The ability to visualize student engagement and experience data provides valuable opportunities for learning support and curriculum design. With the rise of the use of learning analytics to provide "actionable intelligence" on students' learning, the challenge is to create visualizations of the data, which are clear and useful to the…

Comparison of three microcomputer statistical packages, SPSS, SAS, and BMDP, focuses on ease of use, ease of learning, documentation, accuracy, similarity to the mainframe version, and speed. The results of eight statistical multivariate analyses used to evaluate their performance are given. (LRW)

Describes the design and operation of four software packages, or macros, written in the programing language of Microsoft's EXCEL for use on the Macintosh computer for data manipulation and presentation used in educational research. Reordering tabulated data, reversing the scoring of tabulated data, and creating tables and graphs are explained.…

Describes VisiCalc, a programmed package for use with the Apple II microcomputer and discusses the use of this program for two library tasks--statistical analysis and budgeting. System features are described in the context of these applications and six tables illustrating system output are appended. Additional resources are listed. (RAA)

Examination of how far research work on the design of printed text can inform research on the design of electronic text centers on three areas: the layout of instructional text, the role of typographic cueing, and the presentation of graphic materials. Future research needs are discussed, and 101 references are provided. (LRW)

Presents a classification system of four microcomputer simulation types developed to evaluate their instructional processes: structured questions and graphics, variable-assignment exercises, diagnostic simulations, and group-interactive simulations. How this taxonomy contributes to three tasks associated with classroom use of software is…

Developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, TPL is a flexible natural language computer package that can be used to simplify the preparation of tables of data for annual library reports. Data on interlibrary loan transactions are used to construct sample tables illustrating program features. Two references are listed. (RAA)

Discusses personal computer price trends since 1986; describes offerings and prices for four direct-market suppliers, i.e., Dell CompuAdd, PC Brand, and Gateway 2000; and discusses overall value and price/performance ratios. Tables and graphs chart value over time. (EA)

Describes a series of microcomputer-based laboratory exercises that are designed to assist undergraduate students in acquiring basic psychological concepts in memory retention. Mnemonics used in the exercises are explained, and computer-generated tabular and graphic displays designed for use in classroom demonstrations are described. (Author/LRW)

Describes a program written in VS BASIC which was created for the online tabulation, summarization, and display of information on collection size for an academic library and compares its performance with that of SAS (Statistical Analysis System). Nine figures compare tables produced by the two systems, and two references are given. (RAA)

Argues that current approaches to computer graphing practices are ill suited to meet the complex needs of real users. Offers an overview of work in two major areas of graphing theory and research: the sociology of science and the educational research of mathematics and scientific students. Suggests what technical communicators can do to improve…

Several interactive videodisc lessons--Physics and Automobile Collisions, Energy Transformations Featuring the Bicycle, Studies in Motion, and Puzzle of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge Collapse--are discussed in terms of Malone's theory based on computer game analysis that challenge, curiosity, and fantasy are aspects of intrinsic motivation for…

This survey of authoring languages that are used in computer-assisted instruction (CAI) highlights recent developments in Macintosh authoring languages and discusses their use in courseware development. CAI effectiveness is defined, advantages and disadvantages of CAI are described, and future research needs are suggested. (27 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of the Training and Assessment System (TAS), a software program designed to analyze teacher behavior and interaction between teachers and students. A TAS program is described which was conducted at the Houston Community College System to help instructors analyze their classroom interaction; tables depicting the report generated…

Describes a project that addressed the problem of courseware reusability by developing a database structure suitable for organizing multimedia learning material in a given content domain. A prototype system that allows browsing a DBLM (Data Base of Learning Material) on earth science is described, and future plans are discussed. (five references)…