The relative worth of any evaluation instrument depends on user needs and the material being evaluated. Potential users of a good computer assisted instruction (CAI) instrument include purchasers, authors, reviewers, and publishers of CAI materials. Although each user has unique needs, a good instrument will serve both to educate and discriminate,…

To assist the Division of Vocational Education (DVE) of the Florida State Department of Education, the author conducted a cost analysis of state-level models for acquiring competency-based instructional materials in vocational education. Two DVE-developed models of materials acquisition were examined: a centralized, single-option model in which…

A study of alternative uses for Open University instructional materials, conducted by both a large-scale survey of current use of the materials and by examination of one alternative use plan, is reported. The materials were intended for use in a course on caring for older people. (MSE)

Advice on the selection of suitable instructional materials to support the chosen method(s) of instruction is offered in this booklet. The first of four sections takes a brief look at the different roles that instructional materials can play in the three main instructional modes--mass instruction, individualized learning, and group learning. The…

Three papers address the use of videotape recordings for instruction in English as a Second Language. The first paper, by Cynthia Leaney, describes a program in which language learners produce a videotape through an integrated skills approach, offering practical advice and insight for teachers considering this type of activity. The paper presents…

Compares the features, advantages, and disadvantages of two major software options available for designing web courses: (1) component, off-the shelf software that allows for creation of audio slide lectures, course materials, discussion forums, animations, synchronous chat groups, quiz creators, and electronic mail, and (2) integrated packages…

This article offers teachers a comprehensive set of questions to ask themselves in evaluating their instructional materials and offers proposals for the adaptation and design of materials. These suggestions are postulated on a definition of language as communication and language teaching as a communicative process. The following are discussed: (1)…

Three interdependent components--content, context, and methodology--are discussed as they relate to the teaching of African languages to non-native speakers. Content depends on type and availability of instructional materials, which may be quite limited. If textbooks are not available, the teacher must select from varied authentic materials and…

A discussion of authoring system technology is based on a review of 80 products. Alternative authoring approaches are described; assumptions underlying development of authoring systems and their use are examined; selection procedures and criteria sensitive to varied needs are suggested; and trends in software development, evaluation, marketing,…

This final report presents the results of a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the Title I Institutionalized Facilities Program in New York City for the 1980-81 school year. The areas of evaluation included: physical facilities, staff, instructional approaches in reading, mathematics and writing, materials selection and utilization,…

Program and professional development staff in adult education currently employ a variety of strategies to select professional development materials, but generally lack a systematic selection approach. Selections are often based on familiarity rather than quality or how well-suited the materials are to the learning goals of instructors and the…