Examines expert system shells and the role a microcomputer-based expert system can play as an intelligent job aid. Characteristics of traditional and automated job aids techniques are described, and the role of instructional designers in developing expert systems within organizations is discussed. (Author/LRW)

This paper explores the realm of evaluation within the domain of Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS). Toward that end, Littman and Soloway (1988) described two facets of evaluation: external and internal. Described here are a variety of procedures that they did not address and some that they discounted. One of the procedures not explored was the…

Reports on studies that analyze the impact of microcomputers in schools on student achievement as compared to more traditional methods, and explores research that relates student achievement to software design, learner characteristics, and instructional decisions on technology implementation. (17 references) (MAB)

Briefly reviews current research on the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and microcomputers. The Hawthorne Effect and research results for elementary, secondary, and college level students are discussed, courseware requirements are described, and research studies showing positive and negative effects of CAI are listed. (LRW)

This two-part report describes a pilot study initiated by the Ontario Ministry of Education in 1981 to define the methodology for a subsequent research project on the current use of different types of instructional resources in Ontario public schools. The first section reports on case studies based on personal interviews with both staff and…

Differences between interactive microcomputer and traditional verbal learning groups in a paired-associate learning task were examined in this study. The 88 subjects, who were undergraduate education students, were randomly assigned to four groups. Each group was given one of two lists of ten high frequency words matched with either high or low…

Practical issues that should be considered in placing a classroom computer for use with elementary students include where to locate computer equipment in relation to electrical sockets, windows, and chalkboards; the program sound; who will be able to see the screen; and classroom traffic patterns. Decisions must be made regarding the size of…

A quantitative or meta-analytic review was conducted of studies comparing computer-based education (CBE) to conventional instruction in precollege classrooms. Seventy-four studies were included in the review; sources included earlier reviews by Hartley, Burns, and authors from the University of Michigan, and the ERIC and Comprehensive Dissertation…

This in-depth review of the literature synthesizes articles and abstracts identified as education-oriented microcomputer research studies published since 1979. A brief, historic overview of educational computing is followed by a review of the Becker (1983) survey, which concerned the distribution of microcomputers in education in the United…

This paper explores the issue of how, when, and where to teach keyboarding at the elementary school level through a review of the keyboarding literature and descriptions of three studies conducted with fifth grade students in the laboratory school at the University of Wyoming. The literature review briefly summarizes findings on the following…

Discussion of the use of microcomputers for developing tests for paper-and-pencil presentation compares two options: item-bank, or test-generator software, and word processing. Tests and test generators supplied by textbook publishers are described, cost effectiveness is considered, and possible future developments are suggested. (10 references)…

The effects of the Attention Directing Strategy and Imagery Cue Strategy as program embedded learning strategies for microcomputer-based instruction (MCBI) were examined in this study. Eight learning conditions with identical instructional content on the parts and operation of the human heart were designed: either self-paced or externally-paced,…

Emphasis in instructional technology has shifted from programed to individualized to computer-based instruction. Programed and individualized instruction have had limited success in raising student achievement and improving attitudes, while computer-based instruction has raised achievement, positively affected time needed for teaching and…

This review of the literature on computer assisted instruction (CAI) focuses on the use of CAI with grades K-13, and specifically assesses the relative merits of traditional instruction and CAI in promoting student achievement. Also assessed are the applications of CAI in the area of special education. Three types of reviews are used exclusively:…

Discussion of computer-assisted mathematics instruction focuses on a study of high school students that examined the instructional effectiveness of computer-managed videodisc instruction for precalculus mathematics. Highlights include a comparison with traditional classroom instruction and theoretical perspectives, including sociocultural theory,…