Presents a brief history of the development of computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Topics discussed include programmed instruction (PI); PLATO; CAI in elementary and secondary public schools; computer-managed instruction (CMI); administrative uses of computers; the development of minicomputers and microcomputers; educational software and its…

Discussion of the evaluation of educational software highlights two evaluation methods: (1) the York Educational Software Evaluation Scales (YESES), a criterion-based evaluation, and (2) a field-testing approach developed at York University. Guidelines for the field-testing approach include an emphasis on the observation of students. (22…

Discussion of the use of computers in schools focuses on a training and support project in using microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL) techniques for secondary science teachers in the state of Hawaii. Results are reported for MBL use, teachers' perceptions of the usefulness of MBL, and needs for program improvement. (20 references) (LRW)

Five articles describe improvements in instructional software designed to enhance problem solving skills. Issues addressed include problem solving software to implement curriculum goals; problem solving theory and writing theory; software for elementary and secondary school science instruction; software for mathematics instruction; and cognitive…

This discussion of the use of microcomputers by mentally handicapped learners focuses on software availability and selection. Criteria for evaluating software are given, including considerations of visual display, reading level, program design, drill and practice opportunities, positive reinforcement, format variety, graphics, instructional…

Discusses the findings of four studies that examined the use of microcomputers in special education classrooms. Surveys, interviews, and observations were used to discover software currently in use with handicapped learners, the instructional design limitations of software, and the potential impact of computer-assisted instruction on handicapped…

Discusses gender bias in educational software programs and describes two studies that explored the ability of preservice and inservice teachers to detect bias in software programs. Evaluation instruments used to measure gender bias are described, and the need for instruction in equity issues is discussed. (23 references) (LRW)

Discussion of positive and negative aspects of educational computing focuses on the use of the Logo programing language. Topics addressed include access to computers; software; teacher training, both preservice and inservice; implementation of computers; claims about the benefits of using computers; the role of schools in culture; and future…

Describes four models of the psychological process of reading, and relates them to computer technology. The physiological process of reading printed text from a display screen is discussed, including spacing, the configuration of letters, vision problems, and lighting and glare. The quality of computer printouts is also discussed. (41 references)…

Criticizes the statistical methods used in a previously published article that compared a commercially produced computer program with traditional teaching methods. Measures of instructional effectiveness are described, the assignment of student pairs is examined, and the use of blocking variables with analysis of variance is discussed. (LRW)

Reports on a program developed in Indiana public schools to hold software evaluation workshops that would compare teacher and student evaluations of the same software. The evaluation process is discussed; tutorials, drill and practice programs, simulations, and games are examined; and tests for correlation are described. (21 references) (LRW)

Discussion of the use of microcomputers by special education students highlights a study that compared the effects of a drill and practice program with an instructional computer game on the acquisition of multiplication skills among junior high and high school learning disabled students. (22 references) (LRW)

Discussion of microcomputer use in public elementary schools focuses on the field of special education. Two main ways of using computers are described: (1) traditional uses, including administration, computer-assisted instruction, and assessment; and (2) new applications, including programming, word processing, simulations, and prosthetic aids…