Advances in computer and interface technologies have made it possible to create three-dimensional (3D) computerized models of anatomical structures for visualization, manipulation, and interaction in a virtual 3D environment. In the past few decades, a multitude of digital models have been developed to facilitate complex spatial learning of the…

Discusses functions of the Alberta (Canada) Computer Technology Project's courseware clearinghouse, reviews findings on instructional software quality, identifies software development trends, and discusses need for support systems to facilitate the incorporation of computer assisted instruction in Canadian schools. (MBR)

Describes study that compared teacher panel reviews of educational software to field test reports to determine the levels of agreement between the two evaluation types. Methods of evaluation are discussed, the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES) are explained, and the results of the study of 36 software packages are presented.…

Discussion of the evaluation of educational software highlights two evaluation methods: (1) the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES), a criterion-based evaluation, and (2) a field-testing approach developed at York University. Guidelines for the field-testing approach include an emphasis on the observation of students. (22…

The Alberta goverment has attempted to systematically address educational computing issues through programs of the provincial (K-12) education department (Alberta Education), which have included the development of computer literacy curricula for elementary, junior, and senior high schools; the Computer Technology Project (CTP); evaluation studies;…

This discussion of the integration of computers into the curriculum begins by reviewing the results of several surveys conducted in the Netherlands and the United States which provide insight into the problems encountered by schools and teachers when introducing computers in education. Case studies of three secondary and two elementary schools in…

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)

Describes task-based learning materials which involve learners of French or English as a second language in cooperative learning activities and encourage self-direction. Interaction occurs mainly around a computer keyboard where learners must use language to talk about language. (Author/CB)

Discussion of the use of computers in elementary schools highlights a study of four districts in Canada. Topics discussed include the use of word processing; the use of LOGO for tutoring purposes; the role of the teacher; and guidelines for integrating computer-assisted learning (CAL) into the elementary school curriculum. (16 references) (LRW)

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)

The effectiveness of two spelling software programs on the weekly spelling performance of underachieving elementary students was studied. Students learned the programs, and data were collected over the school year. Data analyses indicated both programs generated higher accuracy in spelling than traditional procedures. Students sustained the…

To determine the number and current use of microcomputers in Alberta's elementary, junior, and senior high schools, a total of 1,509 schools were surveyed. The results, as reported by 1,271 schools (84.2%), showed the total number of microcomputers to be 13,748. To provide more in-depth information, schools were categorized by six instructional…

A survey of 173 Canadian modern language departments concerning the extent of computer use for teaching, the kinds of hardware and software used, and instructor and student satisfaction with computer-assisted language instruction is reported. Canadian-developed authoring systems are also discussed. A table of CALL CALL courseware and the…

Studies effectiveness of using computer simulation in a fifth grade social studies class. Concludes that a computer simulation can be used as an adjunct to teaching and that one computer may be used as effectively as many in the classroom. States that educators should use software that incorporates graphics, cuing, randomization, immediate…

A report on a two-year study of the use of microcomputers in language arts programs in Ontario provides information on the following topics: background and orientation of the study; project goals and methods; summary of needs and recommendations from the first year of the study; results from the second year; and general recommendations. The study…