The interactive system for creating graphic displays that is described is presented as one solution to the problem created by the lack of complementary firmware or software to make the graphic capabilities of many current terminals easily accessible to the instructional programmer. The use of this system by the Digital Equipment Corporation's…

Describes implementation, support, and evaluation of computer assisted learning (CAL) projects at three universities: Project Athena at Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the Andrew network at Carnegie Mellon University; and a project at Stanford University. Topics discussed include work stations, microcomputers, computer networks, graphics,…

This paper focuses on graphics and how they can be created, in real time, from information stored in a database, and the application of this technique to computer-assisted instruction (CAI). It is noted that this is a special case of the general trend towards endowing instructional systems with a degree of decision-making or design expertise, as…

Four- and 5-year-olds' understanding of basic turtle graphics commands was examined before and after a hands-on, interactive problem-solving experience. Children (n=32) saw display screen events consisting of an initial turtle state, a command transformation, and the resulting turtle state. They were asked to give the command executed in each…

The bewildering number of available terminals which are offered to CAI users presents a rather formidable problem of which one to choose. This article surveys what appear to be evolving standards for terminals. The usefulness of these terminals for CAI purposes is discussed, together with the best known prototype exhibiting the particular feature.…

A new system of computer-assisted instruction (CAI), developed at Whitworth College, is proposed called PIRATS. It is said to have the following advantages: (1) it uses an author language; (2) it provides facility for branching and responses to unpredicted answers; (3) lesson text is prepared off-line; (4) pictures can be used to accompany the…

This report emphasizes the techniques required today for effective slide construction and contains suggestions about the nuts and bolts of slide preparation. Two instructors developed a presentation at Utah Valley State College to enhance their teaching of the sonnet and the Japanese haiku. Their premise: since poetry is a highly visual art form,…

Instructional designers who are asked to convert existing training materials into computer-based training (CBT) must take special precautions to avoid making the product into a sophisticated page turner. Although conversion may save considerable time on subject research and analysis, courses to be delivered through microcomputers may require…

This paper describes the way in which a child is introduced to LOGO, which is both a programming language and an environment or a way of thinking about computers and about learning. After a brief description of the devices used by LOGO, the process of acquainting a student with the system is explained. The strong anthropomorphization of components…

The Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications has supported a program to develop a Plasma Terminal System for purposes of improving the effective delivery of computer based educational materials. This system, employing recent advances in microprocessing and storage technologies, will provide new alternatives for present users of…

This paper describes a system which operates on an independent basis as well as connected to communications network, e.g., PLATO and ASCII based communication systems. The system also has facilities for local production and use of PILOT lessons, for support of a generalized programming language (NSBASIC), and for development of graphic sequences.…

The basic hardware configuration of a network of up to 17 TRS-80 microcomputer systems (1 central, 16 peripheral) is described as implemented in the psychology department at the University of British Columbia. Such a system can serve several instructional functions (e.g., data generation for lab experiments, simulation of theories or experiments,…

This paper describes the Computer Based Learning Lab (CBLL) at Old Dominion University (ODU) as a component of the ODU-Comprehensive Assistance to Undergraduate Science Education (CAUSE) Project. Emphasis is directed to the structure and management of the facility and to the software under development by the staff. Serving the ODU-CAUSE User Group…

This paper is a report of a pilot project in which a microcomputer was placed in a sixth grade classroom for eight weeks for the purpose of developing logical thinking skills. Students were first given instruction on how to program the APPLE II microcomputer to draw color graphics designs; they were then given similar problems to solve using the…

Describes an experiment which linked the Canadian Videotex development, TELIDON, with the Canadian CAL system based on the course author/programming language NATAL. A bibliography of 14 references is provided. (CHC)