Primary advantage of authoring languages is special subroutines facilitating educational programing; primary disadvantages are execution speed, memory limitations, and little gain in programing ease. Primary advantage of authoring systems is menu-driven editors; primary disadvantage is significant limitation in the frame-based branching programed…

Research on the characteristics of effective computer-based education (CBE) courseware suggests that content structure and levels of questions presented determine whether the deep cognitive processing requisite for learning takes place. A decision table of types of instructional questions covering Bloom's taxonomy is presented and discussed.…

Defines interactivation; outlines a theoretical framework based on Merrill's Component Display Theory for systematic analysis of instructional strategies contained in conventional films and videotapes; and explores how computer-based interactive video systems can be used to improve strategies contained in conventional films and tapes through…

Discusses the relationship of fidelity and learning in computer simulation. Highlights include a review of previous research; a discussion of transfer of learning; a taxonomy for fidelity analysis with four different types of computer-based instructional simulations; and implications for instructional design and research. (41 references)…

Presents a series of six prescriptions for constructing an authoring system that guides the instructional design process used to create computer-based lessons. The importance of providing opportunities for dynamic interaction between the program and the student is emphasized. (Author/LRW)

Description of computer-based simulations focuses on the instructional functions of simulations and phases in the learning processes that should be activated by educational simulations. Highlights include a general model for simulation design; degree of learner control; complexity of the content; the role of the learner; and motivational…

Describes a self-paced, computer-managed course on internal medicine for medical students at the University of South Dakota. The rationale for using a computer-based system is outlined, and the program is evaluated for cost-effectiveness, currency of information, curriculum goals and objectives, and student attitudes. (EAO)

Addresses the implicit assumption that instructional media represent meaningful experimental variables independent of instructional content or strategy. Results of computer-based instruction (CBI) studies (both well-designed and flawed) and meta-analyses are reviewed to support the authors' position that this assumption is invalid, and new…

Analyzes instructional theory requirements and suggests that structural learning theories meet these requirements. Essentials of such theories are illustrated in the context of designing an instructional unit on subtraction. Structural learning theories are then described more generally and contrasted with cognitive theories. Implications for…

Describes seven learning techniques that cognitive psychologists have identified as leading to substantially heightened learning across a variety of situations: attention; curiosity and learning; thematic lesson organization; high information flow; mnemonics; concrete representations; and Zeigarnik effect. Research on their effectiveness and their…

Reviews studies concerning the management of instructional design and the proposed role for computer-based aids for the process. Problems of implementation are highlighted using a recent example of an evaluation of a computer-based course. A cost-benefit analysis of conversion to computer-based instruction and hardware is included. (Author/MBR)

Discusses the application of spelling research findings to the design of computerized instructional spelling programs. The need for individualization is stressed; lesson size, content, and time devoted to instruction discussed; three cognitive models with appropriate instructional strategies for each are presented; and further research needs are…

Six articles on music and computing address development of computer-based music technology, computer assisted instruction (CAI) in ear training and music fundamentals, a machine-independent data structure for musical pitch relationship representation, touch tablet input device in a melodic dictation CAI game, and systematic evaluation strategies…