Describes a process for formulating specifications for computer-based training (CBT) vendors that fosters effective participation by the subject matter experts (SME) in an organization whose training department cannot prepare the CBT in-house. Educating the SMEs, giving the request for proposal to the vendors, and general specifications are…

Discusses the use of videodiscs in schools and suggests criteria for the selection of videodiscs and videodisc players. Topics include different videodisc formats, including CLV (constant linear velocity) and CAV (constant angular velocity); mapping; repurposing; content and age suitability; documentation; vendors; and Level I and Level II…

Discusses how to design effective user interfaces for computer-based training (CBT) programs. Four types of interfaces are described: presentation, including consistency; conversation, including feedback and flexibility; navigation; and explanation, including online help. A job aid for evaluating CBT interfaces is included. (Contains 13…

Describes how HyperCard software can be used to direct students to databases, applications, and explanations in an online environment. The use of HyperCard with other software is discussed; using HyperCard to set up tutorials is explained; and limitations are addressed, including the amount of memory needed and the speed of the hardware. (LRW)

Discusses a computer-assisted instruction authoring aid called PROFORMA which converts ordinary text into output on a computer screen in a format which contains, as desired, framed tables, reverse video, boldface print, moving text, and question-and-answer sequences. Use of PROFORMA in the teaching of French is discussed. (Author/JJD)

Provides guidelines for schools choosing a media retrieval system. Topics include broadband, baseband, coaxial cable, or fiber optic decisions; the control network; selecting scheduling software; presentation software; device control; control from the classroom; and a comparison of systems offered by five companies. (LRW)

This guide for the implementation of educational technology in the Troy (Ohio) City Schools begins with a discussion of the advantages of technology use in schools; the mission statement for the Troy schools; educational technology-related goals for the school district; the educational technology mission statement; and educational technology…

Effective message design for screen-based computer or video instructional programs requires knowledge from many disciplines. Evaluates current conventions and suggests a new set of guidelines for screen-based designers. Discusses screen layout, highlighting and cueing, text font and style, text positioning, color, and graphical user interfaces for…

Reading improvement in school-age children is the focus of the 10 articles within this supplement. Topics include recent research findings, classroom activities, teaching methods, computer-based instruction, literature-based programs, home-based activities, stages of reading development, and reading resource materials. (IAH)

Presents a methodology for the development of educational software for use in secondary education based on the characteristics of the students and the curricular objectives. Topics discussed include desirable features of educational software and the engineering of educational software, including its interdisciplinary nature. (Contains 10…

This report describes the development of the Instructional Support System (ISS), a large-scale, computer-based training system that supports both computer-assisted instruction and computer-managed instruction. Written in the Ada programming language, the ISS software package is designed to be machine independent. It is also grouped into functional…

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is investigated as a means to develop a consistent and efficient training program for student library assistants. Student workers are an important part of the academic library's workforce, but student turnover is frequent, the training in repetitive tasks is time consuming, and varying student schedules may make…

Describes one teacher's approach to desktop publishing. Explains how the Macintosh and LaserWriter were used in the publication of a school newspaper. Guidelines are offered to teachers for the establishment of a desktop publishing lab. (ML)

Introduces courseware authoring systems, which are defined as software devised for an instructional environment that simplifies courseware development. The process of courseware authoring consists of two basic elements--computer and lesson--which are further subdivided. The use of authoring systems to simplify each of these subcomponents is…

Provides guidelines for the organization of information (tables of contents, headings, grouping, URLs--Uniform Resource Locators--and e-mail tags) and the construction of a Web page (size considerations, concision, spelling, file dates, e-mail links, visual appeal, link relevance, copyrights). Includes source code for a sample lesson page and…