Evidence collected on the effectiveness of four educational technologies is briefly reviewed. The authors conclude that there is reasonable evidence that computer-assisted instruction can have at least a modest effect on improving learning and probably more when its instructional approaches are properly matched to instructional objectives, that…

Web-based software was used to deliver and record the effects of programmed instruction that progressively added formal prompts until attempts were successful, programmed instruction with one attempt, and prose tutorials. Error-contingent progressive prompting took significantly longer than programmed instruction and prose. Both forms of…

Discussion of problems involved in evaluating computer-assisted learning resources focuses on evaluation strategies for interactive tutorials on the World Wide Web that were developed at the University of Leicester (United Kingdom). The questionnaire that was ultimately used to provide subjective feedback on user responses is appended. (Author/LRW)

Reports on a study in which an interactive computer-based tutorial with a decision support system and simulations is evaluated in the context of a distance education business degree course. Discusses the effect on students' motivation and the impact on their ability to transfer knowledge to the workplace. (Author/LRW)

Popular electronic tools for learning--tutorials, educational databases, learning nodes, simulations and educational games--are described, and their functions as part of the learning system are examined using Gagne's Events of Instruction model. Figures representing tutorial models are included. (Contains seven references.) (SLW)

Reports on the evaluation of a computer-based learning system at the University of Dundee (Scotland) used for computing courses. Describes use of the World Wide Web, tutorials, interface, motivation, perceived value in relation to lectures and laboratories, student attitudes, improvements made as a result of the evaluation, and future work. (LRW)

Describes three technology-based alternative approaches to traditional classroom instruction that have been tried at Columbus State University (Georgia) to meet the needs of nontraditional part-time students: vendor-developed courses delivered via the internet; vendor-developed tutorials and tests on CD-ROM; and instructor-developed and…

CIRCSIM-Tutor is a computer tutor designed to carry out a natural language dialogue with a medical student. Its domain is the baroreceptor reflex, the part of the cardiovascular system that is responsible for maintaining a constant blood pressure. CIRCSIM-Tutor's interaction with students is modeled after the tutoring behavior of two experienced…