Discusses the use of interactive media in computer-based training and describes a workbook and software package--Interactive Toolkit--designed for students learning to use interactive media. The package covers the basics of instructional design and how interactive media works, and a simple authoring system for creating computer-based training…

An alternative approach to the systematic design and development of computer-assisted instruction courseware by classroom teachers is described which consist of three main stages of design, development, evaluation, and revision. Each stage produces a usable output: (1) computer-assisted testing program; (2) drill and practice courseware; and (3)…

Discusses the need for adequate student user manuals for computer software and presents guidelines to help teachers develop these manuals. The sections that a student manual should contain are outlined, including objectives, pretests and posttests for self-evaluation, and worksheets; and examples are given for further clarification. (LRW)

Weaknesses in educational software currently available in the domain of mathematics are discussed. A technique that was used for the design and production of mathematics software aimed at improving problem-solving skills which combines sound pedagogy and innovative programming is presented. To illustrate the design portion of this technique, a…

Discusses visual style in instructional science materials; describes problems with science media, including too much print on a page or screen and inappropriate designs for children; and highlights new products that have good design style as well as good content, including books, computer simulations, videos, computer software, and microworlds.…

This paper provides a checklist of suggestions, hints, and competencies needed to take an online course from ideas to reality. The introduction addresses the pedagogical potential of the World Wide Web. Migrating the course to the online environment is discussed in the first section, focusing on the following considerations: determining course…

Describes an accurate system for measuring speeds and frequencies with a microcomputer. Explains how the system can give a reasonable graphical representation of velocity and acceleration against time. Gives examples of graphs produced by the program and provides an address to obtain the software for their application. (CW)

This report summarizes activities related to the development, field testing, evaluation, and marketing of the "Scientists at Work" program which combines computer assisted instruction with database tools to aid cognitively impaired middle and early high school children in learning and applying thinking skills to science. The brief report…

Interactive video allows the learner controlled access to data stored on videodisc or videotape and in the computer, by means of the keyboard. The technology has excellent graphic display capabilities and allows immediate access to any video frame. However, it is not yet possible to record directly onto the videodisc, there is no generally…

Describes efforts of members of the biology and physics departments of Paisley College (Scotland) to develop a simple light-emitter-detector arrangement adapted as a colorimeter interfaced with a microcomputer for use by undergraduate students. Discusses the setup and provides a computer program in BASIC to run it. (CW)

This paper reports challenges of and suggestions for conducting online courses, focusing on the following areas: (1) instructional format, including transferring classroom activities to online activities without affecting students' concentration, motivation, thought, mastery, and comprehension; (2) methods of instruction, including developing an…

The purpose of this fastback is to provide a primer on developing project-based multimedia instruction. The first section discusses reasons for using multimedia, including advantages to be gained instructionally from teachers using multimedia and--from the standpoint of active learning--from students using multimedia. How authoring programs work…

This instructional guide is designed to teach vocational and technical instructors how to modify existing programs and develop new programs to apply computer graphics to selected vocational and technical programs. Addressed in the individual units of the guide are the following topics: vocational program modification (course modification for…