom? Michael Neal contends that new technologies are neither the problem nor the solution. Instead, educators need to tap into digital resources only inasmuch as they promote writing…

Courses in Computer Architecture and Organization are regularly included in Computer Engineering curricula. These courses are usually organized in such a way that students obtain not only a purely theoretical experience, but also a practical understanding of the topics lectured. This practical work is usually done in a laboratory using simulators…

Describes types of courseware that are available and presents a checklist of evaluation criteria, considering program operation, program content, student outcomes, and pedagogical concerns. (SK)

Offers a checklist to help adult educators make intelligent software selections. Stresses the need to try products before buying them, to have a grace period to test them with students, to look for reviews, and to get a detailed list of hardware requirements. (JOW)

Describes the current status and limitations of expert systems, and explores the possible applications of such systems in education and training. The use of expert systems as tutors, as job aids, and as a vehicle for students to develop their own expert systems on specific topics are discussed. (40 references) (CLB)

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…

Some of the advantages of using computer simulations in social studies are examined, and criteria to help social studies teachers select worthwhile social studies simulations are discussed. (RM)

Guidelines developed by the National Council for the Social Studies to help teachers eveluate and select social studies microcomputer software are presented. The guidelines are organized around three areas: knowledge, skills, and values. Additional systems for evaluating technical and instructional computer courseware issues are cited. (RM)

Delineates the differences between simulators and training devices, and discusses the possibility of inadequate training when simulators are used as training devices. Guidelines for appropriate training device development using a behavioral learning approach are presented. (13 references) (CLB)

Arguing that educators may be facing their greatest challenge in decades as they seek to integrate critical thinking techniques into the computer-assisted instruction (CAI) environment, this paper discusses the crucial importance of critical thinking and explores some potential adverse effects of CAI in this area. A brief historic overview of…

Designed to assist teachers in identifying quality software, this guide provides software evaluation forms and associated evaluation criteria to aid in completing the forms. The two-part instrument is used in the evaluation process conducted by Alberta Education, which involves the Program Development Division and the Computer Technology Project's…

Reviews the current status of intelligent tutoring systems and summarizes the literature that evaluates these systems. Discussion highlights the problems of inadequate models, the lack of protocol analysis in systems design, and flaws in testing methodologies. (20 references) (CLB)

The purpose of this focused newsletter is to give teachers who know little or nothing of computers some background on which to base further investigation and decisions. It begins by explaining what a computer is and defining such terms as software, hardware, memory, input/output devices, and disk drive. The newsletter then outlines four major uses…

A successful program of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in composition will require collaboration between writing teachers and computer experts. Although programs can be carefully evaluated prior to their purchase, the effectiveness of a composition CAI program can be judged only after conducting empirical research with specific student…