Defines the role of the instructor-user in computer-assisted learning (CAL) and discusses the need to be able to alter and adapt existing CAL software for particular teaching needs. SPELEO, an authoring system developed in France that allows the modification of courseware content, is described. (eight references) (LRW)

Examines the impact and achievement of the Computers in Teaching Initiative (CTI), a national program developed to foster the effective use of computers in teaching in universities in the United Kingdom. Difficulties in identifying quality software resources are discussed, and management issues that computer use generates in universities are…

Discusses guidelines for the development of microcomputer-based courseware from the perspective of the teachers. Reserarch from Northern Ireland Schools is presented that highlights software design, courseware development, and teacher education; and seven factors that contribute to teachers' perceptions of good software are described. (21…

Describes Datamondo, an instructional package that introduces the use of a newspaper database in humanities teaching at the secondary level in Italy. The effectiveness of the package in developing basic linguistic skills and as a research tool is evaluated. (8 references) (Author/CLB)

Description of Atenea, the Spanish National Project for Computers in Education, focuses on the use of computer simulation and modeling in elementary and secondary education. Highlights include system dynamics, training courses for teachers, a microcomputer-based software package called System Dynamics Simulator for Education (SDSE), and a list of…

This paper describes an empirical study of fun, usability, and learning in educational software. Twenty five children aged 7 and 8 from an English primary school participated. The study involved three software products that were designed to prepare children for government initiated science tests. Pre and post tests were used to measure the…

Discusses functions of the Alberta (Canada) Computer Technology Project's courseware clearinghouse, reviews findings on instructional software quality, identifies software development trends, and discusses need for support systems to facilitate the incorporation of computer assisted instruction in Canadian schools. (MBR)

Reviews projects aimed at increasing access to software in a variety of languages and cultures, particularly the European Community project EPES (European Pool of Educational Software) that involves 12 nations and 15 languages. Translation methodology is described and possible barriers, including graphics and copyright issues, are considered.…

Discussion of the lack of quality educational software in European countries to support computer-assisted learning (CAL) focuses on a collaboration between England and West Germany to train German software authoring teams. The effectiveness of the collaboration is discussed, and implications for other international collaborations and for software…

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…

Discusses two factors to consider in relation to the use of color and the design of computerized instructional materials: the purpose of using color in instruction and how the microcomputer, with its limitations, affects color use. Principles for the use of color are suggested. (Author/MBR)

Discussion of the integration and implementation of computers into schools focuses on three case studies of secondary schools in The Netherlands, and how computers have influenced their curriculum. A national plan for computer use in schools in The Netherlands is described, and factors influencing implementation are examined. (28 references) (LRW)

Discusses the use of hypermedia in education and describes the Interactive Learning and Biology project that was developed at the University of Southampton (England) to teach undergraduate cell biology. Topics addressed include authoring tools for hypermedia; a study of undergraduates learning cell motility; student attitudes; and navigation…

Describes a project that investigated the potential effectiveness of multimedia education packages incorporating broadcast television, computer software, and other media. Suggested guidelines for the creation and evaluation of broadcast-linked software are presented. (3 references) (CLB)

Examines the growth of computer usage in Dutch primary and secondary schools from 1989-92 based on statistics from the international "Computers in Education" study. Highlights include availability of hardware; availability of courseware; use in various subject areas; teacher training; and the effect of information policy versus teachers'…