Written for developers of classroom simulation who may wish to transfer their skills to the computer medium, this paper describes the procedures for writing and developing an educational simulation on a computer. Steps in the procedure include conceptualizing the problem to be simulated, operationalizing the variables, examining pedagogical…

A modified set of criteria based on sociology is suggested as a framework for evaluating the social implications of educational software. Six analytic categories are discussed: language usage, knowledge, ideology, profit, culture, and ethics. Procedures for applying the critical framework are outlined, and 32 references are listed. (MBR)

The use of microcomputers with handicapped children is examined in terms of special equipment (largely on particular physical handicaps); general equipment that can be modified for particular handicaps but which builds on standard hardware; and software intended for children with physical, emotional, or cognitive handicaps. (CL)

The guidelines in this article help in developing educational software. The first rule is that educators should not develop software for education, but should develop an "educational system" that uses software. The distinction is that the former is primarily concerned with the computer and its requirements while the latter focuses on…

Provides a checklist of stylistic elements to consider when writing simulation programs for use in computer assisted instruction. Subtopics include setting simulation parameters, questioning the user, displaying the results, and overall simulation organization. (JJD)

This manual presents an overview of the PILOT educational computer language, a simplified teacher-directed alternative to the use of BASIC for designing computer assisted instruction, and provides examples to illustrate its features. These features are described in terms of format, labels, numeric variables, alphanumeric variables, system…

Discusses ZGRASS, a programing language designed for graphics production, especially for applications in education and training, and provides guidelines for people looking into a new computer graphics system. (CHC)

This guide gives step-by-step directions for authoring computer-assisted instruction materials as well as advice on planning, designing, coding, documenting, and evaluating computer assisted courseware. The importance of prospective courseware designers having a sound background in both educational theory and practice is also discussed, and…

The personal computer is sparking a major historical change in the way people learn, a change that could lead to the disappearance of formal education as we know it. The computer can help resolve many of the difficulties now crippling education by enabling expert teachers and curriculum developers to prepare interactive and individualized…

This teacher's guide contains computer programs, written in BASIC, for use in Iowa secondary school industrial arts programs. The programs were developed in two 2-week workshops by industrial arts teachers who had little or no previous experience with computers; the programs have been classroom tested and refined for publication. The programs are…

A project was conducted to identify software suitable for use in home economics classes and to train home economics teachers to use that software with an Apple II Plus microcomputer. During the project, home economics software was identified, evaluated, and catalogued. Teaching strategies were adapted to include using the computer in the…

Technical aspects of the PLATO system, the language work done on PLATO thus far (specifically in foreign languages), and areas for further research in computer-based language instruction are reviewed. PLATO-IV, designed and implemented by the Computer-Based Educational Research Laboratory of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is…