As useful as LISREL may be in model estimation and testing, its most significant contribution to date is the encouragement and example it gives for right thinking about research and right planning of research. The encouragement to hypothesize the best possible model for the process that is the object of study, and to plan measurements that…

Outlines problems faced by software publishers in providing instructionally valid computer assisted instruction. A research design undertaken by Edu-Ware Services, Inc., directed at measuring instructional validity and utility of software offered to institutions and consumers, is described noting tests, evaluation, data submission and reduction,…

Using as examples four computerized database systems operating in schools of medicine, this article examines ways in which software designs differ and some of the operating implications of these differences. (Author/GK)

Because of the need for models to illustrate some possible answers to practical courseware development questions, a specific, three-section model incorporating the Corrective Feedback Paradigm (PCP) is advanced for applying theory to courseware. The model is reconstructed feature-by-feature against a framework of a hypothetical, one-to-one,…

The work reported aims at the construction of a sufficient theory of transition in cognitive development. The method of theory construction employed is computer simulation of cognitive process. The core of the model of transition presented comprises self-modification processes that, as a result of continuously monitoring an exhaustive record of…

Details are provided of computer-simulated experiments developed by the co-directors of the Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC), University of Pittsburgh. The initial materials were designed to help students learn physics. New materials are being developed along similar lines for elementary mathematics. The views of the creators are…

A compromise between off-the-shelf and tailor-made financial assessment programs for computer use is the modeling system called Education Financial Planning Model (EFPM) developed by EDUCOM. Potential advantages and problems are examined, and potential for further development and uses is discussed. (MSE)

This summary of the Instructional Use of Microcomputers Scope Document dated February 22, 1980, outlines short-term plans for the educational use of microcomputers in British Columbia, indicates long-term possibilities, and describes current project activities. The project comprises two major phases: continued field liaison and research, and…

Opening with a discussion of the role of computer simulation in cognitive psychology, this paper proceeds to examine the major perspectives on computer simulation as a tool for theoretical research on cognitive processes. The claim that computer simulation enforces rigor in theory specification is analyzed; the use of simulation as a method for…

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to the design of personal learning environments is an enterprise of both theoretical and practical interest. In the short term, the process of developing and testing intelligent tutoring programs serves as a new experimental vehicle for exploring alternative cognitive and pedagogical…

Topics discussed in 14 papers concerned with software design, curriculum development, evaluation, and intelligent systems include teaching and learning systems, development of computer-assisted learning (CAL) courseware (music and reading), evaluation of CAL packages for mastery learning and modelling, assessment of CAL in physics and the primary…

Presents a model for the evaluation and selection of instructional software packages for microcomputers by school librarians and media specialists. Types of educational applications for microcomputers, the analysis of printed documentation decribing instructional software, content analysis, default analysis, operant analysis, and access time are…

Contains a suggested process for selecting and acquiring administrative microcomputer software. Consideration is given to the general characteristics of good administrative software as well as the specific characteristics of word processing and electronic spreadsheet software. Nineteen references are listed. (Author/MBR)

A brief discussion of the need to define social studies is followed by methods for developing selection criteria for microcomputer programs in the social studies, a model for lesson development on a microcomputer, and evaluation criteria. The need for educators to carefully state what should be learned is emphasized in terms of controlling the…

This paper explores languages for communicating precise ideas within limited domains, which include mathematical notation and general purpose and high level computer programming languages. Low-level properties of such natural artificial languages are discussed, with emphasis on those in which names are chosen for concepts and symbols are chosen…