Discussion of educational software evaluation highlights an evaluation based on program instrumentation of a medical school simulation program. Evaluation strategies are discussed; evaluation techniques, including interviews, questionnaires, and observation are described; and implications of the results of the program instrumentation for the…

Describes a study of computer use in classrooms at three land grant universities to determine the level at which computers have been integrated into the curriculum. Faculty attitudes toward computers are examined, hindrances to computer use are considered, and recommendations for the use of computers in higher education are suggested. (Contains…

Identifies a number of procedures and factors which may be of use to educators involved in the selection and implementation of a computer-assisted learning (CAL) application. Specific characteristics and attributes of the CAL medium are discussed and a brief review of research is provided. A reference list is attached. (Author/JL)

Discussion of shyness and how it affects performance focuses on a training program that was designed to assist trainers in reducing shyness and in-building interpersonal competence. A questionnaire and other methods to help identify shyness are described, and HyperCard software that organized and presented exercises for treatment is explained. A…

Reports on the outcome of a seminar that addressed issues relating to the use of information technology (IT) in universities in the United Kingdom. Results of three surveys of faculty attitudes toward the use of computers in teaching are discussed, and directions for courseware development and for institutional support are suggested. (13…

Discussion of the design of computer menus focuses on two experiments that examined task time across several orderings of menu lists. Findings are described that demonstrated that good physical layout in screen design is not sufficient without good conceptual layout. The size of menu lists for maximizing efficiency is considered. (Contains 17…

Describes two Computer Illustrated Texts (CITs) used to teach numerical methods. The integration of textbooks and microcomputers is discussed, three worksheets are included that contain exercises using the CITs, and results of a study of the effectiveness of using the CITs in a university course are presented. (three references) (LRW)

Discusses differences between computer-enhanced learning (CEL) and computer-aided learning (CAL), and describes a microcomputer-based graph-plotting program called Capgraph that was developed for use in a college calculus course. Results of a course evaluation are presented; student attitudes are described; and future considerations are discussed.…

Examines the use of small-scale databases for introductory economic and social science statistics in higher education. The results of a research project at Portsmouth Polytechnic that used a specially written database are reported, the use of spreadsheets is discussed, and future considerations are suggested. (17 references) (LRW)

This empirical study examines the effects of visible link-types on learning in a hypertext environment. Learning outcomes and learning processes of two groups, one using visible link-types and one not using them, are compared; results of an attitude questionnaire are discussed; further research is suggested; and the questionnaire is appended. (LRW)

Describes a videodisc project at Cleveland State University that was set up to improve the delivery of information by education professors. An exploratory study conducted to investigate factors that influence the use of technology by faculty who teach the core curricula in the education program is also described. (11 references) (LRW)

The introductory article for the first issue of this journal reviews the issues and process that led to the decision by the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) board to co-publish the "Educational Communication and Technology Journal" and the "Journal of Instructional Development" in a new journal.…

Discussion of teacher attitudes toward computer-assisted instruction (CAI) highlights a study that examined the relationship between Eysenck's personality factors (i.e., extraversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism), religiosity, and attitudes toward CAI in a sample of 190 female teacher trainees at Bar-Ilan University (Israel). (36 references)…

Describes a study of undergraduates that was conducted to determine students' preferences toward Graphical User Interface versus Command Line Interface during computer-assisted instruction. Previous experience, comfort level, performance scores, and student attitudes are examined and compared, and the computer use survey is appended. (Contains 13…

Examines the impact of computers on Chilean education. Topics discussed include the Chilean educational system; the integration of computers in private schools; leadership; and results of a survey that characterized the use of computers in 1,604 schools, including socioeconomic levels of students, types of computers and software, and computer…